Name: Carrie Hanson
Date of Birth: May 7, 1964
Joined Training Transition: July 2011
Major short term goal: Increase my endurance in all areas.
Major long term goal: I don't have any specific race distance or time goals, but rather my goals are about pushing myself and learning what I'm capable of. That will hopefully show itself in time and distance, but it's more about enjoying the process and doing things I never thought I'd be able to do. My goal is to finish every race with a smile, knowing I did the best I could.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Without a doubt the best part of TT is the incredible amount of support from all the team members. Everyone is always so friendly, supportive, encouraging, fun. It's great! I was honestly a little intimidated by Rachel before joining, but once I started training with her, I realized how well she works with the elite athlete as well as the totally new one (which would be me). She's truly a gifted trainer and an exceptional person. Christine is also fabulous as the "Academy" trainer. I can't thank her enough for her instruction and encouragement on the bike.
Favorite Race: I've only done 3 and I loved them all...TriRock, SheRox, and Tinsel Triathlon.
Other comments: Truly a wonderful group to train with regardless of your level.

Name: Cara DeHaan
Date of Birth: February 27, 1974
Joined Training Transition: December 2009
Major short term goal: Continue to balance training and family.....a fine balance that is a constant struggle! I want to be consistent in my training this year and learn to race outside of my comfort zone this triathlon season.
Major long term goal: To always enjoy training and racing with my family and TT friends. I want to become physically stronger while staying injury free so I can race for a long, long time! I am aiming to train for and complete a half iron distance race in the coming years. In the meantime I hope to improve my race times each season.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Although triathlon is an "individual sport", Training Transition allows me to ALWAYS be part of a team. The team/group training is what drives and motivates me......this is what I love most! The healthy competition among everyone in the group encourages me to push a little harder, train a little longer and race a little stronger! Rachel encourages us to set season goals while training and work hard to accomplish them during the triathlon season. The support of the entire team is always there along the way, especially on race day. And knowing our team is made of so many amazing friends and athletes just adds to the fun!
Favorite Race: Mission Bay Triathlon, Encinitas Triathlon, Camp Pendleton Sprint, San Diego SheROX......and the list goes on. We are so lucky to live in San Diego and have so many amazing races at our fingertips!

Name: Lynette Bridges
Date of Birth: March 28
Joined Training Transition: ? (I can't remember!!)
Major short term goal: Somehow get my swim back!
Major long term goal: Keep improving my race times, stay fit and healthy.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: The training! I love training with an amazing team who constantly push me, keep me motivated and excited to do my best.
Favorite Race: SF Triathlon at Alcatraz....hands down!
Other comments: Rachel is a fun, motivating coach. She always brings a smile and upbeat attitude to every workout.

Name: Lacey Smithberg
Date of Birth: April 15, 1982
Joined Training Transition: Decemeber 2011
Major short term goal: Prepare for Oceanside 70.3 and set a PR I want to try and improve one discipline for sure and that is my running. Working with Rachel thus far, I am sure I will meet and beat my expectations!
Major long term goal: Learn to balance a healthy lifestyle, triathlons, and a family. Rachel and her team seem to have a great lead on this and would like to learn some of their secrets.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: I like how Rachel is so available. She is quick to answer all my questions and in a timely manner. She seems so willing to help and did I mention she is totally trusting! In the little amount of time I have worked with her she seems to be a great coach and friend. There is no wonder why there is such great camaraderie amongst the team!
Favorite Race: SheRoX Sprint Triathlon

Name: Marco Nicoli
Date of Birth: September 7, 1973
Joined Training Transition: June 2011
Major short term goal: Develop good training habits , increase speed and get stronger.
Major long term goal: Push my limits and hopefully race in Kona.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: The group support and camraderie is amazing, and with Rachel's knowledge and ability to inspire it makes the perfect environment to grow and improve as an athlete.
Favorite Race: Oceanside 70.3
Other comments: If you ever thought of doing a triathlon but the idea just seemed too daunting, I can relate. You can go it alone as I did , but it will not compare to joining a group such as TT. The level of knowledge, motivation and support will make what seemed impossible (or at least not very likely) into a fun and rewarding journey.

Name: Christy Fritts
Date of Birth: Oct 16, 1971
Joined Training Transition: May 2009
Major short term goal: To continue to train & compete in both Sprint & Olympic distance triathlons while getting stronger & having fun!
Major long term goal: Push my limits, stay in shape & balance all of life's (little & big) joys.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: A fearless leader, new friends, training with my husband, childcare, a set schedule & new challenges each time...the list goes on! There are so many positive things about Training Transition. With Rachel's outstanding knowledge of training & technique I have been able to push myself to get closer to my goals while at the same time making friends. My kids have become a large part of my fitness routine as well. They can't wait to see their TT friends at the park while the adults ride, swim or run! This year, they even competed in their first Junior Aquathon race (organized by Rachel) and are looking forward to many more.
Favorite Race: Encinitas Triathlon
Other comments: Thank you Rachel for helping me reach a level of fitness I thought was unattainable!

