March 18, 2026
While many of us eased into a quiet Sunday morning, a determined group of competitors at Harper College enjoyed a different kind of start, testing their endurance, grit, and a little bit of luck at Palatine Park District’s 6th Annual Tri Your Luck.
With shamrocks scattered throughout the venue and energy buzzing in the air, the festive indoor triathlon brought together a full house of friendly competitors. The format is simple but demanding: 10 minutes of swimming, 20 minutes on a stationary spin bike, and 15 minutes running the indoor track. According to Alison Shariatzadeh, Fitness Coordinator, participants range in age from their 20’s to their 70’s, creating a diverse and welcoming environment. And for many, it’s not just a race; it’s a personal challenge.
For six-year participant Carl Droege, the event has become a tradition. What began as curiosity watching friends train for an Ironman, turned into a passion of his own. “It looked like fun,” he said. “I had no desire to do an Ironman, but I decided to train for sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons instead.
Like many athletes, Droege has his strengths.
“I’ve always enjoyed swimming and cycling,” he admitted. “Running? Not so much.”
Even in the calm waters of Harper ‘s indoor pool, he notes that most triathlons feature open water swims, something that can be intimidating for beginners. His advice? Get comfortable before race day. “Joining an open water swim class with a coach made a huge difference for me,” he explained.
As for race day rituals, he keeps it simple: “I like to warm up in the water beforehand. It helps your body adjust so the cold doesn’t shock you, and your muscles are ready to go.”
Fellow six-year veteran Mary Pat Nalley credits her start to cycling instructor, Jody Neiman, whose encouragement pushed her to try something new. “I was a quiet participant in her weekly cycling class,” Nalley said. “But her energy made the idea of doing a triathlon feel possible.”
Once she committed, Nalley embraced the challenge fully. Alongside cycling classes, she tackled her biggest hurdle, swimming.
“I could barely swim 50 meters without stopping,” she admitted. “So, I signed up for an adult swim class. That really helped build my confidence.”
Now, she finds the cycling portion the most challenging, especially on a stationary bike, which feels different from riding outdoors. Her advice for newcomers is practical and encouraging: “Try combining two workouts, like biking and then running right after. It doesn’t need to be fast, it just helps your body learn the transition and helps race day feel manageable.”
Nalley has a positive mindset going into each race “My strategy is to think of this as a good workout and just do the best I can,” she said. “And my lucky routine? A PB&J on race mornings!”
Nalley sets personal goals, but her goals evolve with life. “Last year I was in physician assistant school putting in 60+ hours per week on surgical rotations. My goal was simply to keep going, even if I had to slow down. Slow is better that stopping.”
This year, she’s aiming for a steady, strong ride on the bike…heavy as her instructor would say.
And after crossing the finish line? “Brunch with the people who support me. Thanks mom and dad!”
For Nalley, the heart of Tri Your Luck isn’t just the competition, it’s the people. “It takes so many individuals to make this event happen, from the organizers to lifeguards to volunteers. That’s what makes it so welcoming and fun.”
So next year when the shamrocks appear and St. Partrick’s spirit fills the air, consider trading your slow Sunday for something a little more active. You might just find yourself among a spirited, supportive group of competitors, each one trying their luck and cheering each other on along the way.
