Favorite thing about triathlon: The variety of sports doesn’t allow for any excuses, also the feeling you get when you know you’re getting close to the finish line – gotta love that cow bell!!
Favorite race: hmmm . . . I’m looking forward to the Tiger Tri in July, does that count?!
Top workout: Tuesday/ Thursday morning rides with my mom
Preferred training toy: ha, Marley our dog, he’s just to excited when we go running or my Ironman watch – the black and pink combo goes with just about everything!
Eats: I love making my own creations of food like flax/ grapefruit multi-grain pancakes or oatmeal/ trail mix cookies . . . I also have a dangerous addiction to chocolate!
Hobbies: Playing with our dog Marley, camping, boating with the in-laws, enjoying dark beer, traveling, laughing, cooking, snowshoeing and anything with my hubby.
Career: Corporate Account Rep for Enterprise Rent A Car and Safeco Insurance . . . but in a few months full time Graduate student @ Whitworth! Whooo hoooo!!!
Why Tri-Fusion: After searching for a group of fitness minded people, Tri Fusion has it all – fellowship, motivation and fun . . . more like why not!! Surprisingly, it was also a place to re-connect with old friends, what a fantastic coincidence!
Name: Matt Taylor
Favorite thing about triathlon: So far the training and the people are awesome! We'll see how it feels after my first 1/2 Ironman!
Favorite race: Seattle Marathon?
Top workout: Anything that ends at the Elk for a beer.
Preferred training toy: My indoor trainer, Marley the crazy golden retriever.
Eats: Beer, Fazzari's Pizza mmmmmm....
Hobbies: Golf, snowshoeing, Mountain biking
Career: Assistant Manager Enterprise Rent a Car
Why Tri Fusion: Because being in shape is the best gift you give yourself and training with these dedicated people keeps me inspired daily.
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: The fantastic people I have met from all over the place and all the stories that comes from training and racing. The stories are even better when hearing them over recovery beers in a local pub.
Favorite Race: Ironman Coeur d’Alene
Top Workout: Riding the Grand Columbian course and chasing the large yellow ducks on Liberty lake
Preferred Training Toy: Glide, Garmin, Computrainer, and Roller
Eats: All Hammer products and Guinness
Hobbies: Besides swimming, biking, and running - traveling wherever my wife and job take me, skiing, boating, and lounging on Lake Roosevelt
Career: Process Engineer
Why Tri-Fusion? The people are what really make this group fun! It is nice to have a non-egocentric bunch of people that are supportive and truly want to help you achieve your goals
Name: David Gordon
Favorite Race: Based on my extensive experience in this sport, I would have to say the Black Diamond Half Iron…..I’ll be better equipped to answer this question after this season when I’ve done more than two races.
Top Workout:. I like the feeling of finishing a workout, and knowing you’ve reached a milestone. Like the feeling you get when you run 20 miles for the first time. Whether it be in a race or in a workout, those are the most gratifying…. In all honestly though….I just wanna dance.
Preferred Training Toy: That little voice in the back of your mind that lets you know if your not pushing yourself.
Eats: My wife’s cooking! she’ll never tell you this because she’s such a good hearted person, but she’s a better cook than you. (Snap!! No I di-in’t)
Hobbies: Soccer, a little bungy jumping here and there, the outdoors, music, travel, really up for anything…especially hanging with my wife.
Career: Financial Advisor
Why Tri-Fusion?: The wonderful atmosphere this club brings to the sport. It’s amazing to see such an athletically diverse group of people bring such positive energy to promote one of the greatest and most challenging sports out there.
Name: Tasha Gordon
Favorite Race: Black Diamond Half Iron, (hopefully after June the CDA ironman will be my new favorite!).
Top Workout: I love doing open water swims (it gives me a wonderful free feeling).
Preferred Training Toy: My husband David, he is a great workout partner and keeps me going on those long hard days.
Eats: Fresh baked bread! I love bread and could eat it for every meal! and of course dark chocolate mmmmmmm….
Hobbies: painting, photography, camping, traveling, and cooking.
Career: I’m graduating this spring from EWU with a degree in recreation management; I will be working for Liberty Lake parks and recreation this summer.
