MAYVILLE — We all know how tough winters can be in Western New York. When the cold wind blows, the last thing anyone wants to think about is getting up and moving rather than curling up under a warm blanket and sipping a mug of hot chocolate. Being active in the winter months is one of the reasons the Kick Cabin Fever (KCF) Indoor Triathlon was started. This year’s twelfth annual event will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 9 a.m. at Chautauqua Health and Fitness at Turner Community Center at the Chautauqua Institution.

Cheryl Burns, a local triathlete, began the indoor triathlon one year after her brother Marty Miller died by suicide due to several years of depression. The intent of this event is to get people moving during one of the toughest winter months in Chautauqua County.

The exciting part of the KCF event is the number of first time Triathlon participants.

“We get all sorts of people from really competitive to novice, very young to over 70 years old, and those with challenges proving the human spirit can overcome a great deal,” said Burns. “We keep the cost a very reasonable $35 per individual, $70 per team which can be made of two or three people. With that cost includes a long sleeve T-shirt with other goodies and great prizes are awarded to overall winners.”

There are approximately 25 volunteers, including friends and family, that make sure the day is fun and runs smoothly for competitors.

“Anyone can do this event,” said Burns. “When someone hears Triathlon they immediately think impossible because they cannot swim well or feel they are not in good enough shape to bike or run. We are very lenient at this event for those people and we encourage them to simply float from one end to the other when swimming, spin on a stationary bike the best they can, and walk the treadmill while listening to upbeat music or those cheering in support. The three events; swim, bike, and run only last a total of 45 minutes, but will typically hook anyone to a future in multisport.”

All proceeds for the Kick Cabin Fever Indoor Triathlon stay in Chautauqua County for suicide prevention efforts. Last year, proceeds were donated to The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The Alliance was formed when local professionals from the mental health and other health care fields saw a great need in the community for supports and education around suicide prevention. These community members and others answered the call for action and started The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Over the past several years, The Alliance and its partner agencies have worked together to train local community members from all walks of life in suicide prevention and awareness. To learn more about the events they host and for more information, visit their Facebook page by searching for “The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention.”

As we would say in the triathlon world….“keep swimming” or “keep Tri-ing.” There is always a healthy way out of a bad situation. Keep moving! If you would like to support a great cause with wonderful volunteers, many great people to share the day, and the best reason to get out and have some fun in February. Find out more at www.racersignup.com/kick-cabin-fever-2020 or find the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention on Facebook.