Our Members
We have many more members than are below, we just don't have their bio's yet. . .

Male
Name: Kareem Afzal

Age: 32

PR's: 25th in age group in chicago in 2007 (out of 682)

Favorite Competition: I love the Ironman, but it kicks my butt. I am getting good at OD.

Why you joined HRC: Comraderie

Describe your best race: Chicago 2007 and the bike of Alcatraz 2008 (came in 102 out of everyone on the bike). If I could only learn how to run better.

Describe your worst:: IM Arizona 2008- I loved the race, but got sick 3 times (mile 80 on bike and twice between 10-13 on the run.) I'll NEVER drink Perpetuem again!

History: I picked up a marathon almost 3 years ago to lose weight (I could not run 10 minutes without stopping). I was 198 and out of shape, eating anything on the "see food" diet. Then I started doing triathlons because I needed another challenge, then IM....Now my wife has started Sprints, kids do fun runs and we are loving it. The whole thing has been a lifestyle change.

Name: Dan Allen

Age: 28

Hometown: West Chester, PA

Favorite Competition: Olympic distance Tri's (though after Kentucky we will see!)

PR's: Philadelphia Oly (June '08) 2:18:44, Doylestown 5K (May '08): 18:11.

Why you joined HRC:  great camaraderie, lots of energy, experienced athletes with a passion for the multisport life 

Describe your best race: This year's philadelphia triathlon was spectacular.  The water was cool and refreshing, I sighted well, the bike course was a great mix of hills/flats/technical work and strategy, with a great fast run course that makes you desire to push for that PR!

Describe your worst: I have learned from all my races and I do not think of any as a waste, so no worst races.

History: I have a background in ballet, yoga, cross country, and adventure racing.  My education is a bachelors degree in biology with minors in english literature and chemistry from Eastern University with a doctorate in physical therapy to top it off from Arcadia University.
Name: Mike Bizal

Age: 47

Hometown: Exton, PA

Favorite race:  Duathlon

PRs:  5K = 16:50  10K = 34:36  10mi = 58:23  13.1 mi = 1:18:20  26.2 mi = 2:57

Why you joined HRC-M: HRC provides a sense of community in both biking and running training and races

History:  I've been running and racing for over 30 years with close to 600 lifetime races, mostly in running.  About 10 years ago I added biking to my training and got hooked on duathlons.  I qualified and completed in three ITU Duathlon World Championships (Australia in 2005, Newfoundland in 2006, and Richmond in 2007) and have really enjoyed the experiences.  In 2008, I've picked up swimming and plan on adding several yearly triathlons to the mix, although swimming is proving to be quite a challenge, leaving lots of room for improvement.  Other hobbies include golf and microbrewing, although in recent years I've found enjoying all the fine microbrews out there is a bit easier than making them.  I've been happily married for 24 years and have children of ages 19, 17, and 14.
Name: Dave Dixon

 Age: 42

 Height: 5'-8 

 Favorite competition: I primarily race Duathlon but also SC Tri Favorite local race is probably Lighter Than Air Duathlon held at the Naval Station in Lakehurst NJ

 PR's: Finished 5th Overall at LTA Due in 2006 in 1:21:58. Also was first Overall at EnduraSport Tri at Lake Nockamixon in 2006 and 1st Overall at Bassman Due in 2006 (2006 was a pretty good season for me!)
 
 Why you joined HRC-M: I joined HRCMC for the teammates and camaraderie. I raced and trained solo before and was looking to build some friendships and find some race partners.

 Best Race: The 2006 Endurasport Tri at Lake Nockamixon. I had a fairly slow swim and was pretty far behind starting the bike. I had a really good bike portion and took the overall lead with about 2 miles remaining on the bike portion. I have to say there really is nothing like coming into T2 and seeing no other bikes on the rack! I was able to run well and ended winning the race for my first ever triathlon win. 

