Tri Beginner‘s Luck

TBL welcomes Joshua Banks to the podcast to share his inspiring journey of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity through triathlon. From building a bike in his daughter's memory to qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, Joshua's tale is about courage, community, and the power of pursuing your passions in the face of hardship.  Tune in to discover how Joshua found solac...

It's getting hot here; Haley Chura must be in this episode! Haley had a great start to the year by participating in the RunDisney Dopey Challenge, where she won three out of four races and set a personal record in the marathon, bringing the heat. Later, she was given an incredible opportunity to be a wild card entry in the inaugural race of the T100 series, held in Miami. She's definitely on fire!...

Sisters. Champions. Hall of Famers. Karen and Donna Smyers have made triathlon history again and again, and we are excited to welcome them to TBL!     Karen Smyers, a professional triathlete for 26 years, has won the Ironman World Championship four times, as well as several other championship titles, including ITU, National Pro Champ, and Pan American Championships. Donna Smyers, currently the Sup...

At TBL, we are all about the first-time finish line! And this week, we talk with beginner  Kelly Ransier, who is ready to share her remarkable journey from being a novice in running and cycling to becoming a successful triathlete. Her story comes from Charleston, where she first stepped into the world of triathlons with her aunt by her side.   Community has been vital for Kelly, who found the Powe...

Get ready for a journey filled with passion, unique experiences, and valuable lessons as we introduce you to the incredible athletes of the Delaware State University (DSU) tri team.    Led by the unstoppable Coach Hannah Loftus Paoli, a triathlete extraordinaire and head coach for two years, the DSU Tri Team is a force to be reckoned with. Team Captain Ashley Stanley and Team Member Ava Larkin are...

In this episode, Michanda kicks off  Women's History Month with an exceptional guest, Kebby Holden, the founder of Coeur Sports. Coeur, which means heart in French, perfectly encapsulates Kebby's journey - a journey fueled by courage and a commitment to redefine the triathlon experience for women.  Kebby, a competitive athlete who qualified to go pro, decided to stay an age-group athlete. Struggli...

Dive into something special with Tri Beginner's Luck!  Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newbie, we're all about embracing those unforgettable first-time moments. In this bonus episode, join Michanda as she chats with her Sorority Sister, Attayah Ali Milton, who recently conquered her first triathlon!  After facing the challenges of the pandemic, Attayah was determined to reclaim her fitness...

In this episode, Michanda connects with a father-daughter duo, Clement and Jamila Allen, who hails from Augusta, GA. Michanda finds common ground with her guests, especially since Clement teaches at her alma mater, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). As they share their stories, it becomes clear that their triathlon journey is not just a physical pursuit but a testament to resil...

Dive into a legacy of impact with Jordan Hunter and Legacy Aquatics! As a USA Triathlon Level 1 coach and Navy veteran battling PTSD, Jordan's journey led him to create something truly remarkable. Legacy Aquatics isn't just a swim program; it's a haven where people conquer fears and embrace life skills, both in pools and open water. In just one year, Jordan has touched the lives of over 200 indivi...

Celebrating this monumental 100th episode of Tri Beginner's Luck with a remarkable guest, Latoya Shauntay Snell, the Founder/CEO of Running Fat Chef. In this special episode, she shares her incredible journey as a sponsored multi-sport endurance athlete (HOKA Global Athlete Ambassador), mental health, and body inclusivity.  Notably recognized by The Root 100 as one of the most influential African...

Herstory: The Sensational Six part two is here! We continue to lean into the remarkable journeys of Akila O’Grady, Annette Melecio, Jamie Dismuke, Nicole Harris, Tiencia James, and Zsa Zsa Porter as they share their experiences at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.   Don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter , Instagram , an...

Welcome to Season 4 and Happy Black History Month!!!    Dive into our celebration of extraordinary achievement with the latest Tri Beginners Luck Podcast!  This week, we honor six remarkable women of color who etched their names in history by participating in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Their achievements come during a transformative time for women in triathlon.   In this spec...

We've made it to the last Wednesday of 2023, and we're grateful for your continued support on this journey. As we reflect on the past year, one valuable lesson stands out—there's always an opportunity to Tri Beginner's Luck.    In this week's episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Taylor Knibb, a phenomenal triathlete who has consistently wowed audiences with her awe-inspiring performances...