Name: Spencer Lawes
Date of Birth: (older than dirt!)
Joined Training Transition: April 14, 2010
Major short term goal: Engage in Multisport training to improve running form, road bike form and learn proper swim techniques.
Major long term goal: To understand my fitness strengths and to select a competition/event that is the most appropriate match for my ability.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Being motivated to workout and train with such a fun group - Rachel's is a very supportive coach and has training style that both motivates and helps improvement my performance.
Favorite Race: The Rock 'n' Roll marathon series (San Diego marathon in 2009 and Las Vegas half marathon in 2009) - however I'm looking forward to entering several Duathlon and Triathlon events in 2010.
Other comments: After only 2.5 months I've increased my overall fitness; learned to train smarter; stay injury free; lose weight and tone up my muscles; all thanks to Training Transition............oh yeah; and winning a podium position on my first triathlon was pretty cool to!!

Name: Val Makrogiannis
Date of Birth: February 22, 1973
Joined Training Transition: March 2010 (days after completing my 1st Sprint Tri)
Major short term goal: As a first time triathlete, I want to complete 3-4 Sprint Triathlons in 2010 and do better on each one. I also want to maintain my 60lb weight loss through continued training. I also have plans to complete The La Jolla Half Marathon (bring on Torrey Pines) and run a relay portion of the Rock and Roll Marathon. I also want to significantly improve on the swim portion of the sprint triathlon, which was the initial reason I came looking for Rachel. After swimming in my first sprint triathlon (Desesrt Tri in Feb 2010), I thought I would fairly easily complete the swim, since I had been swimming in a pool completing the distance with no problem. I was in SHOCK and AWE when I experienced the chaos and difficulty I experienced with the swimming. I think I doggie paddled the entire 1/2 mile swim. Soooo, now I want to rock the swim!!
Major long term goal: I want to challenge myself and complete 1 Olympic distance Triathlon in 2010 (Malibu Sept 2010). I also want to lose the last 10-15 pounds with the guidance of a nutritionist and through continued challenging training. I want to be a constant healthy, active, atheletic role model for my three beautiful children: Niko (4 years old), Ana & Theo (2 year old twins) and for my hubby Phil who is starting to catch the bug!! I'm working on him to buy a bike!
Favorite thing about Training Transition: In the short time I have been with the group, the amazing thing about Rachel and the group is how friendly and welcoming everyone is from the first day I met anyone. Everyone is so encouraging and supportive. It makes you want to be part of the group and makes you super excited about every workout.
Favorite Race: Well, since I've only done one, and I still want to do more, my favorite triathlon is (at this point) the Palm Desert Triathlon, Feb 2010. But I can't wait to swim in the ocean!!!
Other comments: As a beginner, I found that training alone can become unchallenging really quick. In joining a group, you become instantly inspired to train more, train harder, do better and have more fun! What could be more fun, standing on the sand, complaining to your fellow partners about how cold the ocean is going to be, hearing Rachel say "Go", running in and doing your thing, and then sharing smiles and a "Holy Moly" when you are done! Nothing beats being a part of a group, regardless of everyones different levels and goals, all with the same goal & passion!!! I am so glad to be part of the group!

Name: Megan
Date of Birth: Feb 5, 1970
Joined Training Transition: Sept, 2007
Major short term goal: At the time of joining TT my goal was to complete a sprint distance triathlon. I’ve done over 10 triathlons since then so I think I can comfortably say that with Rachel's help I've reached that goal.
Major long term goal: For anyone with a family and a love of this sport it’s about balance. My long-term goal will always be to make sure I am fully enjoying both.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Without Rachel, there is no TT. She has a gift not just as an athlete but a coach. For that reason, she has built a strong team and somehow manages to bring out the best of our abilities while gracefully managing our different personalities.
Favorite Race: Encinitas Sprint since it was my first tri ever.
Other comments: Remember when you were a little kid and you would fill your days riding your bike with buddies ‘til dusk, swimming at the beach or in your neighbor’s pool, and running where ever you needed to go? That’s what’s so much fun about triathlons - you're still running, biking and swimming - except the gear is so much cooler! You can still put streamers on your handlebars if you want to. Andrew does.

