New Facility Proves it's Worth a 'Tri'

Like many women, Pascale Butcher struggles to find a balance between work and play. As the owner of Trifitness, a triathlon workout and coaching facility in Fairfield, she faces those challenges head-on.

"I don't clean my house very much,'' says Pascale, who is also one of the top age group triathletes in the nation. "I try to work out in the morning, but it's really whenever I can fit it in."

Butcher is especially busy after moving Trifitness in late summer to a larger facility on the Post Road with Computrainers, which allow athletes to use their bikes to simulate riding. Treadmills and a swim machine are also available. The club offers swimming at Weston Middle School. In addition, Butcher offers triathlon training classes and personal coaching. It's a place for all things triathlon. "This new facility is better designed for what we want to do,'' Pascale said.

The Computrainers are perfect for cyclists who don't want to brave busy Fairfield County roads. Cyclists can leave their bikes at Trifitness and hop on the Computrainers without going outside. All aspects of cycling are measured, including distance, pace, heart rate, calories and watts. It also benefits riders to work on their own bikes during workouts. "It helps when you do get outside,'' Pascale said. "It can help you with your bike technique. Plus, we have classes where you ride as a group so you can motivate each other."

More than 200 members have joined Trifitness. Memberships are available on a month-to-month basis or 12-week sessions. Training sessions are also held for beginners, women and teens, and a youth camp and strength classes are offered.

"If you come for a season, each one has a different goal,'' says Pascale, who will compete in the Ford Ironman Florida Saturday."Right now, we're just trying to build a base for next season."

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