In this week's episode, we wrap up our exploration of triathlon teams and clubs by learning more about the unexpected friendships that pop up when we tri. Our exploration of camaraderie and community reveals the magical elements that inspire us to push our limits continually. Unveiling the notion that embracing triathlon with friends is not just beneficial but one of the most rewarding ways to eng...

In this episode of the Tri Beginner's Luck podcast, we delve into the magic of camaraderie and community, focusing on friendships as part of the tri experience.  We discover why embracing triathlons with friends isn't just a good idea—it's the best way to engage in the sport. After all, you’ll have built-in accountability partners. This week, we talked with a group that elevates the tri challenge...

We continue to delve into the dynamic duo of camaraderie and community, extending beyond traditional teams to the realm of couples. Discover why embracing triathlons with your significant other isn't just a good idea—it might be the best way to engage in the sport. Trainer dates, anyone?    Our featured couple, Jason Hergergh and Sarah Karpinski, epitomizes the spirit of a dynamic triathlon partne...

In this episode of the Tri Beginner's Luck podcast, we delve into the magic of camaraderie and community, with a focus on friendships as part of the tri experience.  We discover why embracing triathlons with friends isn't just a good idea—it's the best way to engage in the sport. After all, you’ll have built-in accountability partners.    Join McKenna Welshans, the triathlon whisperer, as she enco...

Teamwork is at the heart of success.  The camaraderie and community create magic and inspire us to keep pushing our limits. Over the next few weeks, we will talk with various teams and clubs to showcase the incredible power of community across different contexts.   Today we dive into the dynamic world of Team Zoot, the largest apparel-branded triathlon community in the nation. Boasting over three...

Teamwork is at the heart of success.  The camaraderie and community create magic and inspire us to keep pushing our limits. Over the next few weeks, we will talk with various teams and clubs to showcase the incredible power of community across different contexts.   Fast Chix isn't just a team; it's a movement that's rapidly gaining momentum! With a remarkable community of over 600 women, Fast Chix...

Teamwork is at the heart of success.  The camaraderie and community create magic and inspire us to keep pushing our limits. Over the next few weeks, we will talk with various teams and clubs to showcase the incredible power of community across different contexts.   Built on Passion and Performance the LA Tri Club delivers experiences that change their members’ lives. They are fueled by excitement...

Teamwork is at the heart of success.  The camaraderie and community create magic and inspire us to keep pushing our limits. Over the next few weeks, we will talk with various teams and clubs to showcase the incredible power of community across different contexts.   Up this week is the No Limits Endurance Coaching Team (NLE).  The NLE team is a coached team. What that means is everyone has access t...

Teamwork is at the heart of success.  The camaraderie and community create magic and inspire us to keep pushing our limits. Over the next few weeks, we will talk with various teams and clubs to showcase the incredible power of community across different contexts.   This week, we dive deep into the world of teamwork and community with the G.R.I.T USA Team. G.R.I.T stands for "Grinding Relentlessly...

Every triathlete has a story.   We set out on a journey that takes us to many places. We may have different reasons for why we push our limits, but we all understand what it means. We desire, at Tri Beginner’s Luck, to uncover it all and share the stories and the why behind the tri-ing.    This week, we interview Bie Aweh, who won the Fund Her Tri x TBL contest by participating in the Women’s Phil...

We introduce Gabriela Gallegos to you in this episode. She is a remarkable problem-solver dedicated to promoting healthy, active lifestyles in the El Paso area. As an attorney and Associate Professor at UT Health Houston School of Public Health, Gabriela has channeled her passion for triathlons into a transformative journey. Her story began in 2006 when she raced her first triathlon, and this pivo...

  Get ready for an inspiring episode of the Tri Beginner's Luck Podcast, featuring the remarkable journey of Jason West, a true embodiment of "Beginner's Luck." Starting at just 16 years old on the local triathlon circuit, Jason's trajectory has taken him from the ITU championships to 70.3 World Championship. He honed his skills at Penn State while earning his B.S. in Kinesiology and then made the...