Name: Jody Giardina
Date of Birth: November 16, 1954
Joined Training Transition: January 2010
Major short term goal: Become a faster runner.
Major long term goal: Continue to race hard and have fun at sprints, Olympics and bike time trials. Compete in at least one new (different) race per year.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: When I first joined the group, I thought I wanted to lay low, take it easy, and just meet new friends. While, I have met lots of new, amazing friends, I have decided to challenge myself more. Rachel is an outstanding coach, who motivates and challenges me. After 30 years in the sport, I thought I was done seriously competing. I am now excited about spending my first summer here in San Diego and competing in several races. To wake up in my own bed, and only have to travel 5 to 30 minutes to a race, is like a dream come true. I love being part of a team, and cheering my teammates on as they try to reach their goals. I was really apprehensive about moving across the country and leaving my friends in Pennsylvania. Training Transition has made Encinitas feel like HOME!
Favorite Race: 1. 1989 World Championship Triathlon in Avignon, France
2. 2006 St Croix Half Ironman
3. 2006 Hawaii Ironman

Name: Joan McDonald
Date of Birth: December 3,1957
Joined Training Transition: February, 2008
Major short term goal: Focus on the run.
Major long term goal: To be fit for life!
Favorite thing about Training Transition: The group inspiration - and Rachel!
Favorite Race: Vineman
Other comments: I so look forward to training!

Name: Erin Hesford
Date of Birth: April 26, 1977
Joined Training Transition: June, 2008
Major short term goal: CA 70.3
Major long term goal: Maintain Fitness with a couple sprints and olympic distance races
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Friends I've made.
Favorite Race: Subaru Women's Sprint
Other comments: Great Coach and Support System

Name: Cathy McCarty Burns
Date of Birth: June 1, 1964
Joined Training Transition: January, 2008
Major short term goal: Complete an Olympic Triathlon with gusto!
Major long term goal: Lifelong good health and role model fitness for my children.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Training with my husband and friends and how they inspire me.
Favorite Race: Superseal Olympic Triathlon – March, 2009
Other comments: I have changed my life with Training Transition. I have always loved to work out, but with Rachel, my family and friends pushing me I have taken this to new heights and I am thrilled.

Name: Mike Nardozza
Date of Birth: February 24, 1965
Joined Training Transition: February, 2008
Major short term goal: Improve my swimming endurance.
Major long term goal: Maintain a work out schedule and get faster.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: The people & Rachel are so encouraging at every level.
Favorite Race: San Diego International
Other comments: It's a fun way to get in shape and push yourself in ways you wouldn't normally do.

Name: Annamarie
Date of Birth: May 27
Joined Training Transition: Oct 2007
Major short term goal: Run a 10k at previous year's best 5K pace
Major long term goal: Run a marathon. Did I say that? And, explore pure bike racing.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: The camaraderie and the accountability.
Favorite Race: Anything with a hilly bike course.
Other comments: Becoming a part of Training Transition has been a wonderful experience. It's far more than just the training. Rachel turned a skeptic into an endurance athlete. I remain amazed at how she can train so many of us, keep us inspired to keep going and get better, race by race, season by season. I am most grateful for the friendships I've made through TT. As a tired working mom (that's the division I race in, by the way), it's so great to have workouts for which I am accountable, races on the books to keep me focused and a fabulous group of folks with whom I can discuss everything from parenting to business to every day things, all of which enhances my life. My children have made great friends, as well. Our whole family loves the team training trips to the desert. Thank you to Rachel (& her husband, Bart, who guides us on smart gear decisions) and to all of TT.

Name: David Jaffe
Date of Birth: April 16, 1969
Joined Training Transition: December, 2009
Major short term goal: Improve my biking avg. speed by at least 2 mph
Major long term goal: Race a sub 2:40 Olympic distance
Favorite thing about Training Transition: being surrounded by people who truly enjoy training with each other...
Favorite Race:I have only done one so far (wildflower), but I'd have to say that the arce will be hard to top. It really tests your physical and mental strength.
Other comments: Rachel's coaching and her own athletic ability is inspiring.

Name: Elizabeth
Date of Birth: Ageless and Unlimited
Joined Training Transition: January, 2008
Major short term goal: Improve constantly, while enjoying the process and feeling happy.
Major long term goal: Complete a half iron man.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: I met Rachel at a race and she was such an inspiration to me. She finished the race with an awesome performance, shared her moment of victory with her babies and husband, and then put on her mothering hat and took up that role with such unselfish grace. When I learned that she was training people in my area, I felt this was a tremendous opportunity to train with a great athlete. I had no idea it would be so much more.

