Tri Beginner‘s Luck

MichandaShines
  • 5.0 (29)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We exist because we want you to Tri! We talk with coaches, professional athletes, beginner athletes, race and event directors and announcers, triathlon media, and other industry leaders who share their beginner stories, and what it takes to be successful in this sport - and life. We know and believe that we connect and grow when we share common experiences and recognize we aren’t on the struggle bus alone. Triathlon is a lifestyle, and we are here to help you tri until you die! While we are here for beginners, we believe you should always come to the sport with a beginner’s mindset. This will help athletes of all abilities and experiences so we can learn, grow, and constantly get better. Tri Beginner’s Luck is the podcast and community you need to start and continue your love affair with the Triathlon lifestyle! . Everyone wants to try their luck, and WIN and it’s possible when you TRI!

  1. 6D AGO

    Shining Through the Storm: Starting Triathlon After 40 with Tammy Dotson

    Triathlon has a way of meeting you exactly where you are and then asking you to grow. In this episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck, Tammy Dotson shares what it looked like to start triathlon after 40 with no swim experience and no idea what she was doing. Her first sprint swim took 47 minutes in frigid conditions, with Raynaud syndrome leaving her hands and feet numb throughout the race. What could have been a one-time attempt became the beginning of something bigger. She kept showing up, found community in groups like Trianimals and FastChix, progressed to the Olympic distance, and eventually qualified for the USA Triathlon National Championships, where she discovered just how powerful and supportive this sport can be.   Her journey to the 70.3 distance was not linear. A DNF at Ironman Gulf Coast after red-flag swim conditions could have ended her dream, but resilience carried her forward to finish Challenge Daytona. Along the way, she redefined success as arriving at the start line healthy and crossing the finish line strong. For Tammy, triathlon became less about podiums and more about discipline, consistency, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing hard things.   After a 2022 craniotomy for a brain tumor, wellness became nonnegotiable. Nutrition, recovery, and holistic care are now the foundation of her training and her life. Out of that season came her SHINE philosophy, Spread Hope, Inspiration, and Encouragement, and a commitment to help others believe it is never too late to begin. This conversation is a reminder that triathlon is not reserved for the fearless. It is built by people willing to start, even when the water feels cold and the path feels uncertain.   Let’s tri this!    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    52 min

  2. FEB 11

    From Service to Sport: A Mindful Path into Triathlon with Stuart Shine

    Alignment is paramount. Mind. Body. Soul. Nutrition. This is Triathlon Zen.   In this episode of the Tri Beginner’s Luck Podcast, Stuart Shine, a Marine Corps veteran, endurance coach, and founder of Shine Collaborative Sports and Nutrition LLC, shares what it truly means to build a sustainable relationship with triathlon. His journey into the sport began during a military deployment in Australia, sparked by a long-held fascination with Ironman and guided by curiosity rather than perfection. From his first sprint triathlon to ultra marathons and coaching athletes across backgrounds and experience levels, Stuart reflects on how mindfulness, trust, and patience became central to both his leadership style and coaching philosophy.   Throughout the conversation, Stuart explores what beginner athletes often overlook, including the importance of proper fueling, learning to train by feel through rate of perceived exertion, and developing essential analog skills like bike handling before relying on technology. He explains why under-fueling early morning workouts can quietly undermine performance and long-term health, and how simple strategies, such as preparing fuel the night before, can lead to measurable improvements. He also speaks candidly about navigating hard training moments, honoring rest, and reframing dark patches in training as teachers rather than failures.   The conversation expands beyond training plans into identity, service, and representation in endurance sports, reminding listeners that joy and humanity belong alongside discipline and goals. Whether you are brand new to triathlon or returning to the start line with a fresh perspective, this episode is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and trust the process.   Let’s tri this !    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    57 min

  3. FEB 4

    Friendship Is Fuel. Who Made Who Buy It? With Georgina “GeeTex” T. and Dr. RoJenia “RoJo” Jones

    Friendship is fuel, and sometimes it sounds like, “Gee Tex made me buy it,” or “RoJo’s reviews,” and maybe even a little revenge. But ultimately, it is because the friendship fine print says so.   What starts as a running joke about gear purchases becomes a deeper conversation about trust, consistency, and choosing to keep showing up for yourself and for each other. In this episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck, Georgina “Gee” Tex and Dr. RoJenia “RoJo” Jones talk about the kind of friendship that quietly carries you through injuries, DNFs, deferred races, and the moments when belief wavers.    They share how their friendship began at a Fast Chix training camp and became the foundation for everything that followed. From entering triathlon without a bike or confidence in the water, to navigating injury, strict nutrition changes, and the discipline required to stay in the sport long term, their paths were not linear. There were setbacks, self-doubt, and moments when the goal felt far away. And still, they kept going.   Ironman California became the place where all of that effort and belief converged. Along the way, we laugh about gear purchases, debate real food versus gels, and get real about what consistency actually looks like when you are balancing work, family, health, and big goals. This episode is for beginners, for those returning after a setback, and for anyone who needs a reminder that progress does not require perfection. It requires commitment, community, and the courage to try again.   Let’s tri this !    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    1h 5m

