Tri Beginner‘s Luck

What happens when you’re ready to quit the sport you once loved? And what if the answer isn’t more training, but more community? Juan Pablo, known as "the People's Principal" in Plainfield, New Jersey, brings raw honesty to this conversation. He talks about the letter his family sent confronting him about buying bikes with rent money. He shares how cycling became his medicine after serving in the Navy and dealing with PTSD. And he explains the difference between a superhero and a villain in a way that will stop you in your tracks. This episode covers the cost of triathlon, the balance between sport and family, why most endurance athletes are processing trauma, and what it means to train so others don't have to suffer the way you did. Juan Pablo completed sprint triathlons, XTERRA races, and two half Ironmans before injuries and financial realities brought him back to cycling full time. Now he races criteriums, hosts a Memorial Day weekend race around his school, and works with Coach David Lipscomb's CIS Collective to rebuild his foundation from the ground up. Whether you're a beginner wondering if you can afford this sport or a veteran athlete struggling to find balance, this conversation will meet you where you are. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Join the Tri Beginner's Luck Community: Enjoyed this episode? The best way to support the show is to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Follow us on Instagram: @TriBeginnersLuck Connect on Facebook: Tri Beginner's Luck Page Questions or Feedback? We want to hear your story! Send your questions to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com, and we may feature them on a future episode. Let's tri this!

What does it look like to chase greatness without losing yourself along the way? How did Chelsea Sodaro win the Ironman World Championship just 18 months after giving birth?   In this episode, the triathlon world champion shares her powerful story of motherhood, mindset, and elite training, revealing what happens when choosing family first becomes the very thing that elevates you to the top of your sport. From early struggles with fear in open water to stepping away from competition at the height of her career, this conversation redefines what success can look like in endurance sports and reminds us that being a triathlon beginner at any stage requires courage, curiosity, and a willingness to start again.   Along the way, Chelsea opens up about what it really takes to grow in triathlon, from developing mental toughness in chaotic swim starts to embracing the long, quiet work behind every race. Her path is anything but linear, shaped by risk, reinvention, and the ongoing balance between ambition and personal values. Whether you are training for your first race or finding your footing in a new season of life, her story offers something to hold onto.   At its core, this conversation is about more than performance. It is about choosing what matters, staying grounded in your values, and trusting that the unseen work is shaping something greater. Wherever you are in your triathlon journey, this is your reminder that every time you try, you are already winning.   Join the Tri Beginner’s Luck Community: Enjoyed this episode? The best way to support the show is to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Follow us on Instagram: @TriBeginnersLuck Connect on Facebook: Tri Beginner’s Luck Page Questions or Feedback? We want to hear your story! Send your questions to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com, and we may feature them on a future episode. Let’s tri this!

What if the thing that scares you most is actually the doorway to your next chapter? And what if beginning again at 56 is exactly where your triathlon journey is meant to start?   In this episode, we meet Jini Thornton, a CPA, financial planner, and triathlon beginner who is redefining what it means to be an athlete in her 50s. As a founder who has helped over 500 women plan the transfer of more than $188 million in assets, she understands preparation and long-term thinking. But stepping into triathlon required something entirely different: courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to be new again.   Jini's journey began with community. Through Atlanta Tri Sisters, she found women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who were thriving in endurance sports. With their support, she faced one of her biggest fears: open water swimming. She slowly rewrote the story she had been telling herself. From pool-based races to sprint triathlons and now setting her sights on an Ironman 70.3 relay, her path proves that growth doesn't come from comfort.   This conversation is about mindset, legacy, and starting before you feel ready. It's about claiming the word "athlete," embracing discomfort, and allowing community to carry you when doubt creeps in. For any triathlon beginner wondering if it's too late or too hard, this story offers a different truth: You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. You just have to take the first step.   Join the Tri Beginner’s Luck Community: Enjoyed this episode? The best way to support the show is to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Follow us on Instagram: @TriBeginnersLuck Connect on Facebook: Tri Beginner’s Luck Page Questions or Feedback? We want to hear your story! Send your questions to tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com, and we may feature them on a future episode.   Let’s tri this!  

