A group of communications professors at Brigham Young University traded their breaks for gym time this fall as they participated in the annual Lazy Triathlon, a monthlong fitness challenge hosted by BYU Student Wellness.
Unlike a traditional triathlon, the Lazy Triathlon spreads the race over an entire month, allowing participants to swim, bike and run the full distance one lap, one mile and one ride at a time.
The program was designed to make fitness more accessible by promoting consistency and building community rather than focusing on speed or competition.
"It can be really overwhelming to think about doing a big triathlon all in one day," Director of Student Wellness, Nathan Ormsby, said. "And so being able to say, 'I can chip head out bit by bit, and I can do it with friends, and we can work together to do it,' is a fun way to challenge themselves."
The event began more than a decade ago and grew into a lighthearted wellness tradition within the School of Communications.
Faculty members said the triathlon was less about crossing a finish line and more about improving mental health, boosting energy and building strong relationships with colleagues.
"When I first started at BYU, a professor gave me really good advice," Professor Clark Callahan said. "Take a break in the middle of the day, get some exercise, get your blood going, and then you can re-engage a lot better than if you just sit at your desk while waiting."
Many professors made fitness part of their daily routine, often meeting around lunchtime to swim or run between teaching classes.
They said the Lazy Triathlon helps them stay consistent and adds a little motivation through friendly rivalry.
"There’s a little friendly joking that goes on," said Professor Ed Carter. "On the text thread, if somebody’s been out biking, they might post, ‘Hey, I got 20 miles done today, I’m way ahead of you guys!’"
Each year, participating professors took a group photo wearing their triathlon T-shirts, a lighthearted tradition that both celebrated their efforts and encouraged others to join.
What began as a wellness challenge evolved into a symbol of camaraderie and accountability.
"If I’ve exercised and my brain’s cleared out, I’m feeling good—I can get back to work in the afternoon and do a better job," Carter said.
Faculty said the real purpose of the Lazy Triathlon was not to win but to build sustainable habits that helped them remain sharp in the classroom and maintain balance in their lives.
These professors proved that when fitness was approached one step at a time and with friends by their side, they could go the distance.