Triathlons Not Necessarily `Gruelathons'

In the age of cross-training and fitness, triathlon events are growing in number faster than a world-class triathlete can slip a wet foot into a dry biking shoe and speed into the second leg of a race.

Jeffrey Justice of Triathlete magazine, based in Santa Monica, Calif., said the sport is expanding because of newcomers such as Nancy and Wendy Nelson of Kent.

Triathlons help people control weight and get fit.

The sport is not just for macho-minded endurance athletes, who are seen "teetering and tottering" in the Hawaiian heat, trying to complete a 5-mile swim, 100-mile bike ride and 26-mile run.

"Triathlon is not the gruelathon that the general public perceives," he said. "It doesn't take 14 hours to do. Anyone who is in shape can do it and have fun."

Events such as the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series, which has attracted the Nelsons to San Diego, make the sport inviting to people who want to start with a short race.

About 90 percent of the entrants are first-timers, organizers say. The 1992 series may expand to six cities, up from four. For details, call (800) 452-9526.

In the Northwest, at least one triathlon is scheduled each weekend from June through September. Northwest Runner magazine lists them. Call 526-9000.