For the 'run' of it: Seagrove triathlete encourages people to get active

While Jeff Ellis may not know how many miles he's logged running, he knows there is nowhere he would rather be than hitting the pavement.

The 46-year-old Seagrove resident, who has been running for "three decades," started competing in triathlons in the mid-80s.

"This is a lifelong sport," Ellis said. "Just like people hunt, or go fishing, this is what I do. It's what I love."

Ellis describes himself as "a solid A-/B+ triathlete." He may not always place or finish where he wanted to, but he is always up for socializing afterward.

"I go to triathlons like most people go to bars for socialization," he said. "To me triathlons are all about a healthy and active lifestyle and good friends."

Ellis considers himself as "more of a long (70.3) and ultra (140.6) distance triathlete who does marathons, centuries, and bay and open water swims when not competing in triathlons." He competed in his first triathlon in the mid-80s in Morgan City; La. Ellis added "that they had nets in the lake to keep alligators out of the shallow water."

When Ellis first started competing in these events, triathlons were not as popular as they are today. "It was a very small fraternity of men and women competing at most of the events," Ellis said. "Very few long and ultra distance events were held in the United States."

Thinking back to when he first started, Ellis said many things have changed over time.

"I remember that you used to just run down the street wearing a Speedo instead of all this elaborate gear you have now," Ellis said. "I remember when I bought my first bike, it was like $500. The last bike I bought was like $6,000."

As the times change and years go by, the popularity of triathlons and Ironman events continue to grow. According to USA Triathlon Magazine, in 1999 there were about 19,600 people competing in triathlons and today there are about 132,000.

While he may be the "old guy" at most of the triathlons he participates in, Ellis doesn't mind.

“All of the 20-year-olds that I run with give me grief," he said. "It just makes me feel that much better when I pass them."

Ellis has competed in triathlons and Ironman events all over the country. "I don’t really worry about competing in the big events," he said. "To me it’s more about the scenery involved with the events. The more obscure events leave a lasting impression on you."

Ellis competes in about three dozen events a year. In June 2010, Ellis is on the roster for the Ironman France which is held in the coastal town of Nice, where the 112-mile bike ride will take place in the French Alps, with about 5,000 feet of hills to climb.

"We all need to take an interest in our health,” Ellis said.  “I believe you should sweat everyday. Exercise is about fun and meeting people."