Former couch potato now triathlete

By Yasmin Anwar
Advertiser Staff Writer

Barbara Mateo-Kihano, 58, of Kane'ohe, used to be a couch potato. Now, she's a busy triathlete assembling a relay team of "Powerful Outstanding Women."

The team will have just a few weeks to train for the Tri-Umph! Classic, a national seven-race triathlon that comes to Schofield Barracks on Dec. 2.

For Mateo-Kihano, the event created by AARP and USA Triathlon is a rare opportunity to see how she ranks among athletes aged 50 and over. Everyone who completes the race gets to post a nationally sanctioned mini-triathlon time.

"It's for people my age," said Mateo-Kihano, who swims, plays tennis and competed in Tinman triathlons this year and last.

Hawai'i, with its higher-than-average senior citizen population, is one of seven states selected to be hosts to the unprecedented event.

"We're sending out the message that fitness is doable at any age," said Joe DeMattos, associate state director of the Hawai'i AARP, which counts140,000 members.

He says Hawai'i was chosen for the Tri-Umph! grand finale because of the high rate of athleticism in the state, and Hawai'i's high population of baby boomers and senior citizens.

The series starts Sept. 9 in Naperville, Ill., and continues in Long Island, N.Y.; Dallas; Pinehurst, N.C.; Los Angeles; and St. Petersburg, Fla.

Hundreds of athletes aged 50 and over are expected to enter the race in Hawai'i, which includes a 400-meter swim, 20K bicycle race and 5K run. Already, about 60 people from out of state have signed up to compete in the Aloha State, which may have something to do with winter weather on the Mainland.

The contest is open to people of all fitness levels, and provides them with training programs. Participants can can compete in all three legs of the triathlon alone or join a three-person relay team.

That's the tack of Mateo-Kihano, who is appealing to women from St. Francis High School's Class of '61 to join Powerful Outstanding Women, compete in the Tri-Umph! Classic and, maybe, win.

"Look at me," said Mateo-Kihano. "It's all so possible."

For more information, call (808) 545-6008 or 1-866-812-AARP.