Two weeks ago, NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams was one half of the in-space Macgyver team that used a $3 toothbrush to repair a key power system aboard the International Space Station after an 8-hour long space walk the previous day. Apparently that wasn’t enough action for one space-flight. Over the weekend, Williams completed the first-ever triathlon in space, running, biking and “swimming” in virtual harmony with athletes in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in Southern California.
Remaining in peak physical condition is difficult for astronauts living aboard the space station, since the absence of gravity means very little muscle resistance. Astronauts must use special cardio and strength training equipment in order to give their muscles a workout in a weightless world. Since Williams is the commander of the Expedition 33 crew aboard the space station, which is orbiting about 240 miles above the Earth, she had to set a good example.
After “swimming” half a mile (0.8 km), biking 18 miles (29 km), and running 4 miles (6.4 km), Williams finished with a time of one hour, 48 minutes and 33 seconds.
The space station already had its own treadmill and stationary bike, which use a uncomfortable-looking tangle of harnesses and straps to keep astronauts from floating away while they exercise. To simulate the swimming portion of the race, Williams used what’s called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) to do weightlifting and resistance exercises that approximate swimming in microgravity.
Speaking to NASA TV from space, Williams said: “I’m happy to be done. It wasn’t easy, and I’m sure everybody in California’s very happy to be done too.”
Sunita, we salute you! Now we’ll never be able to complain about going to the regular, old Earth gym again.
Photo credit: NASA