Some call it a challenge, others a competition; still others, pure madness. A competition that pushes determination and tests will. One half-mile swim, 19.5-mile bike, and 3.8 mile run--all in succession.

The swim alone is discouraging enough, yet 12 Shadowhawks and family, for reasons only they can admit, accepted the challenge. The idea surfaced in the midst of the Shadowhawks’ work-up schedule.

“I saw the Web site and immediately sent an e-mail,” said the self-proclaimed First Annual Shadowhawk Triathlon Coordinator (FAST-C), Lt. Rob Eastman. “I thought it’d be fun.”

The e-mail began a string of e-mails as it gained popularity and Shadowhawks began to sign up eagerly. Lt. Alan Patterson remembered, “I wasn’t going to until I saw that the XO [Cmdr. Craig Clapperton] signed up. I saw the opportunity for bragging rights so I signed up that day!”

Training was difficult at NAS Fallon, Nevada without a pool, but even more so on the month-long boat detachment. Some made time for training and others had to find time amongst the demanding flying schedule.

“We had to make do,” said Lt. Travis Inouye. “I had to force myself to go to the gym [on the carrier].”

Lt.j.g. Vika Russell added, “It was difficult at first but once you got into a rhythm and had a goal in mind, it was easier. I think I was well prepared considering what we had to work with.”

The 9th annual Race the Rock Triathlon was held in Langley, on south Whidbey Island, August 6th. It began at Lone Lake, hidden in the quaint countryside of Langley, nothing more than a large pond, but nevertheless, quite warm.

It is usually filled with avid boaters and skiers, but on race day it was overrun by men and women, young and old, dressed in the traditional triathlon garb of black wetsuits or spandex shorts--and one particularly large man in a Speedo. The participants all wore their assigned yellow swim caps and goggles and walked about nervously like bees dodging a swatter.

“I was a little nervous, but I was pretty sure that at least I wouldn’t be dead last,” recalled Lt. Chris Rowan.

The 19.5 mile bicycle route was a 2-circuit loop that finished at the South Whidbey Community Park. Departing the lake, the triathletes found themselves on scenic roads with rolling hills flanked by large Douglas Firs as if guiding the riders as they skirted the edge of downtown Langley toward the Community Park. As beautiful as it was, the riders didn’t have much time to take in the beauty. Lt. Warren VanAllen squinted as he remembered, “It was like the hills were laughing at me. My legs were Jell-o, I just wanted to get off the bike.” Just as the second “finish” line came into view, the thought of the run was a painful blessing.

The transition between the bike and run was a Pyrric victory for many. “It felt good to get off the bike and put on my running shoes, but then it started all over again” said Denise Patterson. One half of the run consisted of dirt trails weaving through the Whidbey Island outback, the other on the shoulders of two roads, the last of which had a generous downhill. With the park in sight, the sprint to the finish began.

The runners were greeted at the finish line with colorful banners, cheers, applause, water, and one rather tempting green lawn on which to collapse.

“It was a great way to unwind before our deployment,” said Shadowhawk Executive Officer, Craig Clapperton. “It was a lot of fun.” Of the twelve Shadowhawks, two finished third in their age groups and received medals: Brittany Rowan (women 20-24) and Denise Patterson (women 25-29).

When asked if she felt bad for beating the guys, Brittany affirmed, “Nope, I didn’t feel bad at all!”

For those who made the trek, the pain was worth the reward. “The feeling of finishing something like that is really great,” said Shirley Burbridge. “Not only was it an individual competition, it was a means to get together and share in old-fashioned comradery.”

“All I have to say,” added Lt. Patterson, “is now I can brag.”