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 Adam Folts
Hometown: New Paltz, Ny
Number of years racing: 8
Favorite Race: PF Changs Marathon
Favorite Post Race Food: Frozen Yogurt
#iTRI because... It keeps me sane
 Alex Manessis
Hometown: Marin California
Years Racing: 14
Favorite Race: Santa Barbara Long Course
Favorite Post Race Food: "Not picky about food. I'll eat anything!"
#iTRI because it is a great way to stay in shape
 April Marshke
Name: April Marshke
Hometown: Hartland, MI
Number of Years Racing: 2 years
Favorite Race: Silverman 70.3
Favorite Post Race Food: Cookie Dough Blizzard from DQ
#iTri because I love the competition and the challenge of pushing myself harder than I knew possible.
 Brian (Fresh 'n Loose) Folts
Hometown: New Paltz, NY
Years Racing: 7
Favorite Race: Bartlett Lake Triathlon
Favorite Post Race Food: Hansen's Diet Original Cola
#iTRI because racing runners is alright, but they are too skinny, racing swimmers is alright, but they are too cocky, racing cyclists is alright, but they are too much of gear heads. Triathlon is the best test of who is the best athlete.
 Christina Catalano
Hometown: York, PA
Years Racing: 14 years of marathons and 8 years of triathlon
Favorite Race: Pemberton 50k Trail Run
Favorite Post Race Food: Angry Burger - Burger King
#iTRI because I love the energy of the sport and athletes. The training is what I really love, the actual events just hold me a little more accountable. Supporting each other and watching the beginners grow and achieve, is such a great feeling and extremely rewarding.
 Dan Beaver
Hometown: Springfield, OH (Go Buckeye's!)
Years Racing: Marathons for 13 years and Triathlon for 5 years
Favorite Race: Ironman Hawaii and a tie between the Boston Marathon and the Chicago Marathon
Favorite Post Race Food: French Fries
#iTRI because it is a way to keep my addictive personality leading to a positive and healthy life.
 Dwight Lundell
Hometown: Thatcher, AZ
Years Racing: 4
Favorite Race: Ironman Arizona
#iTRI for all the encouragement, friendship and training. Very proud to be a part of a great group, and to be part of the TriScottsdale team at Kona again this year.
 George Esahak-Gage
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Years Racing: 28years
Favorite Race: Hawaii Ironman
Favorite Post Race Food: S'mores PopTarts
#iTRI to raise funds for the Gage Safer Streets Foundation which is dedicated to educating both motorists and non-motorists about "sharing the road" safely.
 Lauren Taksa
Hometown: Mount Shasta, CA
Years Racing: 2
Favorite Race: Sprint Worlds in Budapest Hungary
Favorite Post Race Food: Chipotle Burrito Bowl with Guacamole
#iTRI because the pain is temporary but the sense of accomplishment goes on and on.
 Lewis Elliot
I'm a 27 year old Professional Triathlete from Billings, Montana currently residing in Scottsdale, Arizona. My father Bill, an avid marathoner, encouraged me to start running and cycling as a way to spend time together. I've competed for the US National Cycling Team for many years and discovered great success with the sport of triathlon.
I consider being a Professional Athlete a dream come true. I'm the middle of three boys, and I credit my brothers Porter and Blair for giving me my competitive spirit at a very young age.
In 2006, I won the SOMA Half-Ironman with a bike course record and a personal best time of 3 hours and 58 minutes. The only past winners of this race (Chris Mccormack, Chris Legh, and Tim Deboom) are among the most famous and successful triathletes ever to compete.
2007 was a breakthrough year for me. In March, I finished third at Ironman California and in April I finished 8th at Ironman Arizona. I competed all over the U.S. and traveled to France where I represented the United States at the World Long Course Triathlon Championships. In October, I competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona.
In 2008, I hope to win Ironman Arizona as well as place in the top 5 at the Ironman Hawaii World Championships.
