Tri Beginner‘s Luck

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 mo...

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...

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, w...

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 lea...

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 ra...

Let’s meet  Zachary Josie, a passionate triathlete with disproportionate dwarfism who’s rewriting the limits of endurance sport. With humor, humility, and serious hustle, Zach shares his journey from a borrowed, ill-fitting bike to chasing a sub-10-hour finish at the legendary Challenge Roth in 2025.   Zach opens up about the equipment barriers he’s faced—and the innovative partnerships that helpe...

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...

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 i...

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...

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 M...

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 b...

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 care...

"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 triath...

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 n...

Imagine learning to swim from the legendary six-time Ironman World Champion, Dave Scott, in your twenties, only to let a fear of falling off a bike keep you from the world of triathlon for decades! That's exactly what happened to our incredible guest this week, Mary Hager. Living in Washington, DC, at the age of 60, Mary finally decided to tackle her fear and dive headfirst into the world of triat...

Prepare to be inspired by Michael Shipp's (Shipp)extraordinary journey on this episode of Tribe Beginner’s Luck. This veteran, coach, and community builder—the driving force behind Philly Track Jawn and Perfect Timing Multisport—reveals the raw, unfiltered story of his transformation.   Hear how Shipp went from resisting mandatory 5K runs during his military service to embracing the challenge of t...

What makes a triathlon team more than just a training group? In this episode, we sit down with Ed Zerkle, the chief steward of Team Z, to explore how he turned his passion for coaching into a thriving, inclusive triathlon community. Discover how Team Z transcends traditional training, prioritizing camaraderie and personal growth. Ed shares candid stories of overcoming challenges, both his own and...

A multifaceted woman whose life story weaves together the worlds of music, modeling, motherhood, and  triathlon, thats Latifah Lowery.  Witness her remarkable journey, sparked by a friend's invitation to the electrifying Ironman World Championships in Kona 2017. That single experience planted a seed, igniting a passion that would redefine her life. Despite qualifying for professional status within...

Can you imagine going from lifelong swimmer to a triathlon age-group winner in your very first race? Tune in as we sit down with Jillian Cantrell, a former competitive swimmer, who added shifting gears and running shoes to her repertoire and took the triathlon world by storm in her first year!   Jillian recounts her journey from joining the Capital YTri program in Washington D.C. to her first race...

This week we take a journey into the heart of the YWCA Women’s Triathlon in Minneapolis. Lisa and Camri Johnson, an aunt-niece duo have conquered this race since 2016 and have no plans of stopping anytime soon.  This candid conversation reveals the evolution of their triathlon experiences, from the nervous excitement of their first race to the challenges and triumphs of their most recent endeavor....

Susan Haag, a seasoned triathlete with over 130 Ironman finishes and 400 total triathlons since 1990, shared her incredible journey with Tri Beginner’s Luck. From a reluctant athlete in her youth to a powerhouse in endurance sports, Susan detailed the mental fortitude and perseverance required to excel. She recounted overcoming challenges like flat tires and alligator-infested swims, emphasizing t...

From high school record-breaker to Olympic hopeful, Ironman conqueror, and now, a community game-changer: Nnamnse's story is a whirlwind of achievement. From elite athlete to "Swim to Code" founder, his drive is relentless. Dive into his world: discover the training secrets behind his endurance feats and the mental grit that fuels both his races and his mission to empower underserved youth. Hear w...

No athletic background? No problem! This week, we talk with Tony Brown, Founder of the Black Triathletes Association (BTA), whose journey from a non-athlete to an Ironman finisher proves that belief and mindset are paramount. Tony shares his inspiring story and unique, time-based training philosophy that makes triathlon accessible to everyone. He also opens up about BTA's origins and evolution, em...

With the power of a friendship that spans over 30+ years,  you get several opportunities to share memories, life experiences, and encourage each other to Tri.   This week’s episode is fun, inspiring, and really gets back to basics as Michanda gets to have a conversation with her big sisters, Jen Price and Rashan Ali!   From their shared history with the Sporty Girls program, founded by Rashan Ali,...

You are never too old to Tri or set a World Record! This week, we have two remarkable athletes, Yolanda Holloway Stevens and McKenley Mason, who share their incredible journeys in the world of triathlons and endurance sports. From conquering Ironman races to mastering the Tokyo Marathon, these Guinness World Record holders reveal their strategies, challenges, and triumphs. They discuss the power o...