  4. 12/24/2025

    Meaning in the Miles: The Power of Reset with Mark Allen

    Happy Holidays! The final episode of the season brings Tri Beginner’s Luck full circle with a conversation that is as grounding as it is inspiring. Mark Allen, six-time Ironman World Champion, coach, and lifelong student of the sport, joins the show for a story that reminds us why beginners matter and why mindset always wins. What unfolds is not just a highlight reel of victories, but a deeply human journey that began with fear in the water and curiosity sparked by watching Ironman on television.   Mark reflects on his earliest days in triathlon, when swimming felt familiar but the bike and run introduced uncertainty, discomfort, and growth. He shares how persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn carried him from beginner status to the professional ranks, emphasizing that fulfillment in triathlon is not reserved for the fastest athletes, but for those committed to discovering what they are capable of becoming.   The conversation dives into the power of mindset and learning, including lessons from Mark’s first races and his ability to manage negative thoughts mid-competition. He speaks candidly about how every race, whether successful or disappointing, offers valuable feedback. With the season’s reset theme as a backdrop, this episode encourages reflection, recalibration, and intentional goal-setting, whether the focus is racing fast, staying consistent, or simply continuing to show up.   Mark also revisits his legendary Kona journey, sharing stories of near-misses, mechanical setbacks, and years of frustration before finally claiming the Ironman World Championship title. His breakthrough came not from chasing comparison, but from embracing authenticity and racing as himself. That shift led to a historic performance and serves as a powerful reminder that progress often follows alignment rather than pressure.   As the conversation closes, Mark shares his evolution from athlete to coach and advocate, highlighting the importance of curiosity, balance, and consistency over time. He discusses the continued growth of the Limitless program, a free initiative designed to welcome more women into triathlon by removing barriers and building community. With plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact, his commitment to the grassroots of the sport reflects a legacy rooted in service, access, and long-term influence.   This season finale invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and begin again with intention. Whether you are brand new, starting over, or redefining your relationship with the sport, this episode offers perspective, wisdom, and a renewed belief that there is meaning to be found in every mile.   Let’s tri this and we will see you in the new year!    Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    1h 15m

  5. 12/17/2025

    Miles Apart, Always Together: Three Sisters in Triathlon

    What began with time zone mix-ups, frozen screens, and a bit of Zoom chaos quickly turned into a conversation that felt meant to be. This episode introduces Three Sisters: Amelia Moses Hicks, Letitia Moses Roestoff, and Zarina Moses Jardine, a global triathlon trio connected by blood, grit, and an unshakable commitment to showing up for one another. Spanning continents and disciplines, one sister runs, one rides, one swims, and together they form a living relay of courage, care, and shared purpose.   Their story starts long before triathlon. Amelia and Letitia earned golf scholarships that carried them from South Africa to the United States, navigating elite competition, cultural shifts, and high expectations. Amelia would go on to turn professional, while Zarina developed into a powerful and confident swimmer. All three learned early how to perform under pressure, stay disciplined, and dig deep when it mattered most. Those formative years on the golf course and in the pool laid the foundation for the endurance mindset that would later carry them through long training days and demanding races.   Their triathlon journeys unfold across continents, shaped by late starts, early doubts, and bold decisions to try anyway. From overcoming fear in open water to completing Ironman races that once felt out of reach, each sister brings a different entry point into the sport, held together by constant encouragement and a deep belief in one another.   The conversation flows between laughter and reflection as they share what it means to race together, train apart yet stay deeply connected, and take up space as women of color in endurance sports. Along the way, there are dreams of future racecations, ocean swims still ahead, cultural moments, and honest advice for beginners. Start where you are. Be consistent. Let the journey change you. And never underestimate what becomes possible when you do not go alone.   Let’s Tri This.   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    57 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    The Quiet Road to Breakthrough: “Gradually Then Suddenly” with Pastor Mark Batterson

