Paul Alberici, Vice President, Bella Casa Builders By Alberici

I’m currently going into my third season in triathlon.  I first got involved by watching a good friend compete in the Cazenovia triathlon.  When I was watching it actually became very emotional for me.  I just was amazed at all the different people, ages and body types that worked so hard to complete the challenge of swimming, biking and finally running. It proved to me how strong the human spirit can be and the amazing will power of individuals.  Since then I began my own journey into triathlon.  The variety and discipline of swimming, biking and running always keeps the sport interesting and fun to train for.  The memories, friendships, challenges and new experiences are irreplaceable and will always keep me coming back for another exciting and healthy year!

Josh Arvidson, Medical Sales 

I’m a respiratory therapist with a medical sales background.  I have been huge into cycling and mountain biking since college, and with a job change and relocation to the Syracuse area in 2004, my now wife and I decided a “sprint” tri would be a good challenge (her idea!).  So, we did the 2004 West Point Sprint Tri and I was hooked!  I completed IMLP 2011 in 12:13, and KNOW I can go a lot faster!

 

Joseph A Corona, Jr., Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 

I found myself at the height of my weight in 2009 at 278 pounds with a 46-48 inch waist on a 5’9″ frame. After numerous attempts to lose weight, I decided I needed something to keep my attention rather than just “going to the gym”. It simply didn’t work for me after a month.  I started lightly running in 2010 and entered my first triathlon in June 2010. From there I was hooked! Losing over 80 lbs, and counting, and down to a 36″ waist, I have a new lease on life.  The constant changing of workouts keeps my mind focused and interested.  In 2010, I ran a 5k race pace well above 12 min per mile and most recently ran the 2012 Chilly Chili in 8:25 min per mile.  Now it’s not “if” I’ll accomplish something but”when”.

Jeff Derx                                            

I have competed in triathlons since 1989 and have since that time completed hundreds of races.  I did my first full Ironman race in 1997 in Montreal, Canada and have completed a total of seven Ironman Races.

 

Tanya Gesek             

I am entering my third year of triathlons and am very excited to try the longer distances!  I love the challenge that triathlon has given me and the friendships it has brought to my life.  In my professional life, I am a psychologist in private practice and am part time with
SUNY Upstate at the Developmental Evaluation Center.  I primarily work with kids and families.  One of my favorite things to do though is to be a mom to my ten year old, Kai!  Even though he wants nothing to do with swim, bike, run, he is the most amazing accomplishment I have to date!
2013 Race Schedule:
Chilly Chili 5k
Syracuse ½ Marathon
Indoor Warrior Triathlon
Mountain Goat Run
Du the Lakes Duathlon
Rev3 Quassy Olympic Triathlon
Green Lakes Triathlon
Ironman Syracuse 70.3
Gillie Girl Triathlon
Cazenovia Triathlon

 

Alexis Grace – Account Representative at C.R. Fletcher Associates 

In 2011, I decided to sign up for my first 5k and Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon, not even being able to run 1 mile, swim, or bike.  After somehow surviving Iron Girl (doing the backstroke the entire time), I realized my passion was in running.  In 2012, I ran 2 marathons.  After that, I wanted more of a challenge and decided to go back to what scared me… triathlons!  I am signed up for Syracuse 70.3 in 2013 and cannot wait for a great season with a great team!
2013 Race Schedule:
Chilly Chili 5k
Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run
Syracuse ½ Marathon
Mountain Goat Run
Du the Lakes Duathlon
Syracuse 70.3 Ironman
Gillie Girl Triathlon
Skinnyman Triathlon
Empire State Marathon

Eric Hinman, Entrepreneur – Software & Insurance.  

I started competing in triathlons in 2009.  Years of running and weightlifting had become stale.  I was hooked after my first race.  The competition, camaraderie, and fitness-based lifestyle were addicting.  New goals are constantly being set and you are always pushing your mind and body to new limits.  The cross training alleviates any boredom from exercise repetition.  Looking forward to another exciting year with a great group of like-minded people!
2013 Race Schedule:
Chilly Chili 5k
Fly by Night Duathlon
American TTT
Ironman Raleigh 70.3
Green Lakes Triathlon
Ironman Lake Placid
Cazenovia Triathlon
Ironman 70.3 Timberman
Skinnyman Triathlon

Wendy Marsh                                           

I am a partner at Hancock Estabrook law firm with a focus on environmental, zoning and land use development laws.  I did my first 5K in 2010, and loved it!  I realized I had to learn to swim to do a triathlon, so I joined the YMCA and started that task.  My first triathlon was the Skinnyman in 2010, where I did the entire swim without putting my head in the water.  I was hooked after that race.  Since then, I have learned to actually swim (albeit at the back of the pack) and am looking forward to a great season.
2013 Race Schedule:
Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run
American Triple T
Rev3 Quassy
Green Lakes Livestrong Triathlon
Ironman Lake Placid

Ben Rabin, Lawyer, The Rabin Law Firm 

I’m a lawyer who focuses on helping athletes who have been injured because of someone else’s stupidity.  Or bad driving.  I started triathlon about 3 years ago, and have been hooked since.
2013 Race Schedule:
Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run
Du the Lakes Duathlon
Green Lakes Livestrong Triathlon
Ironman Lake Placid
Cazenovia Olympic Triathlon

 

Jamie Shuler, Physician’s Assistant                

I started doing triathlon two years ago as a way to lose weight. After losing 70 lbs., my goal is to maintain that weight and get faster!  I love both the racing, and training for all 3 sports.  I also enjoy balancing the training with working full time at North Medical Family Physicians, part time at St. Joseph’s Emergency Department, and raising two children.
2013 Race Schedule:
Lake Effect 1/2 Marathon
Fly by Night Duathlon
American TTT
Rev3 Quassy
Ironman Lake Placid
Big George Half-Iron

Lindsay Sullivan                      

I am a stay at home mother of 3 young children (6 1/2yrs; 4yrs; 18mos).   I was raised in South Africa, playing various sports growing up with my two brothers.  I did my first triathlon in the summer of 2009 – started training (encouraged by my friend Jen Corona) because I wanted to lose weight after the birth of my second child and was ‘hooked’ after my first race – Aflac Iron Girl!

 

Jay Yennock, Owner Chinatowne Furniture & Mattress  

After minor knee surgery in 2006 due to years of running I found myself recovering on an old – 1980’s style – Motobecane road bike!  After several weeks of cycling and hearing about triathlons I began swimming around in our pool, transitioning onto my bike, then darting out for a run.  Figuring I could do that, I signed up for my first sprint triathlon. Luckily, I ran into a friend who had many years of experience and provided me with a wetsuit and some quick tactics to get me through the race.  I was addicted to the sport immediately! I gradually swayed my wife, Darla into the sport and even our oldest daughter competed as our swimmer on a relay team – realizing what a great family sport this can be!  Having enjoyed many weekend “Tri” trips away, seeing new places and meeting great athletes from all around the world, I have realized that the sport has changed my life! Since the onset of my triathlon career I have competed in 15 tri’s of various distances with each event making me stronger and more disciplined.  I am looking forward to conquering Ironman Lake Placid on July 22, 2012.