News and Community

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 I was privileged recently to talk triathlon with TCSD volunteer extraordinaire, Alexis Barnes.  Alexis has taken on leadership roles as a TCSD Newsletter Editor and our club’s Coordinator for the USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition.  I know you will enjoy getting to know this lady.

 "Alexis Barnes finishing the Nautica NYC Triathlon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Brannen Henn who is the TCSD Secretary and finished Ironman Hawaii last October in 11:18.  Brannen does a lot for the TCSD and she is definitely someone you should know. 

 "Brannen Henn on the run at the 2015 Ironman Hawaii"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have wanted to interview Eric Davidson for 2 years now.  Eric wanted to wait until he finished Ironman Hawaii.  The time has come.  On October 10^th Eric joined the very select club of triathletes to have finished the most famous race in our sport.  Eric’s story was worth the wait.

 "Eric Davidson competing in the 2015 Ironman World Championship in Kona"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the TCSD members who finished Ironman Hawaii on October 10^th.  I asked them 3 questions and I thought you’d enjoy the answers of our elite members.

  "Katherine Adler moments before her 1st Ironman"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have seen the Triathlon Club of San Diego make some great improvements this year largely due to the efforts of Tassia Bezdeka, our Marketing Director.  I hardly knew Tassia before interviewing her, but I’m so glad I reached out to her.  Tassia is clearly a TCSD Superstar as you will soon discover.

 Oceanside 70.3: Paula Munoz took this photo... it was my first loop of the run, and the TCSD Cheer Tent was in full force!

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent conversation with TCSD member Bill Gleason.  Bill is one of our valuable volunteers who has helped many members with their swimming, running and much more.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Bill.

"Bill and wife Maggie and daughter Willa Rose enjoying an Encinitas sunset"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the good fortune recently of talking with Tracy Cohen-Peranteau about running, triathlon and just about everything else under the sun.  Tracy is the ultimate ambassador for the TCSD!  I don’t think you could fit any more goodness or enthusiasm for life into a person.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Tracy.     

  Tracy at the 2009 Ironman Arizona with son Sasha and daughter Megan

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I have been looking forward to interviewing Bessy Leszszynski for quite some time.  We finally got together and it was worth the wait.  I am certain you will enjoy getting to know this humble Christian woman.  

Bessy and Roger Leszczynski at the 2014 Chula Vista Challenge Triathlon

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I just had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with TCSD Head Swim Coach Chris Costales.  This was my first time really getting to know Chris and I quickly realized I should have done this a long time ago.  Chris is a great example of using triathlon to lead a healthy life.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Chris.

 2009 One of the awesome TCSD races at Glorietta Bay! 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently to sit down and talk triathlon with TCSD member Jessica Tomasek.  Jessica became the first woman to receive an NCAA scholarship for the sport of triathlon when she signed her National Letter of Intent to attend Queens University of Charlotte.  Please join me as we get to know this accomplished young woman who is on the rise.

Jessica Tomasek and her Fusion Time Trial Bike

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

When I learned a few months ago of the journey Richard Reilly has been on I knew I had to interview him.  Richard has lost over 140 pounds, now fits into size 34 jeans and is an Ironman Finisher.  Please join me as we get to know this skinny guy! 

Picture from LiveStrong.com Weight-loss Story with people in the background trying to get me to smile 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

Recently I had the good fortune of talking triathlon with TCSD member Paula Munoz.  Paula was elected TCSD Secretary this past fall and has worn many hats for the club over the years.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Paula and I know you will, as well.

 Paula with Chris Costales who introduced her to the TCSD

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Steve Banister, our most recent President. Steve did an awesome job as President the past 2 years. Please join me as we get to know a great guy who has given selflessly to the club and our community, but who also happens to be a pretty fast triathlete.

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I got to talk triathlon with the TCSD’s most recent World Champion Kyle Hummel.  It will blow your mind to hear what Kyle has gone through just to be able to walk around like a normal guy.  He has come so far to become the Ironman 70.3 World Champion for the men’s 30-34 age group.  He is an awesome athlete who really appreciates the gifts he has been blessed with.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Kyle.

 TCSD member Kyle Hummel celebrates becoming the 2014 Men's 30-34 Ironman 70.3 World Champion!

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of chatting triathlon with TCSD Ambassador Andrew Shore.  Andrew actually started a triathlon club when he lived on the east coast so he brings a wealth of knowledge to our club.  And this dude can swim like a fish!

Andrew Shore and Dena Garcia wine tasting after the Temecula Half Marathon

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the opportunity to talk triathlon with a guy who has no fear.  Jay Lewis is not afraid to try anything.  Jay is not afraid to try any sport or change careers and he certainly has not been afraid to get involved in a leadership role with TCSD.  Please join me and get to know Jay!

Jay Lewis serving as Race Director for the TCSD Aquathlon in August at Torrey Pines State Beach

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the very rewarding opportunity recently to talk triathlon with Kat Gunsur.  Kat wears a lot of triathlon hats including that as the TCSD’s Social Media Director.  She is a huge part of the process that puts us on the map and gives our club world-wide visibility.  Kat is also very focused on helping others as you will see by her work with Team Challenge.    
 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

This month will be a unique TCSD Conversation as I posed 3 different questions to our members who ran the 2014 Boston Marathon.  I have conducted well over 100 of these interviews since 2002 and this is one of my favorites.  I hope you will enjoy their answers.

"Tri Club members gather for lunch the day before the 2014 Boston Marathon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

Rachel (Gordon) Wills is one of the fastest swimming triathletes on the planet.  Rachel has been a huge help to many of our members through her swim coaching and her work at Moment Bicycles.  We are lucky to have this Fighting Sioux as one of our club members and friends.

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!