I had been training alone and was struggling to balance my family responsibilities with my erratic training. I often felt that I was training at the expense of my family, or resentful at not getting in the training that I needed. Training with TT has helped me to integrate my training into my family life, and strike a balance that is blessing all of us. My children look forward to playing with their TT friends and babysitters in their favorite parks. My children have relationships with the other athletes too, who are great role models. They feel included in my triathlon experience and encourage and support me. And training is part of the established rhythm of our weekly routine, so I am not missing workouts due to scheduling conflicts. I LOVE the friends I have made in this amazing and supportive group. They are all fabulous people, inspired by an amazing woman.
Favorite Race: Encinitas Sprint
Other comments: Come join us!

Name: Patrick
Date of Birth: September 23, 1962
Joined Training Transition: January, 2008
Major short term goal: Develop a core. My teammates all seem to have one. I’ve looked, but still can’t find mine. Also learned that you can’t rent or buy one. Apparently you need to do even more exercise after the long bike rides, many track and road runs, and early morning pool and ocean swims. Am hopeful that someone out there is working on a pill.
Major long term goal: Consistent top 10 age group finishes in sprint distance, pace myself to avoid burnout and remain injury-free, and complete a half ironman. OK, that’s three major long-term goals. Things always seem to come in threes these days.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Rachel, and the superb support network she provides for achieving your personal fitness goals. Also provides me a way to spend ‘quality’ time competing against with my wife.
Favorite Race: Carlsbad Triathlon, for home court advantage and the breathtaking views.
Other comments: The rumor that the TT team is a dozen beautiful, strong women and two men training together is a lie (shhhhh).

Name: Andrew Burke
Date of Birth: When I found TT
Joined Training Transition: Fall, 2008
Major short term goal: To develop good training habits and good bases in Swim, Bike and Run. To compete in Sprint, Olympic and Half Iron man races in 2009 as well as specific Run and Bike Races.
Major long term goal: To compete in KONA World Iron man Championships and to always be competitive.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: How easy it is to work with Rachel on your short term and long term training goals. Rachel discusses your goals and what you want to personally achieve and designs/creates either a personalized or group training program that she constantly works with you on in person, over the phone and on-line to ensure that you are meeting your personal goals. You have the ability to train on your own or train with the TT group 7 days a week. In addition, Rachel’s husband Bart, a Pro Cyclist offers expert advice and set up on your bike for road and Triathlon racing. With TT, you get the best combination of training methodology and advice for any fitness goals. Finally, the friendships that you develop within the TT group with other athletes are friendships that you will have for life.
Favorite Race: There will be to many. So far in 2009, San Dieguito Half Marathon and in the future when I cross the finish of my first Ironman.
Other comments: Playing competitive sports my whole career and being a scholarship athlete at UCLA I have had and worked with many different types of coaches and coaching staffs. Rachel provides the best Training program, advice, feedback, inspiration and environment that I have ever trained in. What are you waiting for? If you are a novice or expert in any fitness discipline, the TT group will make you stronger or faster. Come join us.

Name: Katie Winship
Date of Birth: September 5, 1973
Joined Training Transition: April 2009
Major short term goal: Improve overall times for all repeat races starting with first anniversary race - Mission Bay, Oct. '09.
Major long term goal: Eventually try a 1/2 Ironman (2011) even though I said I NEVER would! Start off by completing first 1/2 marathon and Malibu Tri in 2010 to get me prepared. Continue to balance training with family and every day life! And continue to have fun with it.
Favorite thing about Training Transition: An amazing group of men and women who instantly became my friends. There is such a great sense of camaraderie, support and encouragement with this group. And with Rachel at the helm, she leads an incredible team. She knows when to push you to your best, she recognizes areas for improvement and works with you to fine tune those areas to achieve overall improvement. And she makes it fun all the while! I feel very lucky to have found this group and be able to train with people who have become great friends. Oh, and the childcare option is priceless. Where else can you leave your children with a trusted babysitter at a fun park, while you go enjoy the beautiful outdoors of San Diego. The kids love it just as much as we do!
Favorite Race: Encinitas sprint
Other comments: For anyone who is curious about triathlons but doesn't believe he or she can do it, TRY IT! Under Rachel's guidance, you will amaze yourself with your accomplishments. One year ago, I had an 8 month old baby and a 3 and 6 year old. I had never been on a road bike and hadn't swam a lap in a pool since adolescence. I "ran" probably an 11 min. mile! In just one year, I have seen great improvement and had such an amazing sense of accomplishment and a ton of fun along the way. Anyone can do this - it's just a matter of putting your mind to it. Come on out and join us! You won't be disappointed.

Name: Kirsten Sage
Date of Birth: April 1971
Joined Training Transition: Decemeber 2009
Major short term goal: Wildflower 2010 Long Course
Major long term goal: Run a marathon in under 3:50
Favorite thing about Training Transition: Great group of people and an inspiring coach
Favorite Race: Tinley's Adventures