Listeners meet Bianca Fernandez-Clark, a seven-time Ironman finisher, co-founder of Women in Tri UK, and a tireless advocate for inclusion in endurance sport. What begins as a conversation about one woman’s journey into triathlon quickly becomes something bigger. This is a story about learning to swim at 29, navigating start lines as a Black Latino woman, and transforming isolation into impact for hundreds of women who deserve to feel seen in triathlon. Bianca did not grow up swimming or cycling. She entered the sport for her mental health and found herself in elite-focused spaces that did not always know what to do with a true beginner. Her first Ironman 70.3 was about making cutoffs rather than podiums. That experience as a beginner triathlete became the blueprint for change. After an unexpected opportunity to race at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, where she became the first Dominican athlete to compete, she realized that representation in triathlon matters more than most people understand. The visibility inspired others back home and clarified her mission moving forward. That mission evolved into Women in Tri UK, a thriving community of more than 700 members. What began as financial support for first-timers has grown into mentorship, research, advocacy, and race partnerships that are shifting the landscape for women in triathlon. From pushing for larger swim caps to advocating for pregnancy deferrals and more inclusive race policies, the work is practical and powerful. This episode reminds us that triathlon is not only about splits and transitions. It is fundamentally about belonging. If you have ever felt like the only one in the room or unsure of where you fit in the sport, this episode is for you. If you are a race director, coach, or teammate wondering how to build diversity and inclusion in triathlon, this conversation offers both heart and a blueprint. And if you are simply a beginner trying to figure it out one workout at a time, you will hear proof that your starting point can become someone else’s open door. Listen in, share with a training partner, and keep showing up. The sport grows stronger when more of us see ourselves at the start line. Let’s tri this !  Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

Triathlon has a way of meeting you exactly where you are and then asking you to grow. In this episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck, Tammy Dotson shares what it looked like to start triathlon after 40 with no swim experience and no idea what she was doing. Her first sprint swim took 47 minutes in frigid conditions, with Raynaud syndrome leaving her hands and feet numb throughout the race. What could have been a one-time attempt became the beginning of something bigger. She kept showing up, found community in groups like Trianimals and FastChix, progressed to the Olympic distance, and eventually qualified for the USA Triathlon National Championships, where she discovered just how powerful and supportive this sport can be.   Her journey to the 70.3 distance was not linear. A DNF at Ironman Gulf Coast after red-flag swim conditions could have ended her dream, but resilience carried her forward to finish Challenge Daytona. Along the way, she redefined success as arriving at the start line healthy and crossing the finish line strong. For Tammy, triathlon became less about podiums and more about discipline, consistency, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing hard things.   After a 2022 craniotomy for a brain tumor, wellness became nonnegotiable. Nutrition, recovery, and holistic care are now the foundation of her training and her life. Out of that season came her SHINE philosophy, Spread Hope, Inspiration, and Encouragement, and a commitment to help others believe it is never too late to begin. This conversation is a reminder that triathlon is not reserved for the fearless. It is built by people willing to start, even when the water feels cold and the path feels uncertain.   Let’s tri this!    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

Happy Holidays! The final episode of the season brings Tri Beginner’s Luck full circle with a conversation that is as grounding as it is inspiring. Mark Allen, six-time Ironman World Champion, coach, and lifelong student of the sport, joins the show for a story that reminds us why beginners matter and why mindset always wins. What unfolds is not just a highlight reel of victories, but a deeply human journey that began with fear in the water and curiosity sparked by watching Ironman on television.   Mark reflects on his earliest days in triathlon, when swimming felt familiar but the bike and run introduced uncertainty, discomfort, and growth. He shares how persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn carried him from beginner status to the professional ranks, emphasizing that fulfillment in triathlon is not reserved for the fastest athletes, but for those committed to discovering what they are capable of becoming.   The conversation dives into the power of mindset and learning, including lessons from Mark’s first races and his ability to manage negative thoughts mid-competition. He speaks candidly about how every race, whether successful or disappointing, offers valuable feedback. With the season’s reset theme as a backdrop, this episode encourages reflection, recalibration, and intentional goal-setting, whether the focus is racing fast, staying consistent, or simply continuing to show up.   Mark also revisits his legendary Kona journey, sharing stories of near-misses, mechanical setbacks, and years of frustration before finally claiming the Ironman World Championship title. His breakthrough came not from chasing comparison, but from embracing authenticity and racing as himself. That shift led to a historic performance and serves as a powerful reminder that progress often follows alignment rather than pressure.   As the conversation closes, Mark shares his evolution from athlete to coach and advocate, highlighting the importance of curiosity, balance, and consistency over time. He discusses the continued growth of the Limitless program, a free initiative designed to welcome more women into triathlon by removing barriers and building community. With plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact, his commitment to the grassroots of the sport reflects a legacy rooted in service, access, and long-term influence.   This season finale invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and begin again with intention. Whether you are brand new, starting over, or redefining your relationship with the sport, this episode offers perspective, wisdom, and a renewed belief that there is meaning to be found in every mile.   Let’s tri this and we will see you in the new year!    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

This episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck invites listeners into a vibrant and deeply personal conversation with Pastor Mark Batterson, lead visionary of National Community Church and New York Times bestselling author. His journey from college basketball player to spiritual leader reveals a life shaped by courage, consistency, and the willingness to try again and again. With warmth and humility, Pastor Mark shares how endurance sports became a classroom for his soul, teaching him discipline through marathon miles, perseverance through ocean waves, and the quiet resilience that grows when no one is watching.   From running the Chicago Marathon with lungs that once held him back to taking on triathlons alongside his teenage son, Pastor Mark reflects on how movement has become both a metaphor and a mentor. He describes how training helped him push past self-doubt, lean into long-term goals, and understand the deep truth behind his current book, “Gradually Then Suddenly.” Progress rarely shows up as a single moment. It builds slowly, faithfully, almost silently, until the breakthrough appears.   Pastor Mark explores the power of relationships, the joy of shared miles, and the unexpected strength that emerges when you stay committed to the process. He shares openly about leadership, creativity, writing, family, and the spiritual confidence that grows when you embrace the work no one sees. It is a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and a true celebration of what it means to live life with intention, gratitude, and heart.   Whether you are training for your first triathlon or stepping into a new season of life, this episode will encourage you to trust your pace, honor your progress, and remember that every meaningful journey starts with one small, courageous yes.   Let’s Tri This!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

There are some conversations that feel like a good long exhale, where passion meets purpose, and the joy of movement reminds you why you fell in love with this endurance world in the first place. This episode with Adam Bratton, Founder and Chief Enabler of Human Powered Movement, is exactly that. What unfolds is a lighthearted, motivating, and deeply human conversation about creating space for movement, curiosity, and community at every level of the journey.   Adam shares how his path from competitive athlete to personal trainer to race director shaped the mission behind Human Powered Movement. What started as a COVID-era experiment to encourage people to get moving has evolved into a diverse mix of adventure races, virtual triathlons, endurance challenges, and events designed to support both physical and mental well-being. Whether it is streaking through the holidays, trying your first off-road triathlon, or tackling a creative virtual challenge, the heartbeat of HPM stays the same: movement belongs to everyone.   This episode is packed with beginner-friendly wisdom as Adam talks about learning through trial, error, and curiosity. He opens up about directing large-scale events, building community through authentic engagement, and balancing big dreams with sustainable business decisions. Adam also reflects on the beauty of choosing your own path, trying nontraditional races, and staying true to what inspires you, even when it looks different from everyone else’s timeline.   In true Tri Beginner’s Luck fashion, there is plenty of laughter, inspiration, and permission to be a beginner again. If you need encouragement to try something new, return to movement, or give yourself grace along the way, this conversation will feel like a warm invitation to begin.   Let’s Tri This   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

When Lia Belardo moved from New York to Philadelphia in 2009, she could barely run a mile and was navigating endometriosis and PCOS while working a stressful finance job. Today, she has completed seven Ironmans, 20 half Ironmans, 25 marathons, 10 ultramarathons, and has built community everywhere she goes, from Philly run crews to a Meatless Monday vegan run club. In this episode, Lia unpacks how a “longest mile” with her dog, a cheap entry-level bike, and a late-night learn-to-swim class at a women’s tri club turned her into the kind of athlete who signs up for a 70.3 in a taxi, then figures the rest out.   In this conversation, Lia shares the ups, downs, and surprises of building a triathlon life from scratch, including learning to swim in adulthood, navigating early race day nerves, and embracing her identity as a proud Athena athlete. She offers real talk about doing triathlon on a budget, from janky bikes to late-night pool sessions to buying only what you truly need. Together, she and Michanda explore the importance of community support, the power of inclusivity in the Athena category, and the freedom that comes when athletes stop trying to “look the part” and simply show up as themselves.   Lia also reflects on the beautiful and sometimes messy growth that happens when you follow curiosity, honor your body, and trust the journey more than the results. She shares her dream of connecting with new communities in Utah, her heart for donating medals to children with cancer, and her hope for a sport where every athlete sees themselves reflected on the start line. This is a joyful and encouraging episode for anyone who has ever wondered if they belong in triathlon. You do. And Lia’s story proves you already have enough to begin.   Let’s Tri This   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

