From Doubts to Determination: Brian Roberts Returns to Tri-Festa
Published on May 18, 2026
One finish line changed everything for Brian Roberts.
Last year, Roberts signed up for the John A. Logan College Tri-Festa at Logan Fitness almost on a dare after friends laughed at the idea of him completing a triathlon. At the time, he described himself as living a sedentary lifestyle at nearly 300 pounds. Roberts said he arrived at the event unprepared, borrowing a helmet and carrying a gym bag because he did not realize triathletes typically transition without changing clothes. Despite the odds, he finished.
This year, Roberts is returning to Tri-Festa on Saturday, May 23, with a different mindset and a new personal goal: finishing the race in under two hours after completing last year’s event in just over three hours.
For Roberts, the biggest moment from last year’s race happened after most participants had already crossed the finish line.
After completing the running portion of the race, Roberts later learned that much of the event had already been taken down by the time he reached the end. But instead of letting him finish alone, Logan Fitness staff member Mady Calvin started running beside him. Soon, other participants joined in.
When Roberts made his way toward the finish, the arch had been put back up. People were waiting. Cheering him on. Crossing that finish line, Roberts said, became more than just completing a race. It was a moment of triumph over doubt and fear.
“I honestly think it was probably the best thing I ever did,” Roberts said. “Once I knew I could do that, it made me feel like I could do other stuff.”
That one race sparked a complete lifestyle change.
Now, nearly a year later, Roberts has lost more than 100 pounds and says he feels better than he ever has in his adult life.
“I feel the best I’ve ever felt my whole adult life,” he said. “It’s affected my confidence, my mood, everything.”
Roberts now swims regularly at Logan Fitness, lifts weights several evenings a week and has inspired several others to sign up for their first triathlon this year.
He credits Logan Fitness for helping support his journey, from access to the pool and equipment to encouragement from staff along the way. Living nearby, he said the facility became part of his routine and a place where he felt comfortable learning and improving.
“Oh yeah, you guys (Logan Fitness staff) are absolutely fabulous,” Roberts said. “What a great resource for Southern Illinois.”
If this year’s Tri-Festa goes well, Roberts said he hopes it will just be the beginning. He would like to continue competing in more triathlons in the future.
For others who may feel discouraged or unsure where to begin, Roberts said the most important thing is simply taking the first step and not giving up.
“Just try different things and see what works best,” he said. “Don’t quit.”
While he jokes about still feeling like the “professional wrestler guy who always loses” in his triathlon suit, Roberts said the experience taught him something much bigger than competition.
“It’s not about what other people think,” he said. “It’s about what makes you feel better about yourself.”
For Roberts, crossing the finish line last year was just the start. This year, he hopes that moment will come full circle again, not just as a race completed, but as a celebration of how far he’s come and the possibilities still ahead.
Ready to take on the challenge yourself? Register for the JALC Tri-Festa and be part of the experience.