    This episode of Tri Beginner’s Luck invites listeners into a vibrant and deeply personal conversation with Pastor Mark Batterson, lead visionary of National Community Church and New York Times bestselling author. His journey from college basketball player to spiritual leader reveals a life shaped by courage, consistency, and the willingness to try again and again. With warmth and humility, Pastor Mark shares how endurance sports became a classroom for his soul, teaching him discipline through marathon miles, perseverance through ocean waves, and the quiet resilience that grows when no one is watching.   From running the Chicago Marathon with lungs that once held him back to taking on triathlons alongside his teenage son, Pastor Mark reflects on how movement has become both a metaphor and a mentor. He describes how training helped him push past self-doubt, lean into long-term goals, and understand the deep truth behind his current book, “Gradually Then Suddenly.” Progress rarely shows up as a single moment. It builds slowly, faithfully, almost silently, until the breakthrough appears.   Pastor Mark explores the power of relationships, the joy of shared miles, and the unexpected strength that emerges when you stay committed to the process. He shares openly about leadership, creativity, writing, family, and the spiritual confidence that grows when you embrace the work no one sees. It is a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and a true celebration of what it means to live life with intention, gratitude, and heart.   Whether you are training for your first triathlon or stepping into a new season of life, this episode will encourage you to trust your pace, honor your progress, and remember that every meaningful journey starts with one small, courageous yes.   Let’s Tri This!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    55 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    You Do Not Know What You Do Not Know with Elise Serbaroli

    Every now and then, you meet someone whose triathlon story feels both relatable and unexpectedly inspiring. Elise Serbaroli is one of those people. In this episode, Elise shares how a simple curiosity about the sport turned into a source of healing, growth, and community. From borrowing her uncle’s old bike to navigating major life changes, Elise found steadiness and joy through triathlon, and today she leads one of the largest triathlon clubs in the DMV region as the president of the DC Tri Club.   What makes Elise’s story so special is her heart for beginners. She speaks candidly about self-doubt, the women she encourages daily, and her conviction that kindness is a vital leadership skill. As she navigates her rise from club participant to board member to president, Elise shares how she balanced burnout with the help of a new coach, learned to ask for help, and started embracing rest without guilt. She also gives us a peek into her favorite parts of training, her pre-race playlist, and why authenticity is her superpower.   Throughout the conversation, Elise reflects on the beauty of being teachable, the importance of showing up, and the friendships that form when people choose to move through life together. Whether she is discussing weekend hikes, race preparation, or grabbing a drink after a workout, one thing is clear. Elise lives triathlon with intention, humility, and a whole lot of joy.   This episode serves as a reminder that triathlon is more than just a sport. It is community, courage, and the gentle nudge we sometimes need to keep going, even when life is shifting beneath our feet.   Let’s Tri This!   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    57 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Adventure Meets Movement with Adam Bratton

    There are some conversations that feel like a good long exhale, where passion meets purpose, and the joy of movement reminds you why you fell in love with this endurance world in the first place. This episode with Adam Bratton, Founder and Chief Enabler of Human Powered Movement, is exactly that. What unfolds is a lighthearted, motivating, and deeply human conversation about creating space for movement, curiosity, and community at every level of the journey.   Adam shares how his path from competitive athlete to personal trainer to race director shaped the mission behind Human Powered Movement. What started as a COVID-era experiment to encourage people to get moving has evolved into a diverse mix of adventure races, virtual triathlons, endurance challenges, and events designed to support both physical and mental well-being. Whether it is streaking through the holidays, trying your first off-road triathlon, or tackling a creative virtual challenge, the heartbeat of HPM stays the same: movement belongs to everyone.   This episode is packed with beginner-friendly wisdom as Adam talks about learning through trial, error, and curiosity. He opens up about directing large-scale events, building community through authentic engagement, and balancing big dreams with sustainable business decisions. Adam also reflects on the beauty of choosing your own path, trying nontraditional races, and staying true to what inspires you, even when it looks different from everyone else’s timeline.   In true Tri Beginner’s Luck fashion, there is plenty of laughter, inspiration, and permission to be a beginner again. If you need encouragement to try something new, return to movement, or give yourself grace along the way, this conversation will feel like a warm invitation to begin.   Let’s Tri This   Remember to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  tblpodbiz@tribeginnersluck.com.

    56 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

We exist because we want you to Tri! We talk with coaches, professional athletes, beginner athletes, race and event directors and announcers, triathlon media, and other industry leaders who share their beginner stories, and what it takes to be successful in this sport - and life. We know and believe that we connect and grow when we share common experiences and recognize we aren’t on the struggle bus alone. Triathlon is a lifestyle, and we are here to help you tri until you die! While we are here for beginners, we believe you should always come to the sport with a beginner’s mindset. This will help athletes of all abilities and experiences so we can learn, grow, and constantly get better. Tri Beginner’s Luck is the podcast and community you need to start and continue your love affair with the Triathlon lifestyle! . Everyone wants to try their luck, and WIN and it’s possible when you TRI!

Information

  • Creator
    MichandaShines
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tri Beginner‘s Luck

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