Tri Beginner‘s Luck

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 coun...

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.

"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. Kat...

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...

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 triathlon. Fast forward to her 70s, and ...

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 triathlons, finding solace and stren...

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 those of the athletes he guides, hi...

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 just two years of launching her tr...

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 and first podium finish. Despite h...

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. They emphasize the unique camarade...

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 the transformative powe...

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 wild cycling tales and learn how he ...

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, emphasizing the community's power in ...

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, which opened doors to sports like ...

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 of the run-walk method, the mental d...

We're back! Time flies when you're having fun, and after a short break, we're recharged and ready to dive into a new season of inspiration and connection.

This season, we're going back to basics. Before we Tri'ed, we swam, biked, or ran – maybe you're a seasoned athlete, maybe you just woke up one day and decided to tri, or maybe you're new to the sport and exploring what it means to tri. However you found your way to endurance spo...

Happy Holidays everyone! We're wrapping up 2024 with a special episode that's less of an interview and more of an intimate conversation. Join Michanda and Noel Mulkey as they dive deep into life, triathlon, and the complexities of social media.

Noel opens up about his incredible journey from overcoming heroin addiction at just 20 years old to becoming a triathlon sensation and Ironman World Championship competitor. Discover how the...

This episode takes us into the world of triathlon through the unique lens of sisterhood. Layla Doman, a late-blooming triathlete who conquered her first triathlon at 44, shares her inspiring journey from learning to swim just nine years ago to crossing her first Ironman finish line this year. Her sister, Libya, provides a captivating counterpoint, revealing the often-overlooked perspective of the supporter. Libya's experience as a ...

The Tribe Within the Tribe: Building Community in Triathlon with Ray Lake and Zan Larsen

Ever wonder how elite athletes stay motivated, overcome setbacks, and achieve long-term success? This week, we have Ray Lake and Zan Larsen, accomplished triathletes and members of Team USA. Hear their incredible journeys—from unique first races to representing their country on the world stage!

Ray and Zan share their secrets to thriving in t...