Member Spotlights

At a Glance

Summary: TCSD’s bike coach since 2005 and founder of the club’s youth program, Andy Concors got hooked on triathlon after his car died — and has spent years sharing the sport with local athletes, newcomers, and kids, including his own family.

Highlights
  • TCSD bike coach since 2005
  • Founded the TCSD youth program in 2009
  • USA Triathlon Level 1 certified coach
  • Placed in every race he entered one season; 2nd overall in his Koz Series division
  • Runs an ergonomics and injury-prevention consulting business
Key Takeaways
  • A decent, well-fitting bike from a club shop is worth the investment
  • Every triathlete should learn to change a flat and maintain their bike
  • Know and follow the rules of the road when riding and racing
  • Triathlon builds independence and confidence in kids

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Andy Concors.  Andy wears at least 2 hats for the Tri Club.  He has been the Bike Coach since since 2005 and began the TCSD youth program in 2009.  Please join me as we get to know this exceptionally giving person.

 

At a Glance

Summary: After a freak driveway accident cost him his right leg, longtime TCSD member Andy Bailey endured 14 months of failed surgeries before choosing a below-knee amputation — then fought his way back to racing triathlons and inspiring other challenged athletes that there is life after amputation.

Highlights
  • Longtime TCSD member and lifetime-membership honoree
  • Returned to triathlon as a below-knee amputee in 2010
  • A former USA Triathlon official who worked two Ironman World Championships in Kona
  • Helped organize what became the Orange County Triathlon Club
  • Mentors others facing amputation decisions
Key Takeaways
  • There is life — and racing — after amputation
  • Connecting with others who’ve faced limb loss aids recovery
  • A supportive partner can carry you through life’s hardest crises
  • Racing lets you show other disabled athletes what’s possible

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with long time TCSD member and friend, Andy Bailey. I am 100% confident you will enjoy getting to know this absolutely great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: Former TCSD president Brian Long battled through multiple back surgeries and a dark period of pain and painkillers to finish Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2010 — all while giving back through TCSD Cares, race sponsorships and his famous branded swim caps.

Highlights
  • Former President of Tri Club San Diego
  • Finished Ironman Coeur d’Alene in 2010 after two back surgeries
  • Founded TCSD Cares to help members and families in need
  • Known for the ubiquitous “Brian Long” branded swim caps
  • Discovered triathlon in the mid-1980s inspired by Julie Moss
Key Takeaways
  • Trust your coaching plan — do what’s asked, nothing more
  • “Stay in the process” to push through the low valleys of an Ironman
  • Read “Going Long” by Friel and Byrn before your first Ironman
  • Giving back to the community is its own greatest reward

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Brian Long, the former President of the Triathlon Club of San Diego and 2010 Ironman Coeur d'Alene Finisher.  Please join me as we get to know this incredibly great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: After a doctor warned she could be in a wheelchair within five years, Dawn Copenhaver lost 115 pounds in ten months, found triathlon and TCSD, completed her first race, and became the club’s beloved “Food Queen” and 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award winner.

Highlights
  • Lost 115 pounds in 10 months through swimming and clean eating
  • Completed her first triathlon at the 2009 Spring Sprint
  • Won the 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award
  • Serves as the club’s “Food Queen,” newsletter editor and expo coordinator
  • A professional voice instructor and certified life coach
Key Takeaways
  • You have to take care of yourself before you can care for others
  • Sometimes it takes a wake-up moment, not just facts, to change
  • Volunteering is the fastest way to find your triathlon family
  • Small, gradual changes in diet and exercise add up to transformation

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

Between helpings at a recent TCSD race I had the privilege of talking triathlon with the 2009 Jim McCann Spirit of TCSD Award winner and superstar volunteer Dawn Copenhaver aka “Food Queen”.  Please join me and get to know this very giving lady.

 

At a Glance

Summary: From a rookie who made “every mistake in the book” at his first triathlon to TCSD’s beloved beginner coach, Steve Tally built the club’s Tri 101 program and leads TCSD Cares — turning intimidated newcomers into confident triathletes.

Highlights
  • Founded and runs TCSD’s monthly Tri 101 beginner clinics
  • Named TCSD Club Member of the Year in 2005 (with Dean Rosenberg)
  • Director of TCSD Cares, the club’s member-support giving arm
  • Grew the beginner program — rides, runs, transition and surf-entry clinics
  • Famous for running marathons with Bob Babbitt’s “running Elvi”
Key Takeaways
  • Volunteering turns triathlon from a checklist goal into a lifestyle
  • Beginners need information as much as fitness
  • The best part of TCSD is the people, not just the split times
  • Triathlon’s inclusive, non-elitist culture is worth protecting

I had the honor recently of talking triathlon with TCSD legend Steve Tally.  I hold Steve in the highest regard as he has given so much to our club and the sport locally.  You will undoubtedly enjoy eavesdropping on our conversation and getting to this awesome guy!

Craig: What was your sports background before triathlon?  

Steve: Being from a Navy family I moved quite a bit during my early years.  I got into soccer while on the east coast and really enjoyed that, and anything else that involved running and a ball.  I’ve always loved the water and was also was on a youth competitive swim team during elementary school.  But when I moved to San Diego during junior high I discovered surfing and was WAY into that for many years.  I have always enjoyed running, but only in conjunction with a ball sport, so never went out for the high school track or cross country teams.

 

Dr. Toker, Jimena Florit, Jim McCann, DeeDee McCann (left to right)

I had the chance recently to sit down and talk triathlon with long time TCSD member Dr. Jonathan Toker. Jonathan's TCSD years have covered the entire spectrum from beginner to professional triathlete. In addition, Jonathan has developed the SaltStick line of products which should be a staple in any endurance athlete's nutrition plan. Please join me as we get to know this fascinating and fast entrepreneur!

I had the pleasure recently to talk triathlon with Michelle Panik, the 2009 TCSD Female Club Member of the Year.  Michelle has done so much behind the scenes work for our club and she is definitely someone you should know.
 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 

I had the opportunity recently to talk triathlon with the TCSD's new Ironman Coach, Liam Thier.  Please join me as we get to know this well travelled triathlete and down to earth great guy.

 

 

I was able to get Dean Sprague, the TCSD Newsletter Editor, to slow down long enough to talk triathlon.  You have probably seen Dean at many TCSD events.  It is time we get to know this great guy who has done so much for the club over the years.

 

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