"It's my antidepressant," she said. "I feel I can accomplish more when I work out in the morning ... or even when I run at night. It's my alone time, and I can think and feel at peace. That's been the best thing for me, the mental part of it."

All three of the women say they'll stick with it, although to varying degrees. While Herrscher and Oltmanns said they're content to compete in sprint triathlons, Peterson said she wouldn't mind working her way up to the challenge of an Ironman. The trio are already planning to train for an event in midsummer and something in the fall. They'll continue to involve other women through their blogs and, hopefully, in hands-on training sessions.

Their enthusiasm is something Pruetz said is not uncommon among those new to triathlons.

"They're addicted after the first race," said Pruetz. "About 98 percent stick with it. This sport is definitely a lifestyle, but it's also a noncontact, individual but very social sport. You make a lot of friends along the way."

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com