The Mercer Island Triathlon team is kicking off its 19th season of “swim, bike, run and fun” next week. Islanders of all ages and ability levels are welcome.

“We are newbie and wannabe triathletes looking to complete their first triathlon up to well-seasoned tri veterans working hard to set new PRs and raise the bar,” said team founder and head coach Ginny Pietila.

Pietila, a USA Triathlon certified coach, owner of MI Athletic Club, eight time Ironman triathlete, marathon runner, swim coach, personal trainer and group fitness instructor, discovered her love for the sport of triathlon in the mid-1990s.

Pietila, guides, motivates and provides training structure for everyone on the team. Joining Pietila this season is Mercer Island High School boys and girls swim coach Evan Moline, who will run the team’s Friday morning swim workouts at Mary Wayte pool. The team also offers Thursday morning group run training, and Saturday morning bike/run workouts.

Training begins the week of Feb. 27 and runs through the end of July.

The team will be training for the following events: the Santa Rosa 70.3 (Half Ironman) on May 13, the Victoria 70.3 (Half Ironman) on June 4, the Seafair Sprint and Olympic Triathlons in July, the Whistler 70.3 (Half Ironman) on July 30 and the Lake Meridian Triathlon Sprint and Olympic on Aug. 12.

Two membership levels are offered: the basic for $475 and the premier coached athlete membership (limited to 10 athletes) for $850 per season.

The basic membership includes a 12-16-week training plan loaded into a personal Workoutlog.com account, along with a custom designed two-piece triathlon kit and discounted prices on items from all the team’s sponsors, including wetsuits, helmets, nutrition and more.

There will be a season kick-off event on March 4 after the team’s first ride.

For more, contact Pietila at the MI Athletic Club by phone at 206-453-3731 or email at miathleticclub@gmail.com.