Calling all Federal Way adventure seekers: Learn the basics of climbing, running, triathlons

This summer, introduce some adventure into life.

The Adventure Series, offered through the Federal Way Community Center, begins in early June and goes through August. Youth and adults alike can learn how to rock climb, join a running club, compete in a 5k or 8k race, or participate in the Iron Kids Triathlon. Each of the program’s series starts with learning the basics. They conclude with an opportunity to put one’s newfound skills to use in an outdoor setting.

“It’s called an adventure series for people who are getting a little bit stale with everyday life,” said Kimberly Shelton, community center fitness coordinator. “We all need a little adventure in our lives.”

Adventure Series participants recently put their training to the test when they competed in the 8k (5 mile) portion of Sunday’s Capital City Marathon in Olympia. The Adventure Series runners ranged in skill level and age — from 14 to 62.

TAF Academy students and sisters Kirstin, 16, and Kendall Karmell, 14, competed. Pacing oneself amid the crowd of hundreds of runners was a challenge, Kendall said. The unfamiliar terrain presented another challenge. But both teens completed the race in the top of their age division. Kirstin finished in 48:07, and Kendall in 45:50.

“The fact that we’ve never ran this course before made it seem a lot longer,” Kirstin Karmell said.

Completing the Adventure Series will earn the teens school credit; it has also inspired them to keep running. Technology Access Foundation (TAF), a small and relatively new school, does not have a physical education program. Students instead participate in out-of-school physical activities and keep a log to receive credit.

The sisters invited their teacher Charity Allen, a former runner and mentor, to participate in the Olympia race. The women plan to continue running. The sisters are contemplating running in the 7-mile Sound to Narrows in June. They then plan to enroll in the upcoming Adventure Series to train for the SeaFair Torchlight Run.

Other spring quarter participants also plan to continue running. Elsie Dennis and her son-in-law participated in Sunday’s race. Dennis has finished 18 races in her lifetime, but they were all 3 miles or less. For Dennis, 54, the Capital City Marathon was more about completing the 5 miles than about finishing in the top of the pack. She reached her goal by running the entire race.

“For me, it was about endurance and duration,” Dennis said. “I wanted to run the distance; I didn’t want to walk it all.”

Enrolling in the 5k or 8k Run Adventure Series was a smart move, Dennis said. Working out with a supportive group encouraged her to push herself. The program also helped her improve her health.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself physically,” Dennis said. “Exercising with a group really encourages you to keep going.”

Meeting a physical goal provides a huge sense of accomplishment, Shelton, who finished the half-marathon Sunday, said.

“Giving somebody that for the first time is just an amazing gift,” she said.

The summer quarter 5k or 8k Run series starts June 7 and runs through July 26. It costs $60. Registration is now open.

More adventures

Other Adventure Series classes include Climbing School, Running Club and Iron Kids Triathlon.

Climbing School participants will learn knot tying, bouldering, belaying and transitioning to outdoor climb. The climbing program was offered in the fall, but got little response. Shelton hopes the warmer summer weather will attract more participants. The program begins July 17 and runs through Aug. 21. The cost is $249.

This is the first time the Iron Kids Triathlon program will be offered. It’s designed for ages 6 to 15. Parents must participate in the training sessions with their children. Kids will compete in the Iron Kids Triathlon, where they will run, bike and swim. The training program runs July 12 through Aug. 27. It costs $125.

Running Club participants will meet at the Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St., to run in a group setting. The program is free and begins June 5.