Tri- and duathlete Nicholas Sterghos (West Point, '09) has begun his Army training -- all while continuing to travel the U.S., training for and competing in races. In a few weeks, Nicholas will defend his championship title at the 2009 ITU Duathlon World Championships in Concord, North Carolina.

For the past seven weeks, I have been at Officer Basic course (BOLC II) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Fortunately, I have been able to continue my triathlon training, despite my Army commitments and BOLC requirements.

It has been an interesting experience — one that makes me appreciate my four years at West Point.  The military structure and physical opportunities offered there were worth every minute.  Time management-wise, it would be impossible to squeeze in every desired workout while at BOLC II.  But I was able to focus on bike and run — enough for my upcoming race.

I utilized weekends to get good, uninterrupted training in.  I also found time to relax, traveling to new and different destinations.  On one such trip (to Tulsa, Oklahoma), I bought the ukulele I’m now learning to play.  (It has been difficult to learn on my own — but is an enjoyable stress reliever.  I have even written my first song with hopes of one day performing it at location near you.)  In addition, climbing, camping, and soccer have become new delights.

I recently competed in the Sept. 12th Body vs. Earth Sprint Triathlon in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  It consisted of a 500-meter swim, 18-mile bike ride, and 4-mile trail run.  An off-road / on-road hybrid, the race provided me a great opportunity to clean out the cobwebs.  Congratulations to 20-24 age group winner Matthew Hickey and to first-time triathlon finisher Zack Willey (a great birthday gift to himself) — two really good friends of mine who had to put up with me for BOLC and make sure I didn’t get into too much trouble.

My next competition is my age-group race at the Sept. 26th ITU Duathlon World Championships in Concord, North Carolina.  I am excited to represent Team USA and my national championship title.

From here on, my race schedule picks up speed.  In addition to the Duathlon World Championships, I am set to race in the Toyota U.S. Open Dallas Triathlon, the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 in Austin, Texas, and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida.

Hopefully my next duty station at Fort Bliss, Texas for BOLC III will provide a great training environment for me to prepare for these races.  If it’s not the greatest, I’m sure my West Point training will help me manage.  As for the Army, Bliss will be the site of my branch specific training, which is Air Defense.

Good luck to all those who have upcoming races.  Thanks to all mysponsors who help me do what I do.

And a special thanks to Paul Lantinga and Sable WaterOptics for the best swim goggles on the market.  I have used their product since starting triathlons and have never had a problem — not with morning sunrises nor murky waters.

I recently got my first pair of prescription goggles from Sable and they are awesome — I no longer have to worry about my contacts falling out, causing me to run into pool walls or veer off course in open water.

To those athletes looking, I recommend Sable goggles — no other brand comes close.