LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
Peggy Moskaluk, Central Command Intelligence Support Center, was recently named Lackland AFB Female Athlete of the Year. During the 2006-2007 season, she participated in five triathlons and two 5-K runs.
"I enjoy the challenges of the many disciplines," said Moskaluk. "There is always something to work on when you are training for a triathlon. People have the misconception that it's impossible to get in shape for a triathlon. But there are some that start really small like a 400-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. I started small and worked my way up."
Moskaluk has not always had a passion for the multidiscipline sport. Her athletic career actually began with lifting at the Air Force Academy, where she was a power lifting champion.
"I believe my power lifting background gave me the strength and endurance to become a good swimmer," Moskaluk said.
After college, Moskaluk wanted to expand her fitness regimen and began running half-marathons and 10-K runs. However, the running began to take a toll on Moskaluk's body and her physician told her she needed to start cross-training.
"I discovered triathlon training, which is still a relatively new sport, and became very passionate about it."
The 36-year-old Air Force Reservist would like to compete in a half- iron man triathlon before she is 40 years old. Those distances consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. She also would like to compete in at least three triathlons a year and venture into adventure racing. Adventure racing is a team sport that combines several disciplines such as navigation, mountain climbing, paddling and mountain biking.
"It's never too late to start something new," Moskaluk said. "Sometimes you will find something new you are passionate about."
Moskaluk believes that training in San Antonio has some unique advantages because it allows a person to train all year long. She tries to train at the Skylark indoor pool during her lunch time on Tuesday and Thursday and run in the mornings Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She also makes time for a 40-mile bicycle ride in the Texas Hill Country on the weekends.
"It's hard to find the time to devote to my passion," Moskaluk said.
Moskaluk is also currently training two individuals to compete in a triathlon in North Texas in the early part of 2008.
"Exercising is just a part of my life," Moskaluk said. "I can't imagine life without working out. I'd go crazy without that."
She offers this advice to anyone thinking about trying the sport:
"First-time triathletes tend to freak out when they are in open water for the first time," Moskaluk said. "But the key is, if you can constantly swim for over 30 minutes you can probably make it through the swimming part of the triathlon."