What were you doing a few weeks after your 18th birthday? For Jaharie Osborne, the answer is… completing a full Ironman!  Dared by friends and fueled by curiosity, Jaharie jumped headfirst—literally—into one of the toughest endurance challenges on earth. No fancy gear. No years of structured training. Just raw determination, youthful energy, and a whole lot of beginner’s luck.   In this episode, we dive into Jaharie’s incredible journey from high school student to Ironman finisher, exploring how a simple dare turned into a defining life experience. From swimming 12 miles in Lake Tahoe to tackling the Ironman California with regular sneakers and a rental bike, Jaharie’s story is the ultimate reminder that sometimes the boldest step you can take is the first one.   You’ll hear about his moments of doubt, his encounters with strangers who became race-day motivators, and how the spirit of community, from family support to the Fresno Black Chamber of Commerce,  carried him across the finish line. Plus, you’ll learn how Jaharie used ChatGPT (yes, really!) to build his own training plan, and how his Ironman experience is shaping his next big goal: becoming a Navy SEAL.   This episode is a celebration of grit, heart, and the power of saying “why not?” Whether you’re training for your first triathlon or just need a push to start something new, Jaharie’s story will inspire you to dare bigger and believe deeper.   Let’s Tri This Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

Tri Beginner's Luck is officially back, and we're kicking off the new season with an absolute must-listen: Ed Chang, COO and co-founder of performance gear brand, Varlo!   This  conversation is about massive career shifts, unexpected race-day challenges, and the true meaning of community in endurance sports.   Imagine leaving the high-stress world of being a high-powered litigation attorney to lead a start-up sports apparel brand. Ed shares his candid experience and the moment he realized his career needed to align with his passion. How did his early involvement with triathlons and nonprofits directly lead to co-founding Varlo, a brand built on empowering athletes?   Ed's triathlon journey is as real as it gets. He recounts a disappointing DNF in his first sprint race and later battling severe open water swim panic attacks. But he didn't quit. Instead, he developed a radical, on-the-spot technique to regain control in the dark water. What did he have to do to stay calm and keep going? Tune in for this remarkable moment of mental fortitude.   Beyond his personal races, Ed’s mission is about building safe spaces for all athletes. Learn how his work as Board Chair of the Rails to Trails Conservancy transforms old railways into safe, flat surfaces for everyone to train on. Plus, Ed drops some critical, beginner-focused wisdom every triathlete needs.   This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a compelling look at how your passion for sport can define your life's purpose.   Press play and join us,  your next breakthrough might just be one listen away.   Let’s Tri this!

How cool is it to seemingly come out of the womb living the triathlon life? Well, for Logan Cunningham, her triathlon roots run deep, tracing back to her grandfather and father. This remarkable athlete's journey in multisport spans over 15 years, exploring the dedication, family legacy, and leadership that define her extraordinary career.   At just 13, Logan completed her first Olympic-distance race, setting the stage for a lifetime of athletic pursuits. She shares candid insights into growing up immersed in the sport, competing alongside future Olympian Taylor Knibb, and the pivotal role her supportive parents played in her development. We delve into her collegiate experience at UC Santa Barbara, where she thrived in a highly competitive club triathlon program, balancing rigorous training with academic life.   But Logan's journey isn’t just about personal athleticism—it’s about community, leadership, and growth. In this episode, Logan opens up about organizing Amazon’s corporate cycling team for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic, growing it from 20 riders to 90 in just three years, and winning the corporate challenge while creating space for others to discover their potential through sport. Her leadership not only built camaraderie but also demonstrated the power of sport in the workplace and the importance of inclusive opportunities. Additionally, you will hear about the unexpected pivot to boxing and why she’s stepping into the ring for a cancer research fundraiser this September.   Throughout the conversation, Logan reflects on the deeper themes of resilience, purpose, and giving back. She discusses what it means to stay in a sport long-term, especially when balancing a full-time career, and how personal growth often happens not just through medals but through pivots, pauses, and reinventions. Whether you’re new to triathlon, considering a comeback, or curious about how people blend sport with their everyday lives, Logan’s journey is a reminder that endurance isn’t just physical—it’s personal, communal, and ever-evolving.   So,Let’s Tri this! Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