Why Tri-Fusion: I love the atmosphere and the attitude of the club. Everyone is so kind and encouraging to one another. It is so nice belonging to a club that is so diverse yet everyone shares a common interest.
Name: Tiffany Byrd
Favorite thing about triathlon: The friendships that I have formed because of it as well as watching my body change.
Favorite race: Well, I've only done two, but I would have to say the Spring Thaw Tri. Why not do your first open water swim at a race, right? I also LOVE watching the Thompsons compete in Ironman C'dA. What a huge inspiration!
Top workout: Anything in the pool. After growing up with a pool, I am addicted to swimming.
Preferred training toy: My iPod. Music is a must for me during a work out. If I get to the gym and realize I don't have my iPod, I will make an extra trip home to get it.
Eats: Anything Mexican or Italian and sushi. I'm also a big fan of the Chewy Chocolate Peanut Snickers Marathon Bars (thanks Jessi!).
Hobbies: Traveling, hanging out with friends, summering at the lake, snowshoeing, reading, trying new restaurants, trying new nightspots, shopping, wedding coordinating, salsa dancing.
Career: Teacher
Why Tri-Fusion? The people. I have never been around a more talented group of people with such a wealth of knowledge. I am also floored what an amazing support system this group provides! I have no idea how people do this sport alone!
Name: Kurt Niven
Favorite thing about triathlon: The challenge of trying to improve in three different disciplines.
Favorite race: Snake River Sprint Triathlon
Top workout: Riding to work, running at lunch, and riding home after work.
Preferred training toy: Commuter Bike
Eats: Yogurt, peanut butter, oatmeal, burritos, and microbrews.
Hobbies: Bicycle touring, hiking, and camping.
Career: Electrical engineer.
Why Tri-Fusion? My wife, Jennifer Shepherd, is a member and through her I met a lot of great people in the club.
Name: Steve Waco
Favorite thing about triathlon: I like the cross training aspect.. also more challenging than single sport
Favorite race: Ironman Coeur D' Alene
Top workout: 60mile bike/10mile run
Preferred training toy: My 5th hand held percussion massager I bought off E-bay
Eats: Garlic , kale, avocados, nuts and seeds and soy milk
Hobbies: sleeping, eating, praying, traveling and competing
Career: chief pricer, Spokane Discount
Why Tri-Fusion? I like interacting with fellow triathletes, working out together, being motivated by being around people that have the same goals.
Favorite thing about triathlon: Having the opportunity to test myself not only physically but mentally. I enjoy the competition and knowing that you can always get better.
Favorite race: Still new but Tiger Tri was fun
Top workout: Day of Competition
Preferred training toy: My Ipod when I can find it. Must have music.
Eats: I love all food, especially chips and salsa.
Hobbies: Anything outdoors: Snowboarding, camping, hiking, training, boating.
Career: Landscape Architect
Why Tri-Fusion? Having a chance to meet people who share the passion of triathlons and hoping to meet a few people to train with. It seems everyone in the club loves to share their knowledge and I am willing to learn.
Favorite Thing about Triathlon: I love the three disciplines of the sport and what effect it has on your body while training but more importantly what impact it has on your overall outlook of yourself, your life, family and career.
Favorite Race: Boston Marathon
Top Workout: Running-20 Miler W/ 8X30 Second Pick-up Oslarians
Triathlon-Ride Spokane to CDA 1-Loop Technical Part CDA Bike Loop Back to Spokane-Finish W/ 45 Minute Run
Preferred Training Toy: Adidas Clima Cool Running Shoes
Eats: Post Training-Salmon or Calamari Caesar Salad W/A Cold Beer @ Twigs . While Training-Clif Bars, Hammer Heed and Gel
Hobbies: Designing Restaurant Concepts and training for the next big race.
Career: Owner-Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
Why Tri-Fusion: The opportunity to maximize training, realizing the benefit of other athletes training schedules, daily goals and nutritional guidelines, learning the sport of triathlons from the best in Spokane and eventually training with Tri-Fusion members when my career schedule allows it.
Name: Katey Randall
Favorite thing about triathlon: Having my mom ask me when I became athletic.
Favorite race: Any race that I finish.
