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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.

 

  

 

 

At a Glance

Summary: A lifelong swimmer, former ballet dancer and Las Vegas showgirl, and Navy veteran, Ann Kelly channeled all that energy into becoming a TCSD Race Director and ER technician who makes the club's beginner races welcoming and fun.

Highlights
  • Swam competitively from age five and danced ballet for over a decade
  • Performed as a showgirl in Reno's “Hello Hollywood Hello” before enlisting in the Navy
  • Did her first triathlon at the 2008 Spring Sprint after Steve Tally's Triathlon 101
  • Serves as a TCSD Race Director, coordinating permits, volunteers, and themed races
  • Became an ER technician thanks to a connection made while swim-buddying a race
Key Takeaways
  • A huge amount of unseen volunteer work goes into every club race
  • Always welcome the last racer across the line
  • Beginner races are where the pure joy of the sport shines
  • You never know who you'll meet when you come out and play with the club

 

 

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.

 

 

At a Glance

Summary: After gastric bypass surgery and a 209-pound weight loss, Bobbie Solomon completed her first triathlon at 50 and transformed her life — becoming a USAT coach and official and one of TCSD's most devoted “pay it forward” volunteers.

Highlights
  • Lost 209 pounds after 2005 gastric bypass surgery and did her first triathlon at age 50
  • A former college springboard diver who returned to the sport and coaches it
  • Became a USAT Level I, Youth & Junior coach and a USAT Certified Official
  • Led the TCSD Beginner Open Water Swim and captained the Oceanside 70.3 bike marshals
  • Volunteers with the Challenged Athletes Foundation at the Malibu Triathlon
Key Takeaways
  • “Anything is possible” if you work hard enough and want it enough
  • Pay forward the help you received by supporting the next newcomer
  • A steady swim buddy can be the difference between finishing and quitting
  • It's never too late to start — or to reinvent your life

 

 

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.

 

 

At a Glance

Summary: A Naval Academy graduate and Marine CH-53E helicopter pilot, Ryan Pallas took up triathlon inspired by Pat Tillman, then finished the grueling Silverman Ironman to honor his fallen friend Captain Brandon “Bull” Barrett and launch a scholarship in his name.

Highlights
  • Recruited to the Naval Academy as a Division I javelin thrower
  • Did his first triathlon (Superfrog) in 2010, inspired by Pat Tillman's story
  • Finished the full-distance Silverman in 12:24:29, second in his age group
  • Raced to honor fallen Marine Capt. Brandon “Bull” Barrett and fund a USNA scholarship
  • Deployed to Afghanistan as a Marine helicopter pilot, flying HERO recovery missions
Key Takeaways
  • Good things come to those who work hard and refuse to quit
  • Racing to honor someone can carry you further than racing for yourself
  • A little civilian support means the world to deployed service members
  • Perspective: the freedom to train safely is a gift worth appreciating

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.

 

At a Glance

Summary: A pediatrician and prolific marathoner, Laurie Kearney has run a marathon in all 50 states, notched a sub-3-hour PR and 10 Ironman finishes, and never missed a San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon — earning her coveted “Streaker” status.

Highlights
  • Has run roughly 190 career marathons, including one in all 50 states
  • Ran a sub-3-hour marathon (3:02 at NYC) and won the 1997 Long Island Marathon
  • Completed 10 Ironman-distance races, with a 12:12 PR at IM Canada
  • A San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon “Streaker” since the event began in 1998
  • Runs about 70 miles a week and works as a pediatrician
Key Takeaways
  • Consistency over heroics — steady mileage beats chasing big weeks and injuries
  • Endurance can compensate for a lack of natural speed
  • Racing is a wonderful way to see the country and meet unusual people
  • Model active play for kids so exercise feels like fun, not a chore

My wife, Laurie Kearney, has graciously allowed me to interview her. The San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon will be Laurie’s 190th career marathon. Laurie is a Streaker. The only way to learn about her streaking habit is to read her story. Enjoy!

 

At a Glance

Summary: A nurse who took up triathlon in her 50s, TCSD bike coach Linda Rich has overcome colon cancer, a fractured pelvis, and even being hit by a bus — crediting her fitness and the club “family” with her recoveries and qualifying for Age Group Nationals along the way.

Highlights
  • Came from a dance and competitive equestrian background before starting triathlon in her 50s
  • Coaches the Wednesday-night TCSD bike workouts at Fiesta Island
  • One of the first beneficiaries of TCSD Cares after being hit by a bus
  • Recovered from colon cancer and a fractured pelvis, still finishing Oceanside 70.3
  • Qualified for the USAT Age Group National Championships
Key Takeaways
  • Age and ability are no barrier — anyone can do this sport with support
  • Staying fit can dramatically speed recovery from illness and injury
  • A club can become the family you lean on in the hardest times
  • Everyone has something to offer, and everyone deserves to feel welcome

I recently talked triathlon with the Tri Club’s Linda Rich. Linda is currently one of the TCSD’s bike coaches and she has worn many other volunteer hats over the years for our club. Please join me as we get to know this great lady.

