Women gain strength, support in triathlon

Although Jeannine Kechely, 43, had no intention of completing the paddle board triathlon last weekend, her friend convinced her to give it a try, and she's happy she did.

"It was the experience of a lifetime," Kechely said.

She joined about 25 women from Carson City, Minden and Reno to participate in the Kaia Paddle Board Triathlon at Lake Tahoe. The triathlon started with a half-mile paddle board, then a 10-mile bike ride and concluded with a four-mile run and hike up Round Hill.

"There was something for everyone, in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere," said Michelle Almaraz, 43.

Nikki Warren, owner of Kaia F.I.T. along with Sharon Kassity and Kristen Loos, said the triathlon was in keeping with the philosophy of the program.

"The meaning behind Kaia's exercises is muscle confusion and keeping things fresh," Warren said. "We really wanted to do something different. We wanted to make it special."

Leading up to Friday's camp was a two-day training where participants learned to paddle board along with tips for cycling and running.

They also trained by practicing yoga on their boards and running underwater holding rocks.

It was the first triathlon for many of the women, an emotional accomplishment at times.

"I think we all cried several tears," said Kassity. "It was great to see women supporting women. It was just an amazing experience."

For Ann Scott, 40, it was good training for the Iron Girl Triathlon coming up next month at Lake Tahoe.

"I had a fear of sand between my toes, and I'm over that now," she said. "It really prepared me. I feel much stronger now."

Warren said they plan to make it an annual event.

"We had amazing women who did so well," she said. "We'll definitely do it again."

Kechely said she learned she was stronger than she thought and hopes other women will understand the same.

"Women way underestimate their abilities," she said. "You just need to

get in there, and you need to try."

To find out more about Kaia F.I.T., go to kaiafit.com