The family that plays together, wins together

Maryetta and Pat Casey, married 23 years, have always thought that physical fitness is important.

Maryetta is a runner and has qualified to run the Boston Marathon in April. Her husband, Pat, is a life long bicyclist. He can be found at the YMCA every morning spinning on a stationary bike or working out on the weight equipment.

The Caseys wanted to instill the importance of physical fitness to their eight children. They came up with a novel way to keep them in shape through the summer and off the couch.

“I have competed in the Santa Rosa Island Triathlon twice,” Maryetta said. “This year, it is being held on Oct. 1 in Pensacola. One of the categories of competition is a relay event. There are three members on a team. The first member swims 600 yards, the second participant rides 18 miles on a bike and the last member runs 3.5 miles. It was a perfect fit for our family.”

The Caseys decided to enter two teams. The boys’ team (the Casey Three Tri-Men) will be comprised of Gunnar, 17, Pat and Gatlin, 15.The girls’ team (the Casey Tri-Awesome Chicks) will consist of Karly, 13, Maryetta and Kylie, 20. “Gunnar will swim against Karly. He plays football and is a lifeguard at the  Y. He is already in great shape and does not need to practice much. Karly, four years younger, is on the swim team and has been practicing every day at 5:30 a.m. all summer. Although both are strong swimmers neither has much experience in open waters. Depending on the waves, the swim portion could be a challenge.”

For more on this story, see the August 18 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.