The Tri-Scottsdale partnership with the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity is a very important to me, as my mother passed away from breast cancer in 2003.
 Shawn O'Connell
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Years Racing: 22
Favorite Race: Lifetime Fitness Tri - Minneapolis, MN
Favorite Post Race Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Beer
#iTRI because of the lifestyle and folks I get to hang with.
 Stephen Stromberg
Name: Stephen Stromberg
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Number of years racing: 7 yr
Favorite Race: Ironman Coeur d'alene
Favorite Post Race Food: Dairy Queen
#iTRI because... I love to compete, inspire others, and feel healthy and fit!!
 Abby Forsberg
I'm a twenty eight year old triathlon coordinator and licensed massage therapist. I work for the Village Health Clubs organizing our triathletes in conjunction with TriScottsdale/Gage Racing. I started at the Village as a child care attendant; and that is where I was first introduced to triathlon. A mom whose child I watched everyday asked me to do a sprint race with her. I had to borrow a bike, learn to swim freestyle, and then put all that together. I loved it and went straight to the Boulder 5430 (now 70..3 series race) for my first half ironman. Since then I have found that I can't sit in an office all day, I need to be outside and active. Just over 3 years ago I was fortunate enough to become the triathlon coordinator for the Village. My job entails our weekly early morning workouts, writing programs for beginners, and keeping our group up to date with anything and everything triathlon in the community.
Our TriScottsdale/Gage Racing community is truly unique and I am thankful everyday that I am surrounded by such inspirational people. I love this sport and am lucky that my job is to get people involved and help them grow as an athlete. Up next is my 2nd Ironman race, St. George May 1st!! |
 Andrew Schear
I'm 30-years old and in the best shape of my life. Two years ago I hit my all time highest weight just over 200-pounds. I knew it was time for a change. With the help of a personal trainer I managed to lose nearly 40 pounds in 6-months. My prize for my success was competition in my first sprint triathlon.
Since that day nearly two years ago I have become immersed in the sport and have found a new zest for athletics and the discipline triathlon requires. Through Tri Scottsdale I have found amazing training partners and a group of people I am proud to call my friends. I compete in the sprint, Olympic and ˝ IM distance, but aim to complete my first IM in 2011. I recently set a PR in the ˝ IM distance at 2009 SOMA with a 5:29:50, nearly 37 minutes faster than last year.
With the help of Camelback Coaching, support from Tri Scottsdale and my amazing family 2010 will be a great year for triathlon and for life especially with the birth of my first child Jillian (born 12-6-09). In 2010 I'm focusing on the Olympic distance with a goal of 2:30:00 and a sub 8:00 minute run pace, breaking 5:15:00 at the ˝ IM distance and also hope to compete in my first XTERRA off road triathlon.
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 Many people spend their entire lives searching for their niche, and I
am proud to say I found mine - endurance sports - at the young age of
21. In high school I was the stereotypical girl hanging out with the
popular crowd, but when I moved from the Midwest to Arizona in 2003 to
begin studying journalism at ASU I suddenly felt out of place. I began
running recreationally in the spring, and it was the one thing that
truly made me happy when it seemed like nothing else could. My dad
noticed my new found hobby when I was home for summer break, and told
me I should consider running a marathon. I told him he was crazy, as
was anyone who would ever think of running that far, and absolutely,
positively NO!
Fast forward six months, and there I stood at the start line of the
P.F. Changs half marathon. My dad really knew how to get in my head! I
ran the race not knowing another soul there, or anyone that had ever
even run that distance before. I should have felt alone, but I didn't.
I wanted more. And thus I began my journey to triathlon.
I competed in my first triathlon, a sprint in Chino Valley, AZ, and
took second place overall. Less than a year and a half later I
completed my first Ironman in Tempe, AZ, in 11:46:11. Now I am proud
to say I am a sponsored triathlete, proud member of the national
amateur Erin Baker's Triathlon Team, two-time Ironman finisher and
multiple-time Boston Marathon qualifier.