Top workout: The ride at 7 Mile with Tiffany and the swim at Sander's Beach in CDA.
Preferred training toy: My I-Pod. I could be the spokesperson for how amazing I think these things are.
Eats: Candy!
Hobbies: Watching Gonzaga basketball and any other college sports, golf, fly fishing, shopping,traveling, wine tasting, book club, planning my wedding, and spending my summers at the lake.
Career: Teacher
Why Tri-Fusion? Because the people of Tri-Fusion are the most inspirational people I have ever met. You don't realize how important it is to having someone cheering for you until your cheering section isn't there, and with Tri-Fusion there is always someone there.
Favorite thing about triathlon: In my circle of friends, it is a sport I can call my own. It has been the gateway to change for me both physically and mentally while expanding my knowledge of how my body functions. Oh, and it's SO MUCH FUN!
Favorite race: I've raced in 5 races so far, 2 as a team, 3 individually. The Post Falls Duathlon teamed with my close friend is my favorite so far due to the intensity of the uphills with the prize of fun, fast downhills on the other side.
Top workout: Early morning swims at the gym followed by a spinning class and long rides in the evening with friends.
Preferred training toy: The Centennial Trail and Trail of the Couerd'Alenes with my IPOD and my Wal-Mart watch!
Eats: Before long workouts, PB&J. Out on the town, Sushi rolls at RAW.
Hobbies: Playing volleyball and riding my bike any chance I get. Anything outdoors when it's warm, anything crafty when it's cold (though I do love to go sledding)!
Career: Admin for Oral Surgeon, Volunteer for Greater Spokane Younglife Ministries
Why Tri-Fusion? I was impressed by members' enthusiasm both on and off the courses. I saw the great teamwork and camaraderie displayed and new I wanted to be a part of such an awesome network of athletes.
Name: Jami Lawrence
Favorite thing about triathlon: Feeling accomplished in three disciplines, rather than just one. It gives me a big ego boost to be able to say “Ya, I do that!” Also being able to race and train with my husband.
Favorite race: Whichever one I just finished
Top workout: A cool swim in Medical Lake, followed by a hot bike ride home.
Preferred training toy: That would have to be my iPod followed closely by my Serotta.
Eats: Sushi, seafood, “fresh out of the garden” veggies, apricots, blueberries. My favorite pre-race fuel is a banana, peanut butter, yogurt smoothie- yum…
Hobbies: Cooking, wine, back country skiing, traveling
Career: Fulltime mom and wife, part time veterinary technician
Why Tri-Fusion? I love being part of such commerotory. It’s great to be out there cheering for fellow members and to feel like you’re racing for more than yourself. This also helps keep me focused on my own training and gives me numerous opportunities to workout with other people.
Favorite thing about triathlon: I like that it is multi sport. I tend to get bored easily so the variety is fantastic.
Favorite race: I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Lake Sprint this year. Good volunteers. It was also my first Triathlon. I am always excited about the next race. . .
Top Workout: This isn't the answer you're looking for, but I like any workout that I leave saying, "That was fun and boy did time fly by!" Also, with that I like it when 2 days later I'm not saying, "I shouldn't of done that."
Preferred Training Toy: My heart rate monitor is super important. I also have a love affair with my Cervelo.
Eats: Rice is my staple. Gluekos to for electrolyte replacement. Fresh Pineapple after races for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Hobbies: Simple pleasures like going out to breakfast, afternoon naps, morning coffee at the coffee shop, watching the sunrise or set, watching my kids laugh, petting a dog, finding the perfect pair of high heels. . .
Career: Currently a Travel Agent.
Why Tri-Fusion? I hate to sound trite, but like everyone else...the people. The resources available to someone just coming into the sport is unlimited and also offers the feeling of "team" that I like and thrive in.
Name: Janey Ewers
Favorite Tri thing: Finishing
Favorite Race: Sandpoint Lake to Forest (which is no longer)I've got to quit
living in the past!!!
Top Workout: Green Bluff rides
Preferred Training Toy: Energeze
Eats: Everything within reach
Hobbies: I have two small children, and so hobbies are a bit down the list.
Career: Two small children, and a legal practice.
