Camille Baptiste is disrupting the Tri space by F’ing things up!  She is bringing Fun, Family, and Fabulous Finish Lines to local races in Austin, Texas.    

As an adult, Camille learned how to bike and swim in the same year and fell head over heels in love with triathlons.  But, like many athletes, she was becoming worn down by  traveling to races and caring  for her family. There was enough time in the day! Because she is a solutionary, Camille didn’t waste any time becoming a USAT certified race director and started curating her Pink Strong Race Series!  

Camille creates courses that allow people of different shapes, sizes, ability, and ages to have their dreams come true. She wants to create finish lines where people can finish, as well as have the A-pack: All Inclusive, Affordable, and Accessible.  She is hilarious and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do at TBL! 

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

Strong. Determined. Creator and more. Nia Obotette is every woman, and she wants you to be a triathlete!  Like many triathletes before her, running was the gateway activity that sparked an interest in triathlon.  Growing up in the midwest, the sport was a bit foreign to her, but she was willing to tri and the rest is history. 

During the pandemic, Nia was searching for books for her niece. She discovered there was nothing on the market that reflected the flavor of the sport and represented diversity.  So she executed a phenomenal crowdfunding campaign to bring her book, I am a Triathlete, to fruition.  

She is currently on a mission to bring 22 ladies to the sport of triathlon in 2022.  Nia is committed to  the sport of triathlon and wants to encourage you to tri where you are. What’s missing from triathlon is you.  So, take a listen and be encouraged today! 

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's Luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

When Megan Ritch did her first triathlon, she had no clue she would eventually lead the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access efforts for USA Triathlon.   Little did she know how  a magazine article in Triathlete Magazine would create a ripple effect to dismantle institutionalized standards for access and representation in triathlon.  

Megan takes her role seriously as the Manager of DEIA with USA Triathlon.  Currently, she is focused on growing women’s engagement in multisport and  building the Together We Thrive initiative just to name a few of her initiatives. 

This interview is super informative and Megan doesn’t hold back.  It’s resourcefully rich  and wealthy with wisdom to help you become more knowledgeable and engaged. 

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Let’s Tri this! 

Most kids at the age of seven are playing with toys, having playdates with friends,  or looking forward to the weekend when they can watch cartoons.  Well, Sade Smith was not like most kids!  Sade was very active from a young age and when asked if she wanted to try a triathlon, she jumped at the chance. She had no idea that one yes would change the trajectory of her life. 

After Sade’s first triathlon at 7 years old, she knew there was no other sport for her.  She sacrificed  and prioritized her training, which  earned her a spot as the first African American in  a NCAA Division 1 Women’s Triathlon Team.  

Sade is very determined yet humble.   She embodies the change  she wants to see in this sport and will continue to be a catalyst for change.   Sade is a classic example of following her heart to the pathway of her dreams!  

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

There is a reason Max Fennel was named by Triathlete Magazine as the most interesting man in triathlon.    If Max can dream it, he will do it! As we learned in our interview with Max, there isn’t much he can’t do once he commits. As the master manifester and the director of his journey, Max has no limits.

After an MCL injury ended his dreams of professional soccer, he found a new purpose and mission as he became the first African-American professional triathlete.  But, Max does more than swim, bike and run! He is a cold brew connoisseur, a reality TV star, aspiring politician,  archer, and… he is not finished yet. He is committed to lifting up the community, and providing access and opportunities to sport and beyond. With his list of accomplishments and goals, we can see that Max Fennel is a true Renaissance man. 

It’s time to clip in and pick up the cadence as we power through to learn more about Max Fennel and how he is helping to change the sport with his mission focused drive! 

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

Lloyd Henry likes to go big or go home. Thanks to a dare from his sister, Lloyd embarked on a triathlon journey that has brought him to 27 Ironman and long course finishes, the first African-American to finish an Ironman on 6 continents and  the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. 

Today, Lloyd Henry is not only an accomplished athlete, he is also a coach, helping other athletes learn to accept the challenges that come their way. 

 As a coach, Lloyd specializes in form and technique with a special emphasis on Total Immersion swimming,  ChiRunning and ChiWalking. He has helped clients learn to swim, improve their stroke, compete in a triathlon, move from the couch to a 5k, finish their first marathon, qualify for Boston and hear those famous words “You Are An Ironman.” 

Lloyd’s story shares that you don’t have to have experience or be an athlete to TRI. You just have to accept the challenge and begin! Listen or view to hear more of his story. 

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this!

From a city girl with tokens who never owned a bike to racing Triathlons and representing her country, Khadijah Diggs leads by example and shows us we can always tri. Diggs is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and she shows us how sport can be a powerful influence for improving our lives.  She leads with humility,  races with tenacity, and  spreads love to all who she encounters.   

Khadijah has no problem telling you that sometimes you just have to be the first.  This comes with experience as she is the First African American woman to become a member of Team USA in Long Course Triathlon and the first Hijabi to represent Team USA in any multi-sport event.   

The episode is a must listen and be sure to check out www.khadijahtriathlete.com/ to find out how you can learn more and give to D.I.S.K!

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

Phil and Shawn Fenty are the real deal!  This episode is full of laughter and amazing stories from this royal triathlon family. 

Phil “ Ironman Phil” Fenty  is one of the first African Americans to cross the triathlon finish line in 1983 and he was also one of the first to finish an Ironman branded race  at the 1990 World Championships in Kona.   Following in his dad and younger brother’s  (Former DC Mayor Adrian Fenty) footsteps, Shawn Fenty decided he too wanted Tri Beginner’s Luck! 

Both Ironman Phil and Shawn started doing triathlons in their Forties.  WHAT?  YES… you read correctly.  After you listen to this episode you will see that age is only a number, and you can Tri at any age. 

This is one for the tri history books!  This family's generational wealth is rooted in health and living active lifestyles.  ​​

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

From being a professional cyclist to  being an Ironman, this CEO has changed the landscape of how athletes and coaches plan training,  analyze metrics and share data. Dirk Friel and TrainingPeaks have transformed the training business with a focus on deliberate practice and sweat equity. . 

In this episode we dig into the Friel endurance sport legacy, the power points of cycling,  the value of coaching, and ultimately the importance of tri-ing. 

Don’t forget to leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this! 

The tables are turned and Michanda is being asked all the questions.  In this Season Finale Bonus Style… You will get Michanda’s Pre-Race interview and Race Report all in one!  

We don’t want to spoil all the good stuff, so you are just gonna have to listen!  This episode you learn more about her journey to Ironman Maryland.  

Happy New Year and we hope you are inspired and ready to Tri in 2022! 

Please leave a review, share with your friends, and Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Happiest of Holidays, 

Tri Beginner’s Luck Team