DeKALB | After completing races in swimming and biking, NIU Tri Dogs President John Atchison took off his shoes because of his blisters, and ran barefoot during a half marathon.

“After I finished I couldn’t walk,” the senior physical education major said. “But it was the most rewarding thing I ever completed.”

Atchison completed a half Ironman triathlon last May after training with the NIU triathlon team, NIU Tri Dogs. He said he started and organized the team last November.

The team trains for Olympic distance, but also trains for different distances, such as sprint.

The sprint consists of a 500 meter swim, 15 mile bike ride and a 5K run (3.1 miles), Atchison said. He added an Olympic event consists of 1,500 meter swim, a 40K bike ride (24.85 miles) and a 10K run (6.2 miles).

The team has 20 active members that meet for practices, which are open to all.

Practices take place on Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at Gabel Hall swimming pool. Wednesdays, the team runs with the NIU Striders from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. In addition, the club also meets outside Recreation Services on Friday for team bike rides at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Atchison feels practice is important for team support and motivation, staying in shape and being healthy and is generally enjoyable.

“We train all year long,” he said. “Practice allows for you to explore the countryside since it is a very healthy thing for a lot of people, but getting outside is healthy for our bodies and our minds.”

Tri Dogs member Vadim Olshansky, senior anthropology and GIS major, is a cyclist who is interested in improving his swimming and running skills with help from the team. Olshansky said he is training for his first triathlon next year, and he is constantly trying to improve for his next event.

“The need for partners and those who could expose me to proper form and technique arose from training with the Triathlon club,” he said. “Practice involves usually the same people who are looking to get better at everything they do, just like me.”

Atchison said the team is planning a triathlon for the public in late spring; it will be half of a regular sprint. The event will raise money for the Feb. 14 Student Scholarship Fund.