Tri Beginner‘s Luck

Taking it to the MAX with Max Fennel

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Let’s Tri this! 

Challenge Accepted with Lloyd Henry

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Let’s Tri this!

The First to Tri with Khadijah Diggs, Founder of DISK

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Let’s Tri this! 

 

It’s a Tri Family Affair with The Fenty’s

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Let’s Tri this! 

Training With The Best: Dirk Friel, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist Officer at TrainingPeaks

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Let’s Tri this! 

 

The Journey To Michanda’s First Ironman

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  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

Happiest of Holidays, 

Tri Beginner’s Luck Team 

 

We are Triathletes: Race Report with Tisa Holley, Matthew Lapointe, and Saadiq Stewart

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 

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

We Tri Talking Sports with Joanne Murphy, Ironman Announcer

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! 

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com. 

The Kinetic Force behind Kinetic Multisports: Greg Hawkins

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 

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.  

 

There are No Limits with Lindsay Leigh, Triathlon and Nutrition Coach

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)!  

Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.