News and Community

Browse:AllNews & UpdatesPodium ResultsRace ReportsConversationsInterviews

At a Glance

Summary: A former collegiate basketball and baseball player once drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, John “Jake” Kenney found triathlon in his forties and rose fast. Just two years after his first club race — on a mountain bike — he finished the inaugural Ironman Wisconsin in 11:33, crediting a full year devoted to training, faith, and the friendships forged along the way.

Highlights
  • Finished the inaugural Ironman Wisconsin in 11:33 — his first Ironman
  • Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a shortstop in the 1982 MLB draft
  • Went from first club race on a mountain bike to Ironman in about two years
  • Naturally gifted in swimming and cycling with fast-developing endurance
  • Survived a chaotic 1,800-person mass swim start after being kicked breathless
Key Takeaways
  • Plan your work and work your plan: map out a full year around key races
  • Train with people of similar ability who will push you
  • Enjoy the fitness lifestyle and friendships as much as the races
  • At its core, triathlon is about the human spirit

I had the chance to talk triathlon with John Kenney (Jake) who did his first Ironman in 11:33 at Madison on 9/15.  Jake and I have forged a strong friendship over the last couple years as we are members of the same church and trained a lot together.  To some extent I have been his triathlon mentor and he refers to me as Tri-Master (TM.)

At a Glance

Summary: Two TCSD friends share their journeys to their first Ironman Hawaii. Rob McElroy earned his Kona slot at Ironman Lake Placid — his fourth Ironman — grinding through pre-race mechanical disasters and a gutsy marathon to place 6th in his age group. Allison Felley qualified at the Half Vineman without ever having raced a full Ironman, relying on calm, momentum and a high pain threshold.

Highlights
  • Both qualified for their first Ironman Hawaii (Kona)
  • Rob placed 6th in age group at Ironman Lake Placid, 34th overall
  • Allison earned her slot at the Half Vineman, 2nd in age group
  • Rob raced three prior Ironmans (California ’00, ’01, Lake Placid ’02)
  • Julie Moss handed Allison her qualifying award
Key Takeaways
  • Being a complete triathlete beats excelling at any single discipline
  • Desire and refusing to quit can be the decisive edge
  • Stay calm and let your training guide the race
  • Family and friends on the course bring meaning and drive to the effort

I had the pleasure to chat with 2 TCSD members who recently qualified for their first Ironman Hawaii.  Both are great people who I am proud to call my friends.  Please cheer for Rob McElroy (RM) and Allison Felley (AF) along with our other TCSD friends racing in Kona this year.

At a Glance

Summary: Dared by a buddy to try a triathlon, Rick Ashburn went from his first race in April to finishing Ironman USA at Lake Placid the same year — making it just his fourth triathlon ever. Battling leg cramps all day, he walked half the marathon but still had a blast, discovering that his 41-year-old body could respond dramatically to training.

Highlights
  • Completed Ironman USA (Lake Placid) as only his fourth triathlon
  • Went from non-runner to comfortable 20-mile runs in months
  • Gained 4 mph in a 20k time trial over six months of training
  • Solid 1:00:38 swim despite leg cramps that plagued the whole day
  • Trained with coach Mike Plumb to sharpen his running
Key Takeaways
  • Get out of your comfort zone — that’s where the breakthroughs happen
  • Don’t neglect long swims; they may be why the cramps struck
  • Stay in the moment; don’t overspend early to hit a split later
  • Smile a lot — it makes 13 hours fly by

An Ironman Conversation
Ironman field correspondent Laurie Kearney had this conversation with first time Ironman competitor Rick Ashburn the day after both competed in Ironman USA on July 28.  

At a Glance

Summary: A self-described tomboy who grew up chasing her older brother through every sport, Denise Bienas came to triathlon as a team relay cyclist and worked her way up through 5Ks, centuries and the Deathride. In this interview she is preparing for Ironman Canada in Penticton as a first-timer, crediting the TCSD community and her husband Rick for inspiring her to finally take on the distance.

Highlights
  • Preparing for Ironman Canada as her first Ironman
  • Completed the Deathride three times and the Davis Double Century twice
  • Placed 7th in her age group at her first triathlon (Mission Bay) despite nearly drowning on the swim
  • Multisport background across softball, basketball, volleyball and track
  • Met husband Rick at her first club race, a duathlon
Key Takeaways
  • Train smart and listen to your body — rest when it needs rest
  • The body can do amazing things with discipline and desire
  • Reframe every long day as a new adventure
  • A supportive community and partner make the Ironman journey possible

Craig Zelent (CZ) had the chance to sit down and talk Ironman with Denise Bienias (IM2b) who is preparing for Ironman Canada on August 25.  It is always great talking to a prospective first time Ironman and this conversation with Denise was no different.

At a Glance

Summary: TCSD Vice President Bill Gibbs started with a humbling first club race on Fiesta Island in 1995 — last out of the water and swimming the wrong way — but got hooked instantly. After a couple of half-Ironmans, a persistent friend signed him up for Ironman Canada, which he finished in 2000, remembering the training summer as one of the most special times of his life.

Highlights
  • Finished Ironman Canada in 2000, his first Ironman
  • Served as TCSD Vice President
  • Completed Wildflower and Vineman half-Ironmans in 1999
  • Signed back up for another Ironman Canada in Penticton
  • Talked into the Ironman by training buddy Bob Rosen — while sick with the flu
Key Takeaways
  • Long, slow rides, runs and swims are the invaluable Ironman workouts
  • You don’t need to run a full marathon beforehand — long runs suffice
  • Anyone able and willing to sacrifice and put in the time can finish
  • Keep it simple: have fun, stay healthy, and help others into the sport

While spectating at this year’s Boston Marathon Craig Zelent (CZ) had this conversation with Ironman triathlete and TCSD Vice President Bill Gibbs (IM).

Page 14 of 14

Our Mission

To serve triathletes of all abilities by providing support, education, training and events to encourage  and promote triathlon as a sport that is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Club Info

About TCSD
Training & Clinics
Photos and Videos 
News & Community
New to Triathlons?

Member Links

Member Benefits
Polls/RSVP
Member Directory
Strava Stat Tools
Sponsor Discounts

Community

Calendar of all Events
Find a Training Partner
Sell: Member Classified
Buy:  TCSD Store

 

Contact

Info@triclubsandiego.org
Leadership Team
Media Inquiries
Sponsorship Opportunities

Copyright © 2026 Tri Club San Diego. All Rights Reserved.

Read our privacy policy