With the favorable spring weather, Brandon Handy's "SML Dream Team" has increased its training and taken it outside to prepare for Saturday's SML Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

The Dream Team is participating in the triathlon in honor of Brandon Handy, who suffers from cerebral palsy. He is the son of Dan Handy and team member Cindy Handy, who has been biking outdoors daily in addition to doing weight training at the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA.

"The 20K bike course in this triathlon has rolling hills throughout so you really have to be full-body conditioned," Handy said. "People come from all over the country to be in this race. There are even professionals -- triathlons are all they do. I'd say our goals are for each of us to compete to the best of our abilities that day, and to make Brandon feel proud of his team."

The triathlon's 5K run will take place completely within the confines of the park, where the terrain is described as "flat to rolling."

The team's runner, Karen McNew, has continued to work out at the Y, where onlookers describe her as "in the zone" when she's on the treadmill. But with the warm spring weather, she said she also has enjoyed running on the roads.

"The other day Cindy joined me as I ran at LakeWatch Plantation. It's nice there because it's not flat, just a little challenging with rolling hills," said McNew.

Swimmer Mike Sampson has kept up with his workout schedule and has been swimming in the Blackwater River. He has been spotted by his father, Doug, who paddles nearby in a kayak. The 21-year-old former Franklin County High School standout swimmer said he is eager to take on the 750-meter (about ½ mile) swimming leg of the race.

Though USA Triathlon, the governing body for many triathlon events around the country, allows swimmers to wear wet suits if the water temperature is below 78 degrees, Sampson insisted he will not wear one and is training in his swimsuit.

"I didn't wear a wet suit two years ago, and I came in second in the open age group," he said.

Traditionally, the water temperature for the triathlon has been in the upper 60s. The swim will start and finish at the state park's swimming beach, and temporary buoys will delineate the course for the swimmers.

"We're counting on Mike being one of the first few to come ashore," said Handy "We'll all be there to welcome him out of the water."

And so will Brandon Handy.

"Go, Mike!" he exclaimed.