New York Triathlon Company, SBR Multisports, Announces Overweight Triathlon Challenge is Underway

SBR Multisports, the New York triathlon company, has selected two candidates for its Overweight Triathlon Challenge. The two candidates will compete in the 2006 Florida Ironman.

(PRWEB) November 9, 2005 -- An Overweight Triathlon Challenge? It doesn’t seem too out of the ordinary these days.

In the recent months the weight loss craze has gained even more momentum through NBC's hit reality TV show, The Biggest Loser and its subsequent book, The Biggest Loser: The Weight Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health and Life. In response to the nation’s weight loss frenzy, SBR Multisports, a triathlon company in midtown Manhattan, decided to get in on the action. At the end of August, SBR announced that the company would be sponsoring one individual to complete a one year Overweight Triathlon Challenge-a challenge that would allow the right person to transform their life and body in preparation for competition in the 2006 Florida Ironman.

The Ironman is unlike any other athletic competition in the world. Started by a group of former navy officers in Hawaii in 1978, the Ironman has grown in popularity ever since. The race consists of a 2.4 open water swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. No small feat even for the healthiest, fittest triathlete.

The response to SBR’s Triathlon Challenge was astounding, far exceeding the expected number of applicants. With the huge community interest, SBR opted to select two triathletes for sponsorship, Michael Nelson and Margaret Bravo. In their applications both candidates expressed a dire need to change their lifestyles immediately; the Challenge providing them the opportunity for change. “This Challenge is a way for me to erase so many bad mistakes with one concerted effort, replied Michael, when asked why he had applied for the Challenge. SBR will provide Michael, 42 and Margaret, 38 with constant fitness coaching and guidance. Both will receive all of the equipment and athletic apparel they need to train and compete in the Florida Ironman next November.

Michael and Margaret met with SBR Multisports owner, Christophe Vandaele, November 1st to learn more about their athletic regimen, nutritional requirements and to map out strict training schedules for the upcoming year. He explains, “What we are trying to do is show that triathlon is for everyone. Health and fitness for a lifetime is the idea, and we want to channel that through triathlon. Through triathlon you can become a healthy, active, fit, vivacious person. I’m glad we found these athletes and am ready to show them how they can change their lives.”

Only one week into their training, Michael, a local business owner and Margaret, a registered nurse, have both dropped significant weight. On November 1st, Michael weighed in at 314 lbs and one week later he is down eleven pounds, to 300 lbs. Margaret’s beginning weight was 221 lbs and today she weighed in at 214 lbs. Both have been training everyday, swimming in SBR’s Endless Pool and working out at their own gyms. Both realize the enormous challenges that are before them, but are dedicated to the tough journey ahead. As Margaret stated perfectly, "You asked me to explain why I'd make a good candidate for Ironman. Simple. My 2 girls. I'd love to show them that you can face obstacles and overcome them. No more running and hiding for me."

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