This week, in a special Father's Day edition, we're celebrating all the dads out there with an inspiring conversation! Imagine going from having no idea what a triathlon was in 2019 to becoming a fierce competitor, completing over 20 full and half Ironman races since 2021. That's the incredible journey of Ramsey Sybel, a dedicated triathlete, single father, bike fitter, and coach.   Ramsey shares his remarkable story, beginning with learning to swim as an adult. He dives into how he balances demanding training schedules with raising two young boys, and even coaches his children in youth triathlons. From those first strokes in the pool to qualifying for world championships, Ramsey reveals the transformative power of triathlon—both as an athlete and a parent.   He opens up about his rapid progression in the sport and his evolution as an athlete, shifting from rigid, metric-based goals to embracing his current fitness level and finding joy in longer distances. Ramsey also discusses how he became a certified bike fitter through his company, Triform, www.tri4orm.com.   This episode showcases the powerful bond between a father and his children, and it's a true testament to perseverance and passion!   So,Let’s Tri this! Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

Let's meet Bryan Frank, a prominent figure in the DC triathlon community, who's dedicated his time to making the sport a more welcoming space for everyone.   Bryan gets real about his journey, which began in 2008 thanks to a friend's invitation to a new triathlete training meeting. This led him to his first triathlon, a race he bravely tackled on a mountain bike. That surprising 3rd-place finish in the novice division ignited a passion not just for the sport, but for competing more seriously.   For the past decade, Bryan has also been at the helm of the DC Tri Club Elite Team. Despite their competitive nature, he emphasizes that the team's goal is to be approachable and helpful to all athletes, dispelling any notion of elitism.   Bryan is a passionate advocate for normalizing LGBTQ+ visibility in the sport and how creating specific spaces helps build broader acceptance. In 2011/2012, he co-founded "TriOUT," a visible and supportive community for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies.   At his core, Bryan puts inclusivity first, continually leading the way to help others find their place in the sport. As Bryan himself wisely puts it: "Start with what you have. Make space for yourself. And never underestimate the power of showing up." This episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips for every athlete.   So,Let’s Tri this! Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com. 

Get ready for an electrifying conversation with Colleen Bartling, a powerhouse triathlete, devoted mom, supportive wife, and sharp business executive who’s also the driving force behind Team Varlo’s astounding growth.   Colleen opens up about how she forged incredible strength and resilience while masterfully balancing her family, a high-powered career, and the rigorous demands of triathlon. From conquering her first Ironman at just 24, to defying odds and bouncing back from a serious back injury without surgery, Colleen’s story is a testament to how unwavering passion and sheer determination can propel any athlete through the toughest challenges. Her recent, powerful shift from chasing a coveted Kona slot to simply embracing the pure joy of race day offers a game-changing mindset for athletes at every level.   As the dynamic director of Team Varlo, Colleen has spearheaded the team's explosion from a mere 100 to over 600 athletes, cultivating a vibrant culture deeply rooted in support, belonging, and the powerful mission of going “further together.” She also pulls back the curtain on the nitty-gritty of her training logistics, favorite gear, unforgettable racing memories, and precisely how being part of a strong community fuels long-term success.   Whether you're a seasoned triathlete pushing your limits or just dipping your toes into the sport, this episode delivers raw motivation, unfiltered real talk, and a powerful reminder that with the right mindset—and the right people by your side—you truly can do it all. Colleen's journey is guaranteed to ignite your  inspiration.   So,Let’s Tri this!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.  

Have you ever considered running, walking, or even "wogging" a 5K every day for a whole month just for the fun of it? For Adventuretime Adam, that's just another way to celebrate! To kick off his birthday month with a focus on movement and mindfulness, Adam started the "5K for May Days" challenge.   His journey into endurance sports began with a chance encounter in a park in 2020 after moving to Maryland. This sparked a passion that quickly evolved from sprint races to the remarkable achievement of completing Ironman Texas in 2024—with mere minutes to spare! Adam's growth was fueled by curiosity, community, and unwavering faith.   In this episode, Adam openly discusses his initial struggles with swimming, including a memorable mid-race moment where he had to flip onto his back. He shares how tri-swim classes transformed his technique, making swimming his favorite discipline. He also highlights the crucial role of the Mid-Maryland Triathlon Club and Rip It Events in shaping his experience as both an athlete and an ambassador.   This conversation goes beyond race-day statistics, delving into the true essence of the sport. It's a powerful reminder that triathlon is more than just crossing a finish line; it's a journey of connection, calling, and courage.   So,Let’s Tri this!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

