Tri Beginner‘s Luck

Has a friend introduced you to the sport of triathlon, and encouraged you to tri? Or, have you been inspired by people you know who tri, and in turn, thought about whether you could do so as well? 

If so, that is the case for most triathletes! Somewhere along the line, we had a friend, family member or acquaintance who tried, and then we caught the tri-curious bug. Before we know it, we can’t imagine our life without it  and we start to invite others into the sport. 

That’s my story!  I first learned about the sport from my friend Leslie Tookes, and now I can’t imagine my life without Triathlon.  I am so grateful that Leslie Tookes and I  met so she could convince me to TRI! 

Leslie is a wife, mother, triathlete, and community engager!  She uses her lifestyle to introduce and engage people in sports.  Leslie is what we like to call a lighter,  She helps to ignite  passions and help steer them on  the path to health and fitness.  She was featured in Essence in 2009 in an article entitled, “Going The Distance” for being a working mother and triathlete.  She is truly phenomenal. 

This episode is very personal for me.  If I hadn’t taken a bite of the Tri pie, this podcast wouldn't exist. As we celebrate what we are thankful for this week,  I thought it would be fitting for me to express my gratitude to Leslie and give her verbal flowers while she can hear them.  

We all have a Leslie in our lives and I just want to encourage you to take a moment and thank them.  Whether it’s your family member,  friend, co-worker, or some strangers' social media feed that inspired you.   Say Thank you!  Our lives are better because of them! 

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal I hope this brings back memories of when you first tri’ed or helps you get prepared to Tri!  

I also want to say thank you for listening consistently to this podcast and for sharing your valuable feedback.  I couldn’t do this podcast without two wonderful women who believed in my vision and were willing to take a risk on me.  So they know who they are and would light me up in our group text if I mention them… but I want them to know how incredibly grateful I am of them!  This world is better because of  people like them and the reason you can hear this podcast!  

Okay already… we can save the mushies for the episode!   

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!!!

The Pointer Sisters got it right with the song, “I’m so excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!”  OHHHH YESSSSSSS!!! 

This podcast has had an explosive effect on me and I’m just bursting with gratitude every time I get to chat with a guest. And with this episode,  I’m not sure how I contained myself because I get to chat with four beginners who have four very distinct personalities and journeys!   They are the reason this podcast exists!!!  

Oh these stories will have you laughing and feeling inspired, as we chart the pre-race journey for 3 of our 4 guests. If you are thinking about taking the leap to tri, this episode will help you find the courage to make it happen.  

Allow me to introduce you to the Accidental Triathlete, Matthew LaPointe; The Avid Cyclist/Runner, Saadiq; The Pinterest Queen, Tisa Holley; and Mr. Zero to 70.3 Rob Mara! 

All I can say is put on your googles,  clip in , and let’s get ready to roll and run into this episode!   

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected] . 

The more you know the more you can grow.  So naturally, more knowledge builds your confidence.  Can I get an Amen!  I love that Brian Grasky’s philosophies are rooted in expert knowledge and long term education. 

Brian Grasky is a coach’s coach.  He is the ultimate athlete’s coach.  He is the 2020 USA Triathlon coach of the year. That tells you what you need to know about Brian,  He is the bomb.com! 

With over 20 years of coaching experience,  Brian is a certified level III USAT Coach where he assists the USAT Coaching education team with course certification for Level I and II coaches. 

Our Host, MichandaShines gets real with Brian.  This informative yet candid conversation is one that can support your tri journey now and into the future. . We learn how Brian was introduced to triathlon, we get some of his coaching secrets, learn more about him personally, and how he balances a military job with owning five businesses.  

You are in for a treat, so tune in and enjoy!  

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected] . 

Royalty is in the building for this episode.  Tri Royalty that is!  

Now, have you ever put your foot in your mouth and gotten stuck in a situation you couldn’t get out of? Well, that’s what happened to Yvonne Spencer when she expressed an interest in triathlon. She was held accountable to get it done - and get it done she did!! She has become an amazing triathlete, leader, and community organizer.

Yvonne Spencer  has been doing triathlons long before they were popular.  She is a leader in the triathlon world, forging a national community of amazing women who tri as the CEO and Founder of Fast Chix.

If that’s not enough, Yvonne is active duty military where she serves as a Colonel.  She’s also a coach and influencer.  What can’t you do Yvonne? 

She is the epitome  of a dedicated community leader.  She is helping to change the face of triathlon one fast chix at a time. She recognizes that community is a significant component of being a triathlete to increase longevity in and enjoyment of this sport. 

With their recent 501c3 status, let's help them continue to reach their goals.  Visit www.fastchix.org to find out more information and ways to give or email [email protected]. Also connect with them on social media: @withlipgloss  and @fastchix1_ . 

In this episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck, we have the pleasure of talking to Jason Bahamundi, triathlete, ultrarunner, and co-owner of RunTriMag - a magazine and website that helps those new to endurance sport. We find out what sparked Jason’s passion for beginners,  learn more about his magazine,  bike handling skills, how overtraining can lead to DNF’s and most importantly how finding your Tri Tribe can be a game changer. 

 Can you believe his friends tricked him into doing Triathlons?  

Jason is just as energetic as I am, so if you want to laugh while being informed this episode is for you. 

Be sure to visit runtrimag.com to subscribe to Jason’s magazine and follow on social media: @runtrimag. 

In this episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck we chat with the CEO of  USA Triathlon, Rocky Harris.  We learn about Rocky’s journey in sports from his passion for sport as an athlete and business person to his focus on ensuring sport has a positive impact on society. 

We learn how a tragic infection forces him to make a decision about his health and his future in sport. He chose to challenge himself and that was the start of Rocky’s love affair with Triathlon, over a decade ago.  He experienced yet   yet another health scare that studies have shown affect many triathletes today.  It’s important to know your body to a fault and FIGHT for your HEALTH. His story can help us all!

It doesn’t stop there.  We dig deeper to find out more about who Rocky is beyond being the CEO of USAT.  We dive into what USAT is and it’s importance for the triathlon community.  We discuss how members contribute and support the organization and the role that USAT and its members play in the Olympics.  

We have some juicy juice on an important update from USAT and what’s happening to the USAT one day fee.  Then we just let loose with some rapid fire questions, you sure don’t want to miss. It is mmmm. mmmmm GOODT, yes with T on the end! 

Finally, We practice what we preach at Tri Beginner’s luck.  We are Tri-ing!!!!  Literally and Figuratively!   You may hear some outdated information… but the content is still dope.  I mean,  we are beginners as well in the podcast space so be gentle with us!  Follow us on our Social Platforms, Subscribe on your favorite Podcast app, and please support what we are doing!  

Tri Beginner's Luck: A podcast where we explore  the sport of triathlon from a variety of perspectives to help beginner triathletes on their journey. Hosted by MichandaShines

Whenever you Tri Beginner’s Luck you always WIN!

#TriBeginnersLuck