To say the Triscottsdale Gage Racing team has influenced my life would
be an understatement. Through this organization I not only met my
fiancé, but have made lifelong friends and training partners that are,
in one word, irreplaceable. I am proud to call many of these athletes
and coaches my second family. |
 Dan Beaver
I am a 40 something former baseball player and newly married to my Tri Wife, Mary Knott. I come from a running background and I have been running marathons for several years. I manage the RUNAZ store in Gilbert. I love my work because it allows me to help all levels of athletes from many walks of life with training, injury prevention and rehab.
I have been competing in triathlon since my 1st Triathlon (Soma ˝ Ironman) in 2006. I still have lots to learn, that and the carrot of getting faster and stronger helps keep me motivated. Triathlon is my Perfect addiction!!!! Apparently I LOVE TO SUFFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2009 was a very interesting year for me. I made my first trip to Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships in October, but 10 weeks before the big
Day I was in bike/car related wreck resulting in a shattered clavicle with surgery to follow. After a metal plate and 8 screws where inserted, I started
The road to recovery and rehab so that I could at least go compete in Kona. I was not the result I had wanted, but I got to the finish line. I will be back to fix that result soon. The good and bad of it was because of the injury I became an spectator for Ironman Wisconsin where my Mary raced and
In one of the coolest moments of my life proposed marriage to me when she crossed the finish line with a new "PR" and a sign over head reading
"Dan Marry Me''. Needless to say I accepted!
In Nov I competed in the 70.3 World Championships, also still feeling the effects of not being as fit as I would have liked at that point, but had a new
˝ IM "PR". On Dec. 6th Mary and I are running the Vegas ˝ marathon and getting hitched at mile 3.5 of the race. We couldn't have asked for a better
Way to be wed.
As for 2010, I will be racing in the PF Changs marathon, Pemberton 50k Ultra, Desert Classic Duathlon, Boston Marathon, Big Sur marathon, Ocenaside 70.3, Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim, Mountain Man ˝ IM, IM Canada, & IM Arizona. With I am sure several other races mixed in.
Thank you to Triscottsdale, and all the great friends I have made through triathlon. With a very special thank you to my beautiful better half Mary Knott for being there to support and share in my "vida loca". Good Luck to everyone on their 2010 quest.
~Mahalo
(My current triathlon Personal Best's are : Olympic distance - 07 Nathan's -2:06, Half IM 2009 Clearwater 4:25 , & IM 08 IMAZ 9:54.)
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 Heidi Bickart
I am a thirty-something runner who started triathlons about six years ago. In 2009, I went back to my running roots, with a 3:11 at the Surf City marathon and a 3:10 at the Boston marathon. I also experienced my first Escape from Alcatraz in just less than 3 hours. Philadelphia Olympic Triathlon and a Pikes Peak Ascent ended my athletic year for 2009, as I refocused my energies on my personal life. I continue to work full-time as a regional planner, and to spice things up -- I got engaged, married, bought a new house, and am now preparing for the birth of our first child. I am truly blessed, yet I have to admit I miss working out with all the wonderful Tri-Scottsdale/Gage Racing athletes. On the bright side, this gives me the opportunity to spectate and volunteer and still share in all the fun. I look forward to jumping back into the sport in 2010!
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 Hometown: Battle Creek, MI
Years Racing: 18
Favorite Race: Hawaii Ironman
Favorite Post Race Food: Pizza |
 Janet Shaw
migrated to Triathlon from running and cycling. I started running in College while attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. I became excited about Triathlon after my very first race in 2007.
I've found the cross training to be the key to success and performance improvement! My best perfomances in both running and cycling, my two strongest events, came after training for and competing in Triathlons and Multisport events. My challenge is still in the water but I am committed to improve my performance with each race. What I love about Triathlon is that every event is an adventure and challenge. You never quite know what race day will bring as each race is such a unique experience. From training to race day each Triathlon that I have had the opportunity to participate in has been an amazing, fun experience - from start to finish!