A seasoned triathlete, the tireless volunteer director for Kinetic Multisports, a mother of five, and truly the heart of their vibrant community, meet Janie Langford. Over the past two decades, Jane has immersed herself in the world of triathlons, dedicating an astounding 19 years to the crucial work of volunteer coordination. Hear her remarkable evolution from conquering finish lines herself to becoming the unsung hero behind countless others, offering a unique perspective on how these incredible events are built through the passion and dedication of volunteers.   Jane pulls back the curtain on the demanding yet rewarding world of race organization, vividly sharing the challenges of her own first half-Ironman and the invaluable lessons learned that now guide her work in bringing seamless events to life.   Prepare to be inspired by Jane's reflections on the profound power of community, the simple yet significant act of showing up, and the incredible impact of long-term commitment. From the inspiring stories of ROTC students who consistently lend a hand to the unwavering support of her beloved 90-year-old mother, Ms. Marylin – affectionately known as the “Mayor” of their multisport family – you'll witness the threads that bind this world together.   This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the often-unseen individuals who make race day a reality, and a powerful reminder that the spirit of giving back is the very engine that drives the endurance world.   So,Let’s Tri this!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.    

Meet Ann Wessling: the energizer, the trailblazer, the swim cap skirt-wearing superstar with a mic and a message you won't want to miss! Get ready for an electrifying, deep, yet joyful conversation about the journey behind the voice. From her early days hosting a triathlon news show to bringing the party to the Tri-Rock series, Ann shares how storytelling, music, and community have fueled her career and inspired countless athletes. Michanda shares how Ann’s unforgettable energy at her very first triathlon in Philadelphia sparked her own journey to the mic—a full-circle moment marked by the now-signature anthem, “Good to Be Alive” by Andy Grammer. Ann opens up about her own triathlon experiences, including completing a 140.6 distance race and learning resilience through challenges—like an unexpected wetsuit malfunction mid-swim! Together, they explore how the sport has evolved, and how music, authenticity, and empathy help create unforgettable race experiences. These personal insights fuel their understanding of the athlete experience and the power of an encouraging voice. But this episode goes beyond race logistics—it’s about human connection. Ann shares heartfelt stories that highlight the announcer’s unique ability to uplift athletes, especially beginners. From supporting a family in need to simply saying the right name at the right time, her voice brings encouragement and inspiration when it matters most. Tune in for laughs, stories, and a celebration of how announcing is more than calling out finishers—it’s about making every athlete feel seen, celebrated, and part of something bigger. So,Let’s Tri this! Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.    

"Crash your bike. Break your body. Undergo surgery. Have a bad race. DNF. Get sick. Burn out. Miss the mark—over and over again. And still… You show up. You try again. And again. And again.” - Kate Donohue.   This powerful quote encapsulates the unwavering spirit of our guest, Kate Donohue, whose triathlon journey is a testament to resilience and the power of showing up. Kate's journey into triathlon, beginning in 2022, is a powerful illustration of what can be achieved through consistent effort and a belief in the long-term process. Despite facing setbacks, including a bike crash and a DNF, Kate's dedication propelled her to a remarkable victory at Eagleman 70.3, where she broke the tape!   In this episode, Kate shares invaluable insights into the critical role of mental toughness in overcoming challenges and the strength she draws from her community. We also explore her intriguing decision to incorporate crit racing as a "side quest," uncovering how this high-intensity discipline complements and enhances her endurance-focused triathlon training.   Join us as Kate shares her inspiring story and practical wisdom, reminding us that the path to success in endurance sports – and life – often involves showing up, again and again, with unwavering determination.   So,Let’s Tri this!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

Discover the heart of the triathlon community through Melissa and Shane's journey. Their story shines a light on the often-unsung heroes – the volunteers who are the backbone of every race – and the ongoing movement towards greater inclusivity in a sport where body image stereotypes can unfortunately persist. Shane openly reflects on his initial misjudgment that underscores the need to challenge narrow perceptions of who belongs in triathlon. Melissa shares her personal experiences navigating these expectations, reinforcing the welcoming reality that athletes of all shapes and sizes thrive within the vibrant age-group community.   Beyond their individual paths, Melissa and Shane beautifully illustrate the power of giving back through volunteering. This episode highlights the demanding yet deeply rewarding nature of volunteering and its essential role in fostering a strong and supportive community.   Join us as Melissa and Shane also touch upon the personal challenges of embracing the multisport lifestyle, from maintaining motivation to overcoming physical and mental hurdles. They share their preferences and the profound ways in which triathlon has enriched their lives. This episode is a celebration of the human connection at the core of triathlon, challenging assumptions and highlighting the personal growth that blossoms within an inclusive and supportive community.   So,Let’s Tri this!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.