Tri Beginner‘s Luck

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!

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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 

What you are about to hear in this episode is why we TRI.  Race day leaves us in suspense with the uncertainty, the excitement, and the promise of pushing our limits beyond the possible. We all have our race day story and in this episode, we hear the race day stories of 3 brand new triathletes.  We can all appreciate and learn from their first-time finish line! 

Tisa Holley, Matthew LaPointe, and Saadiq Stewart have stopped by to share their heartfelt lessons  and funny stories from their first triathlon!  It’s a must listen and a great way to end your year with a smile, as you hear about their triumph (and awesome first time mistakes)!   

With that said, thank you for listening to the  first season of Tri Beginner’s Luck!  It has been a pleasure and we hope you have enjoyed the interviews.  We would love to hear from you. Follow us and be sure to share this podcast with your friends and family! 

Happy Holidays and we will see you in the new year! 

MichandaShines and the Tri Beginner’s Luck Team 

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If you asked Beyonce, “Who runs the world?” Her definitive answer would be girls!  Well on today’s episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck you would also think that girls are running the world… or at least this podcast!    We get to welcome the Irish voice of the Ironman finish line to chat about being an international live sports announcer to leading global zwift rides during a pandemic, and her passion in advocating  for women in sports.   

Joanne isn’t your average announcer!  She is a triathlete in her own right, having completed every distance. She is an avid swimmer and cyclist who challenges herself to stay fit and make history while doing so. You can catch her and Team RWB  weekly on Zwift for their Monday Night Social spin or the Second Wednesday of the month for a new episode release on the Tri Talking Sport Podcast!    Be sure to listen! 

Race directors may not get as much limelight as athletes and coaches - but they should! After all, we wouldn’t have any races if it weren’t for the race director! This week, we chat with  Greg Hawkins, owner and race director of Kinetic Multisports, to get an inside view on how the RD is one of the most important ingredients for our race day fun and safety. 

Greg started with humble beginnings, riding his bike to school because he was too proud to ride the bus. On one of his rides, he saw a sign that would change the trajectory of his life.  It was a flyer for a triathlon.  From his first race, he was hooked and his love affair for triathlons began..  He went on to volunteer and then work for a production company, which helped him to realize he loved event production and wanted to do his part to have a party on wheels.  

We talk to Greg about the importance of safety at a race, what a beginner should expect, and the importance of being a USAT member (which you may recall a similar message from episode 1 when we talked with Rocky Harris).  We also chat about how racing has changed since Covid and what it takes to be a race director,  if you are interested. 

If you haven’t learned by now there is always a chance an episode can go off the rails and of course this episode is no different.  We talk about all things triathlon - and then some!

Greg is very passionate  about creating a safe yet fun and vibrant  race experience. To help with that he stresses the importance of reading all the material sent prior to race day. 99% of the answers are there and it will help in ensuring everyone has a great race.  We also chat about the most commonly violated Rules… Check it out!   

This is a great episode and I hope you learn, laugh, and #GoraceKinetic #GoKinetic 

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The 4th discipline of triathlon is the least mentioned yet it can be the most important.  In this episode, we talk to Coach Lindsay Leigh about her journey to the sport of triathlon, demystify nutrition vs. fueling, when the best time is to eat sugar, and the basics of how to fuel for different triathlon distances.  We also focus on the importance of clean eating while getting high nutrient density foods that are full of lots of good stuff to help our bodies repair and grow. 

Do you know how to  distinguish the difference between dietitians, nutritionists, and nutrition coaches? We got you covered. 

Lindsay is so freaking amazing!   She’s a wife, mother, has a M.S. in Biology and is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA, USAT Level II long course Coach, Training Peaks Level 2 Certified Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, and NESTA Nutrition Coach. Lindsay was a competitive swimmer from a young age and throughout college. She also ran cross country her last 2 years of college. This perfect blend eventually led her to become a formidable triathlon competitor, having done multiple Ironman Triathlons, including two world championships in Kona, multiple 70.3 world championships, and eight marathons.

If your nutrition plan isn’t dialed in, it can make a triathlon very difficult. So get prepared to learn more about the 4th discipline of triathlon as this episode is bursting with flavor (You have to listen to get the inside joke)!  

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A dream deferred has become a dream realized.  Next to the definitions of perseverance, overcomer, determined, and committed, you will find a beautiful picture of the First African American Professional Triathlete, Sika Henry! 

Sika is beloved not only for her athleticism, but her authenticity and transparency as she shared the details of her journey on her blog and social media..  Sika doesn’t hold back on the ugly truths, nor does she paint a beautiful picture that seems unrealistic or unattainable. She shares the good, the bad, and the ugly in a way that helps everyone learn the power of big dreams and determination. .  

Can you believe that Sika works full time as a corporate analyst and still finds time to make her dreams come true as a professional triathlete?  My Goodness: she makes tri’ing look so easy although she will be the first to tell you that being a triathlete is HARD!  

In this episode, Sika brings the laughter, the inspiration, the hard truths, and you will hear how she is still learning how to tri, as she conquers training with power, as well as the importance of looking good when she races.  Because when you look good, you feel good, and you race good!  

You already know this is a good one, so sprint to your favorite listening platform and get into this episode!

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We’ve got a bonus episode for you this week, with our interview with two different relay teams.  Joining a relay can have a lasting impact for those who participate - like a gift that keeps on giving.  We hope this episode is a great present for you as we start off the season of giving! 

In this episode, we talk to two relay teams from the  Kings Rule Together and Queens Rule Together, a community of passionate, active cyclists of all ages, genders and skill levels. Founded in 2019 with 4 eager riders from northwest Philadelphia, PA, and now with 200 + riders and counting. Their mission is to promote a fun healthy lifestyle while fully committed to bringing diversity to the sport of cycling. 

During our interview, we learn how being on a relay team really is the gift that keeps on giving, with an impact that spans well beyond race day.  In one case, a relay has sparked an interest to do a solo triathlon for another athlete, winning a scholarship created a pathway to entry, which encouraged one member to get other athletes inspired and engaged to want to compete in relays.  And, we see how one company is putting their money where they want access and creating unique opportunities to build community around sports, specifically triathlon. 

It only takes one to change a life.   Tune in and enjoy this Bonus episode! 

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