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To say that a triathlon can be an intimidating physical challenge is an understatement.

Even the short "sprint"-length triathlon still involves more than 20 miles of competition -- a half-mile swim, a 17.2-mile cycling portion and a 3.1-mile run.

That's nearly as long as a marathon.

Which is why the Boulder's Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with 5430 Sports to present an Off-Season Triathlon Training Seminar at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the East Boulder Community Center.

Attendees will have the chance to learn from five highly qualified triathlon coaches, including six-time Ironman champion Dave Scott.

"It's an unbelievable lineup of talent," 5430 Sports founder Barry Siff said of the speakers scheduled for the event. "(Scott's) in the Ironman Hall of Fame, he's a coach, he's written books. People all over the world will travel and read about him -- and here we have him speaking.

"(And) along with Dave, we've got four very solid, respected triathlon coaches."

Boulder Parks and Recreation spokesman Paul Bousquet agreed.

"It's kind of a buffet with your five favorite restaurants bringing their best dishes to the table," Bousquet said. "It's hard to go wrong."

Along with Scott, speakers include head coaches Mike Ricci from D3 Multisport, Jared Berg from TriEndurance, Craig Howie of Howie Endurance Project and Scott Fliegelman of Fast Forward Sports.

Despite first impressions, the event is not completely geared toward seasoned triathlon veterans -- though they will benefit, it's just as much for newcomers who might find the concept of training for and completing a triathlon too daunting.

"I think it's an excellent opportunity for people who are wondering, 'Can I do it? What does it take to do a triathlon?'" Siff said. "This clinic will also be valuable for those people."

Bousquet said the seminar came together after working with Siff in planning and organizing 5430's Boulder Triathlon Series for a number of years, and trying to find new ways to bring the sport to the local community.

"Last year we started talking about what are some things we can do to collaborate that would allow some of the local community who wants to try triathlon or improve triathlon, how we could facilitate folks from Boulder doing that?" Bousquet said.

Each of the five different coaches will take time during the seminar to stress different aspects of winter triathlon training. Besides an introduction, there will be sections focusing on planning and scheduling training, identifying strengths and weaknesses, strength and core training, and cross-training.

Siff said that the event was planned for January because it's early enough to get into shape for the triathlon season, which generally sees events begin in June -- including the 5430 Sprint Triathlon.

"If you're thinking about it on Jan. 20, and you're thinking about June, you can probably do it," Siff said. "It's a reasonable distance for people who set a goal and train."