IU triathletes use Internet, Facebook to network

Junior Kielty Wintersteen describes her love for triathlons as “addictive.”

She began training this past summer and couldn’t get enough. After going for a run one day, she wanted to add the whole package.

“After trying out running, biking and swimming, I thought, this would be kind of sweet,” Wintersteen said. “I went to Barnes and Noble, bought a book called ‘My First Triathlon’ and that was it. I was on my way.”

Wintersteen is an administrator of an IU-oriented Facebook page where students can connect over triathlons and other long-distance sporting events. Triathlete Kari  Lankford created the page two years ago and passed it on to Wintersteen.

According to the page’s information section, “this is a group for anyone interested in finding out more about multisport (ie. triathlons/ dualthons/ aquathlons/ etc.) and for anyone seeking training advice, resources, or workout partners. Especially for those interested in getting a group/network together at IU to train for and discuss triathlons.”

On the page, people post information about races and training and offer advice and tips. There’s also information about other campus sport outlets.

Although an official triathlon club does not exist at IU, Wintersteen said she’d like to make it happen someday.

For now, Wintersteen spreads her love for racing by word of mouth.

“While I may check Facebook 30 times a day, not everyone does,” she said. “I tell a lot of my friends about races and training, and they help me spread the word. I really hope for it to get bigger someday.”

As a music education student, Wintersteen said racing has helped her manage her hectic life and heavy course load.

“I was pretty much ADD before I started racing,” she said. “Training gave me a great outlet to de-stress. I really need a sport to get my stress and energy out. This was really one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

She has run five races but is not stopping there.

“So far I’ve only ran the shortest distance triathlon, but I’d like to run a half Iron Man in the next two years or so,” she said.

Even with her successes, Wintersteen has suffered from a rolled ankle and a damaged IT band, or “Runner’s Knee,” from pushing herself too hard, too fast, she said. With some rest and patience, she said she should soon be back on her game to train for the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on Nov. 6. 

Aside from the physical challenges and success, the sport has helped her form lasting relationships. Graduate student Mike Feldman worked with her as a training partner, and they have been friends since.

“I needed a training partner, so I put an ad on Onestart Classified,” Feldman said. “Kielty found me, and we worked really well together.”

Wintersteen has a strong future in competition, Feldman said.

“Kielty is extremely eager to improve and gain experience,” he said. “She’s taking baby steps to establish herself as a solid triathlete and probably has already begun training for next season.”