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We exist because we want you to Tri! We talk with coaches, professional athletes, beginner athletes, race and event directors and announcers, triathlon media, and other industry leaders who share their beginner stories, and what it takes to be successful in this sport - and life. We know and believe that we connect and grow when we share common experiences and recognize we aren’t on the struggle bus alone. Triathlon is a lifestyle, and we are here to help you tri until you die! While we are here for beginners, we believe you should always come to the sport with a beginner’s mindset. This will help athletes of all abilities and experiences so we can learn, grow, and constantly get better. Tri Beginner’s Luck is the podcast and community you need to start and continue your love affair with the Triathlon lifestyle! . Everyone wants to try their luck, and WIN and it’s possible when you TRI!
Episodes

Friday Dec 31, 2021
The Journey To Michanda’s First Ironman
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
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

Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
We are Triathletes: Race Report with Tisa Holley, Matthew Lapointe, and Saadiq Stewart
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
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.

Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
We Tri Talking Sports with Joanne Murphy, Ironman Announcer
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
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.

Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
The Kinetic Force behind Kinetic Multisports: Greg Hawkins
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
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.

Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
There are No Limits with Lindsay Leigh, Triathlon and Nutrition Coach
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
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.

Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Dare to Dream with Sika Henry, The First African-American Professional Triathlete
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
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!
Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.

Friday Nov 26, 2021
Friday Nov 26, 2021
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!
Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com .

Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Because of you, I can Tri with Leslie Tookes
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
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!!!
Follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. And send any questions or feedback you have to imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com.

Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
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 imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com .

Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Knowledge Builds Confidence with Brian Grasky, USAT 2020 Coach of the Year
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
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 imreadyto@tribeginnersluck.com .