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Triathlete teaches math at GHC Cartersville campus

By Jeff Capen
[email protected]
Staff Writer

Andrea Burnes, a part-time math instructor at the Cartersville campus, spends a good deal of her free time training to compete in various triathlons around the country.

Students might know Burnes through the two Math 0099 classes she teaches. Not all students, however, know that she has competed in several triathlon events from Atlanta to Anchorage, Alaska.

Burnes ran in her first triathlon, in May of 2005. This particular triathlon, held in Anchorage, Alaska, is the largest women-only triathlon. Her husband sparked her interest in the triathlon, a sport rising in popularity and an alternative to normal daily workouts.

Burnes won her second triathlon at Elmendorf AFB, also located in Alaska, in July 2005. Burnes claims it was a "spur of the moment deal that paid off, and it was then that I was bitten by the bug." Since then, Burnes has won a couple other triathlons.

In Orlando in May 2007, Burnes finished a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run event in 5 hours and 52 minutes.

For those not knowledgeable about the triathlon, there are several different types to test athletes' strength, agility and determination. Swims in a triathlon can range from 400 meters to over two miles. A cycling event can range from 12 miles all the way to 112 miles.

"Mostly it's about having fun, staying healthy and making the most of the time you have.
Once you try it you will be hooked."
                                                                                     - Andrea Burnes

The running portion of a typical triathlon can be anywhere from a 5k to a marathon. By themselves, Burnes calls these tasks "tough," but when done consecutively without interruption, she explains that they are "daunting."

Triathletes can be as young as 18 years of age, and as old as seventy. "I personally train with quite a few senior citizens who can run circles around me, " Burnes confessed. "Some of these senior citizens have competed in many Ironman events, including Hawaii, and who also participated in the World Championships for the United States. "

Not all triathletes need travel to faraway places such as Anchorage or Maui to show off their athletic prowess. Georgia is home to several races. One of the most popular is the "Tri the Parks Race Series," which is generally a series of six races in the state parks around Georgia.

Most races take place within three hours of the Atlanta area. Burnes, while having success in Alaska, tries to stay close to home in order to care for her two children.

As an experienced triathlete, Andrea Burnes has some helpful advice for readers interested in competing in the triathlon. She advises potential triathletes to find other to train with. According to Burnes, expensive equipment is not necessary.

"Mostly it's about having fun, staying healthy and making the most of the time you have. Once you try it you will be hooked."