Triathlons

We believe that engaging in physical activity is an important part of a person’s overall health. There is a tremendous amount of research linking daily cardiovascular endurance training to lower levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances. We want our students to develop healthy skills and habits that will carry over to life at home.

Recognizing the powerful relationship between physical health and emotional stability, the founders of Telos chose to incorporate triathlon training into the therapeutic milieu. This particular sport was selected because of its versatility; nearly anyone in any setting can swim, bike, or run. In addition, it has a relatively non-competitive nature. In a triathlon, the athlete competes only with himself.

It is NOT necessary that a student be an athlete to experience the benefits of the triathlon training. This intervention has worked successfully with students of all shapes and sizes, as the daily training that a student engages in is specifically tailored for him. When a student first arrives at Telos he meets with Shaun Christian, one of the triathlon coaches, to assess his current physical condition. The coaches will then work to assist the student in challenging his preconceived notions regarding what he thinks possible for himself. This individualized process is carefully constructed to result in a powerful sense of personal accomplishment. While we believe that other “fun” recreational activities are significant (our students also snowboard, hike, camp, mountain bike, etc.), the triathlon training produces results that change the core beliefs surrounding self-esteem and self-efficacy.

The vast majority of wilderness programs use hiking as an intervention. The programs don’t use hiking because their students were hikers before participating in the program, but instead because hiking is an effective intervention. Many of our students come from a wilderness program; the triathlon training is a natural extension of the hiking and other “hard skills” taught in that setting. We assist our students in continuing the physical and emotional growth initiated in the wilderness.

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