 

At a Glance

Summary: TCSD Treasurer Wendy Harp overcame a fear of open water to become a triathlete, left a corporate accounting career to open a Bikram Yoga studio, and beat breast cancer — all while keeping the club's finances running smoothly behind the scenes.

Highlights
  • Raced her first triathlon at the 2000 Mission Bay Sprint despite a fear of open water
  • Completed the half-Ironman “Aitoman” destination races in Tahiti in 2002 and 2003
  • Serves as TCSD Treasurer, managing finances for a club of 3,000+ members
  • Became a certified Bikram Yoga instructor and opened her own studio in Rancho Bernardo
  • A breast cancer survivor now working her way back toward racing
Key Takeaways
  • Never try anything new on race day — especially the open-water swim
  • So much of endurance sport is mental strength and refusing to give up
  • Cross-training like hot yoga aids recovery, resilience, and heat acclimation
  • You're always stronger than your mind tells you

I had the chance to talk triathlon recently with the TCSD’s Treasurer, Wendy Harp.  Wendy does a ton of behind the scenes work and is an integral cog in the finely tuned machine better known as the Triathlon Club of San Diego.  Please join me as we get to know this long time TCSD officer.

 

At a Glance

Summary: A lifelong swimmer and the TCSD's Beginner Open Water Swim Coach, Jonathan “JJ” Jefferson embodies the club's volunteer spirit — coaching nervous beginners, fundraising for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and launching a beekeeping business that gives back to TCSD Cares.

Highlights
  • Swam competitively for 11 years and raced his first triathlon on Staten Island in 1984
  • Served as TCSD's Beginner Open Water Swim Coach, mentoring many of today's club coaches
  • Rode the 620-mile CAF Million Dollar Challenge from San Francisco to San Diego
  • Runs 20 beehives, donating $1 per pound of honey sold to TCSD Cares
  • Ran for club president and remains a go-to volunteer for the “heavy lifting”
Key Takeaways
  • Helping a beginner conquer their fear is its own greatest reward
  • You don't have to be the fastest to love and give to the sport
  • Supporting causes like CAF enriches you as much as the athletes you help
  • Show up and vote — a club is only as strong as its members' involvement

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent (From December 2012)

I had the chance to talk triathlon recently with the Tri Club's Jonathan Jefferson.  JJ's most visible position with the TCSD was as our Beginner Open Water Swim Coach, but he represents the true spirit of the TCSD as he always seems to be there doing the "heavy lifting" as a volunteer whenever needed.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy.

 

At a Glance

Summary: A former Canadian junior-elite triathlete who stepped away from the sport for eight years, Dave McMahon returned inspired by Lance Armstrong's memoir, went sub-9:30 at Ironman Cozumel to qualify for Kona, and now serves as TCSD's Sponsorship Director.

Highlights
  • Grew up racing in British Columbia near the original Ironman Canada
  • Trained with Canada's elite junior team, TriKenetics, in Victoria in the early 1990s
  • Returned to the sport in 2002 after reading “It's Not About the Bike”
  • Went sub-9:30 at Ironman Cozumel 2010 to qualify for the 2011 Hawaiian Ironman
  • Serves as TCSD Sponsorship Director, building two-way value with club sponsors
Key Takeaways
  • “Consistency makes a champion” — but longevity comes from keeping it fun
  • Great Ironman racing is all about rhythm
  • The best sponsor relationships are built on genuine two-way value
  • Don't put everything on the line in a B race or a workout

I had a great time recently talking triathlon with David McMahon, the TCSD Sponsorship Director.  David has been very successful racing triathlons over the years including his finish at the 2011 Hawaiian Ironman.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy who is taking the TCSD to new heights.

 

At a Glance

Summary: A well-traveled British expat and accomplished mountain biker, Matt Sparks turned to triathlon after a scary crash, built the MHS-Works remodeling company with Jim McCann's encouragement, and became one of TCSD's most beloved (and funniest) characters.

Highlights
  • Grew up in a tiny English village and has visited 34 countries and lived in three
  • Raced on Britain's #1 student mountain-bike team and won the Qatar National Duathlon
  • Switched to triathlon after a serious neck injury in a Colorado terrain park
  • Finished Ironman Arizona in 15:55 — with a now-legendary nineteen portapotty stops
  • Founded the MHS-Works remodeling company, encouraged by TCSD president Jim McCann
Key Takeaways
  • There's always someone more talented — taking part and doing your best is what matters
  • Quitting isn't an option; make a plan and grind to the finish
  • TCSD's real value is its people and its nurturing of beginners
  • Your everyday friends who push their limits can be the truest heroes

I enjoyed some laughs recently while talking with the TCSD’s repair guru, Matt Sparks.  Your Tri Club experience is not complete until you have seen Matt make one of his unique appearances at a Tri Club meeting.  Until you get the chance to witness that in person, I hope you will enjoy our conversation below.

 

 

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