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 TT: 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 TT. 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 TT: 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 TT: 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 TT: 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: Win my age group in a sprint or Olympic Triathlon in 2010. Top 5 age group finish in CA 70.3 in 2011.
Favorite thing about TT: 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: To do 8 triathlons this season (two more than last year)
Major long term goal: To be “fit for life”
Favorite thing about TT: The coaching, camaraderie and encouragement!
Favorite Race: Solana Beach Triathlon
Other comments: I have gained so much in the last year! I really look forward to every work out! I love being part of the group.

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 TT: 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 TT: 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 TT: 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: Susan Mathur
Date of Birth: January 27, 1954
Joined Training Transition: May, 2008
Major short term goal: To become a faster cyclist
Major long term goal: To race faster as I get older
Favorite thing about TT: TT clinic in Palm Springs
Favorite Race: The Triathlon at Pacific Grove and Camp Pendleton Internatiional Tri
Other comments: I've learned how to corner on a bike, speed drills, how to push myself on the bike. Also, learning about swim technique and how to become a more efficient swimmer.

Name: Annamarie Bezzerides
Date of Birth: May 27, 1969
Joined Training Transition: October, 2007
Major short term goal: Increase distances; improve sprint races times; balance life & training
Major long term goal: More bike racing; half-ironman as a relay; balance life & training
Favorite thing about TT: Training with great people, having my daughters be a part and Rachel, of course.
Favorite Race: The one that has hills...
Other comments: Being part of TT and training under Rachel's tutelage has had an enormous impact on me. She's awe inspiring as a coach - a mother and an extraordinary athlete. I'd never have imagined I'd call myself an endurance athlete before meeting her. I've made great friends and what a bonus to have my young daughters integrated. TT is ideally named - we all continue to transition into different stages of training, life and goals. I love that I'm turning 40 and pushing myself in a new sport!

Name: Anna Lövdahl
Date of Birth: May 9, 1976
Joined Training Transition: Fall, 2008
Major short term goal: Recover from hip surgery
Major long term goal: Get back in top athlete shape
Favorite thing about TT: Inspiring teammates and leader
Favorite Race:
Other comments: I am glad I found you guys!

Name: Lynne
Date of Birth: One of the oldest!!
Joined Training Transition: February, 2008
Major short term goal: To continually push my limits while keeping it fun.
Major long term goal: To become proficient in all aspects of triathlons.
Favorite thing about TT: I enjoy Rachel's coaching and appreciate the encouragement of the entire group. On challenging days it helps to have others to keep me motivated.
Favorite Race: La Quinta Triathlon
Other comments: Training with TT has been a key piece to improving my over-all fitness.

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 TT: 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 TT: 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 TT: 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 TT: 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 TT: Great group of people and an inspiring coach
Favorite Race: Tinley's Adventures