Why Tri-fusion? Thanks to Tanya and Sam! the motivation and belonging to a group with the same interests - gives me some sense of where I am in
training, I can pick up new training ideas, and get inspired by the accomplishments of the incredible athletes in the group.
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: the fusion of 3 great sports into one.
Favorite Race: Life
Top Workout: bike to climbing area, climb, ride home
Preferred Training Toy: IPod and Newtons!
Eats: Italian food but Perpetuem and Hammer gel for training.
Hobbies: Climbing, cooking, studying, oh and training for the next race.
Career: a student( I hope I spelled that right)
Why Tri-Fusion? Great people to train with and a lot of support!
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: I love the challenge of racing and the comradery of the other athletes.
Favorite Race: My favorite race is the next race I am training for.
Top Workout: My top swim workout is a 2 mile swim at Priest Lake. The original Couer d'Alene IM bike course is my favorite bike ride followed with a run.
Preferred Training Toy: Heart monitor
Eats: Anything chocolate or sweet!
Hobbies: Swimming,biking,running,moviesand reading.
Career: I am a pharmacist at Deaconess
Why Tri-Fusion? I want to enjoy the comradery of race day during my training.
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: It is always a challenge. No matter what the distance you choose.
Favorite Race: Marathon: North Olympic Discovery Marathon.
Top Workout: I am too new to the sport of tris to answer that but a great 20 mile run when I am training for a marathon is doing the Sunday Sundae route twice.
Preferred Training Toy: Don't have one yet.
Eats: Ice Cream!
Hobbies: Besides reading, I am not sure I have a lot of time to do much else besides train and be with my family.
Career: Self employed. We have an insurance agency in Liberty Lake.
Why Tri-Fusion? I've know Kathi Best since we ran our first marathon together in Portland in 2003. She has inspired me to push myself and I knew that I would need a fun, strong, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic group of people to surround myself with during this new adventure of entering the world of triathlons. Tri-Fusion was the answer.
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: It keeps me fit and the people I get to train and race with are awesome. There isn't another group of any type of athletes who, while being very competitive, are so supportive of each other.
Favorite Race: Coeur D'Alene Olympic and Ironman Coeur D'Alene.
Top Workout: Any kind of interval workout. 100 yard repeats in the pool, hill repeats on the bike, and 400 or 800 meter repeats on the track.
Preferred Training Toy: My Cervelo P2C.
Eats: Sushi or Mexican are always good. I also spoil myself occasionally with a Prime Rib.
When I'm training, Power Gels are always in my pocket and for long rides I take a couple peanut butter and honey sandwiches along too.
Hobbies: Triathlon of course. In the winter I love to downhill ski and I bow hunt and backpack in the fall.
Career: I'm an E.R. Nurse. It really isn't like the T.V. show.
Why Tri-Fusion? I noticed a lot of club members at some races this season and they were really supportive of each other. That was a big plus, along with the chance to share ideas with and learn from other club members in order to hopefully become a better triathlete.
Favorite Thing About Triathlon: While training I'm able to eat anything I want!
Favorite Race: Triathlon: CDA Ironman
Marathon: New York City Marathon
Top Workout: My three-hill run. Starting at Buckeye, lil Spokane to Colbert Rd. hill, across the top, down, and over to the Midway hill, followed by hatch to the Half Moon hill and back to Buckeye.
Preferred Training Toy: Timex GPS (when it's working)
I really haven't found a fun training toy yet.
Eats: Sounds gross but try it sometime... a simple Slovakian recipe: Mashed potatoes mixed with diced brown butter fried onions in a bowl, topped with a little bit of buttermilk and a dash of salt & pepper. Great energy source.
Hobbies: - Landscaping... Doesn't it seem like human nature to rip up a beautiful piece of land, and then spend thousands trying to make it look natural again?
It really is a hobby! I love digging with my John Deere tractor.
- Taekwondo with my son.
Career: President & CEO of IT-Lifeline. IT-Lifeline is an early-stage technology company focused on data backup and business continuity services. We have a full-service Business Continuity Center in Liberty Lake where we help corporate customers recover their business operations following adversity. http://www.itlifeline.net
Why Tri-Fusion? Likeminded people and personalities with a great sense of humor. I look forward to meeting more people and participating in the scheduled activities.