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 Jeff Bassett
I am a 40 to 44 Age Group Triathlete. I got into endurance sports after many years focusing on bodybuilding moving into racing mountain bikes, running and adventure racing. I started competing in triathlons in 2005 doing the inaugural Ironman Arizona after which I became hooked on the triathlete lifestyle. Since then I have competed in a myriad of triathlons across all distances and in many locations. 2008 was a significant and very successful year for me. I finished Ironman Arizona (both in April and November), Ironman Coeur d'Alene, ITU Long Course World Championship in Almere, Holland, along with 2 Half Ironman's. I wrapped up 2008 qualifying for both the 2009 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and the 2009 ITU Long Course World Championships in Perth, Australia. I look forward to continuing this adventure in 2009 and training with all my TriScottsdale buddies. |
 I am a 51 year old Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who practices full time and enjoys all aspects of athletics and exercise. I have been competing in races including my first 15K running race in my hometown of St. Louis when I was 17 years old. Finishing last on the tract team in the 800 meters was not a deterrent to me but an inspiration to keep exercise a life long event. I played soccer in college and my first triathlon was in Chicago while in my residency. It was called the Bud Light Series and I met Scott Tinley who wore a wet suit while the rest of us wore Speedo's. I have completed countless sprint, Olympic, half ironman and one Ironman in AZ in 2006. The help and assistance of all my friends at Gainey Village has been invaluable to me. The training and friendships that have developed are worth more than anything I gain by racing.
I enjoy other sports including skiing, mountain biking, bike trips to other countries with friends, hiking to the summit of Mount Ranier and going rim to rim to rim in two days on several occasions.
Now that I am more mature, (biologically), I am starting to bring home the hardware in the triathlon circuit. This has been very exciting to get on the podium with my other mature athletes.
I hope to continue to participate in all types of athletic events while attempting to keep a happy, healthy lifestyle while staying mentally and physically healthy.
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 Jen Huston
I am a 37 year old cyclist turned triathlete. I was the furthest thing from an athlete growing up and did not get into any sports until well after college. I decided that I wanted to run a marathon and in 1999 completed the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon. The thrill of crossing the finish line was quickly replaced by feelings that I didn't like running that much and I quickly switched to cycling. At the time, I came to the conclusion that I never needed to run a full marathon again (this obviously was before I was introduced to the sport of triathlon). I spent the next 6 years focused on endurance cycling and mountain biking events with some local favorites being 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, The Answer to the Challenge and Tour de Tucson.
Looking for a new challenge, I decided to give the sport of triathlon an attempt. I trained for and completed the Timex Sprint triathlon in September of 2006 and was hooked!! Wanting to do another fall race in 2006, I went to register for SOMA Quarterman but it was sold out so I made the leap from Sprint to Half Ironman distance between September and the end of October in 2006. Somehow, my first Half Ironman remains my fastest Half Ironman to date (beginners luck-). On November 22nd, 2009, I completed my first Ironman distance triathlon and it was arguably the greatest day of my adult life.
When not training, I sell software at Oracle Corporation. Since my sales territory is in Southern CA, my schedule often does not allow for participation in TriScottsdale group training. Regardless, the team spirit and support in the sport is phenomenal. Although I am not the fastest athlete out there, the sport of triathlon is truly inspiring and the feeling of crossing the finish line is like no other. My next personal challenge is Ironman Switzerland 2010 which will be an incredible vacation shared with many incredible friends.
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09.27.11 TriScottsdale Represents at Nathan's Tempe Tri 40 TriScottsdale members participated in the race. 28 scored team points (top 10 in category) with 18 podiums including 3 age group winners and 3 overall winners! Great team effort and repre... More>>
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