Schools from all over the Midwest came to Ames to compete in the InCydeman triathlon competition, which was hosted by the Iowa State Triathlon Club.

Universities such as Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas State, Wisconsin-Madison and Drake all came to Ames for a shot to compete at this level.

Although triathlon events are not as well-known as some of the mainstream sports like football or basketball, the athletes that compete in them have been known to push their bodies to the limits.

Triathlon is a multi-stage competition with three different high-endurance events: Running, swimming, and cycling, all in a continuous and sequential order.

It may seem threatening to the average joe, but members of the club do not view it that way.

Kristina Swenson, vice president of the Iowa State Triathlon club, said it comes down to calming the nerves to excel in a high-endurance test like a triathlon. 

“[I] stay calm, not nervous,” Swenson said. “Confident in the training I’ve done, and just go out there and give it all I got.”

Swenson, a junior, has been competing since the age of 8.

Training for the nationals in April, and when Swenson embarks to train, she doesn’t ever go without remembering that she is “not a super naturally gifted athlete. [I] have to work for it, [which] makes it all rewarding.”

Stephen Dennison, the club’s president, competed and had his own take on the event. 

“I always go back and think about my race, and what went well, what I can be proud of the race, reflecting on the race.” Dennison said. 

Dennison has been competing since 15 and has not given up his rhythm. Finding time outside of class to train two hours a day and six or even seven days a week year-round, can be difficult. 

But he finds way to motivate himself.

“I don’t mind or think who is beating me, or who I’m betting, just want to be the best athlete I can be,” Dennison said. 

Passion that is what truly sets these college athletes apart that don’t always have the easiest of schedules.

Bennett Luedtke, a junior in kinesiology, was also a factory worker during the summer. His only time to train is during the school year.

The self-described natural runner scrapes an hour and a half to train during the semester.

Luedtke, fierce competitor, yet humble as many of these athletes, was asked about his time being under 12 minutes for his two-mile run.

“Just cause I’m getting beat by a bunch of people, I try not to discourage me,” he said.

Luedtke truly shine during the competition, finishing first in his wave of runners. 

“I love the people, and really pushing myself. It’s good for my self-esteem, and I enjoy the challenge,” Luedtke said.

This competition seems to get everyone differently, though.

Dan Zabler, senior in supply chain management, said he loves competing. 

“I love the competition between these teams,” Zabler said. “[Just] cheer for each other, make your team feel bigger than it is.”

What Iowa State competition would it be if it didn’t include engineers. Wesley Gram, sophomore in mechanical engineering, said it’s a good way to take a load off with hard school work. 

“[I] Really like staying active,” Gram said. “[It’s] a good way to relieve stress, and it’s always a nice thing [to do].”

He jokingly added: “I really don’t want to do homework, but it is a nice challenge.”

Iowa State Triathlon invites everyone that wishes to participate or learn how to compete in one of these rigorous events to reach out. 

“If you’re a ISU student, and you’re interested in becoming your best self, and meeting friends, really recommend being here, you won’t regret it, “ Luedkte said.