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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I had the pleasure of talking triathlon recently with an old TCSD and church friend, David Lee.  On August 28th David became the first paraplegic athlete to complete Ironman Canada.  David crossed the finish line in an amazing time of 12:48:43.

I recently talked with Blair Cannon about his recent swim from Catalina to the mainland.  Please join me as we get to know this amazing athlete and even better member of our community.

The TCSD is comprised of many great volunteers.  Among the leading volunteers is Darrell Steele.   I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon and life with Darrell.  Please join me as we get to know this great guy.

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Brandon Mills.  After a long quest with a handful of near misses Brandon finally secured his slot at the Ironman World Championships in Kona.  Please join me as we get to know this very determined guy.

I have had the good fortune of being friends with Tom Piszkin for many years.  Please feel free to eavesdrop on an entertaining conversation with one of the TCSD’s all-time great legends.