News and Community

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with the TCSD's Director of Sponsorships, Cory Gasaway.  I was thoroughly impressed with how professionally Cory handles his volunteer role for the club which is critical for us to continue and thrive.  I’m sure you will enjoy getting to know this husband, father, product manager, volunteer and Ironman Finisher.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

This interview was with a real life saver.  Seriously!  I sat down and talked triathlon and search and rescue with the Tri Club’s own Mark Kenny.  Mark is a genuinely great guy who has risked his own life to help many people over the years.  I know you’ll thoroughly enjoy getting to know this Good Samaritan.

 Mark Kenny (on the right) with Matt Sparks during their recent climb of Mount Whitney

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the honor recently of talking triathlon to Judi Carbary, a great lady who has been worth her weight in gold as the TCSD Youth Triathlon Coach. Judi has only lived in San Diego for a few years, but she has made a huge difference already. I wish we could clone a few more Judi’s! 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

This month I talked triathlon with TCSD member, DeeAnn Smith.  You will see that DeeAnn is a very special lady.  She is on the top step of the podium in more ways than one.   

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

It’s not every day that we get to hear from the reigning Ironman World Champion, but today is one of those special days.  I know you will enjoy this conversation with TCSD member Susanne Davis who won the women’s 40-44 age group at this year’s Hawaiian Ironman to go along with her USA Triathlon National Championship.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 I recently got to talk triathlon with Tri Club member Kosuke Amano. Our conversation left me 100% impressed. Kosuke has come a long way in his life and has achieved many great things, but he remains grounded and humble. I know you will enjoy getting to know this great guy.

from left to right at the Solana Beach Triathlon: Kosuke Amano, Brian Wrona, Jonathan Lopez (reindeer), Brannen Henn, Rikka Aramo.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent 

I had the good fortune to talk triathlon with the TCSD’s one and only Julie Dunkle.  Please join me as we get to know this great athlete who is humble enough to recognize that she would not have advanced as far in triathlon and as quickly without the benefits offered by our great club and its members.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

This month I had the pleasure of talking triathlon with Debbie Wittich, the TCSD Expo Coordinator.  Debbie does a great job of helping the TCSD put its best foot forward at all the local expos.  That initial contact is often the critical step in attracting new members.  I’m certain you will enjoy getting to know this special lady.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

This month I caught up with the TCSD’s very popular Brian Maiorano. I really admire Brian on so many levels and was grateful for the chance to get to know him better. He has given so much to our local triathlon community so he is definitely someone you need to know.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

The TCSD membership roster is deep with talented and interesting people.I had the privilege recently of talking triathlon with one of our world class athletes, Bob Hubbard.Bob has had quite the athletic and professional career.Please read below and you will enjoy getting to know one of the great gentlemen of our club. 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

For many years I have had a great time racing TCSD member Troy Cundari.Troy has become a great friend and someone in my age group I sincerely cheer for…always while I’m waiting patiently at the finish line for him to finish.That all changed last year when he finally smoked me.I think now I cheer even more for this great guy.Check out our recent conversation and you’ll see why

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the pleasure of meeting TCSD member Lars Finanger. Lars is everything triathlon! But he’s also a great, down to earth guy. I know you’ll be entertained by reading of his many diverse experiences racing triathlons and making the sport we love his career.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have wanted to do this interview for a long time. Life finally slowed down enough for me to sit down and talk triathlon with former TCSD President, Thomas Johnson. It was worth the wait. I hope you’ll enjoy the story behind the man who very successfully steered our club’s course over the past couple of years.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

Recently I talked triathlon with Tri Club member Deborah Jones. Since becoming a triathlete a few years ago Deborah has already contributed so much to our sport and this year will be no different. Please join me and get to know this very dedicated lady.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently talked triathlon with the ultimate TCSD member, Jim Markwell. Jim is a great example of living a healthy triathlon lifestyle with a huge smile on his face. I guarantee you will enjoy getting to know this great guy!

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Gerry Forman. Gerry won his age group at Ironman Arizona, but he is so much more than just a great triathlete. Read on and you’ll see what I mean.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

In October I had the awesome honor of representing Team USA in Auckland, New Zealand at the Triathlon World Championships with Scott Endsley and his wife, Wendy. We talked triathlon and solved the world’s problems while marching in the Parade of Nations a couple days prior to our races.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with the TCSD’s very own Beth Walsh. Beth has had a great 1st year as a pro. She began her triathlon career with the TCSD. It’s pretty cool to see one of our friends progress from the very beginning to having huge success at some of the world’s most competitive triathlons.
 

I recently ran into TCSD member Gina Thomas at a party for a mutual triathlon friend who was celebrating the end of cancer treatments.  Just like Gina was there to support her friend, she is there for so many others.  Please join me in getting to know Gina who wears many hats – Race Director for Ironman California 70.3, wife, mother, daughter, friend and Christian.

I recently met up with one of the TCSD’s Race Director’s, Ann Kelly, and talked triathlon.  In a very short time Ann has really become a great ambassador for the club and the sport.  I know you’ll enjoy getting to know this lady.

If you have done a local triathlon during the past couple of years, you have come into contact with the TCSD’s Bobbie Solomon. Bobbie is one of those ultimate volunteers. She is all about paying it forward. Please join me as we get to know this extraordinary lady.

This month’s interview was one of those times when I had never spoken to the person before the interview.  I always look forward to meeting someone new and this new person in my life knocked the cover off the ball.  Ryan Pallas is many things and they are all good things.  Among other things, Ryan is a son, a brother, an Ironman finisher, a TCSD member, a Marine and absolutely an American hero.