 Worst Race: That would have to be Ironman Lake Placid 2005, my first crack at IM distance. Compared to previous races, I had a decent swim  and felt pretty good on the bike but the marathon was horrendous. I ended up walking the majority of the "run" and finished in 13:42:xx. What was worse was that I ended up in the Med tent following my finish and needed about 5 IV's. Not a fun way to spend the evening!

 History: I started doing triathlon in 2001 with Team in Training. The first race I did was in November 2001, the 1st Treasure Island Triathlon in San Francisco. In 2002 and 2003 I did the Half Vineman, a half Ironman distance race, again in Northern California, with TNT. My first full season of racing was 2004 and I've been going strong ever since.  Prior to starting multisport racing, I did bike racing (road) for many years and did races all over the east coast.  My wife Judy and I have been married for 10 years. She runs every day and just recently got her first road bike. She may yet get into this crazy sport! 

Name : Bill Gerzabek 

Age: 46 

Hometown: Springfield, PA 

Favorite Competition: Challenge of Ironman Distance 

PR's:  Ironman Lake Placid - 14:19:02  Ironman Louisville - 14:30:31

Why you joined HRC-M: Meeting new people and to learn about multisport.

Describe the best race you've had: When you finish in the dark it is not about your best or worst race. It's about the experience of  training and competing through the day. 

The worst: See above.

History: Played hockey in high school. Did not do much of anything but get out of shape until I turned 42. Started biking with my wife in charity bike rides. Mike Bizal and Richard Holt suggested du's so I entered '04 Cape Henlopen du was 3rd rookie and I was hooked. I started to swim in winter of '05 and entered a full schedule of tri's that summer. First IM was 06 IMLP , then 07 IMLOU, For 08

I am entered in Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Arizona (nov). My support is from my wife Jackie and 3 kids Katie, Mike,and Jack.  When I am not training I work at La Salle University as the Director of Sports Medicine/Head Lead Athletic Trainer to pay my race fees. I just finished 20 years at this position.

Name:  Mark Kerin

Age:  54

Hometown:  Doylestown

Favorite Competition:  All triathlon distances.

PR's:  10K 38:40 / 10 mi  65:00 / Marathon 3:25 / Olympic tri 2:27 / IM 70.3  5:55 / IM 14:52

Why I joined HRC-M:  Hoping to meet like minded athletes.  Something I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of to date.

Describe your best race:  IM Hawaii, because it just is!

Worst Race:  IM Lake Placid '05.  Four knee surgeries came back to haunt me!  I did not learn my lesson as I am signed up for this year.

History:  Played football at Villanova and was invited to try out for the E-A-G-L-E-S!  Needless to say I wasn't that good.  First Tri was the 1985 USTS Baltimore race.  Married for 28 years with 3 kids.
Name: Johnny King-Marino

Age: 47

Hometown: Chalfont

Favorite Competition: Iron Distance

PR's: Ironman 10:18 Half-Iron: 4:21
Visit Dr. John's accomplishments Homepage for more!

Why did you join HRC-M: It helps people exceed what they thought their bodies could endure.

Describe you best race: I PR'd at Ironman Lake Placid.  Even though the weather was not cooperative and I was nursing calf, knee, and shoulder injuries, I still managed to PR on the swim and the run portion.  It was great to be there with so many High Roads people!

Your worse: I don't like to think about having a "worst race".  I learn something for every race, good or bad.  If I had to pick one though, it would be Columbia 04'.  I crashed and broke two fingers and my shoulder blade in half.  You could say I finished the race, if you consider being taken to the hospital "finishing".

History: I started running when I was 9 and I never stopped.  I was cross-training for an injury when I was 39 and I liked the whole multisport ascpect.  One day I saw Kona TV and decided that was something I had to do. Now not only am I an athlete, but I also help train and heal athletes for a living.
Name: Don Morrison

Age: 58
Hometown: West Brandywine, Pa.
 
Favorite Competition: XTERRA Races
 
Why you joined HRC-M: Great people . . . John Brown from the Wayne store has worked on my bikes for many years and he is great. Thanks JB !!

Describe your best race: XTERRA National Championship Race at Lake Taho. 1st Place
 
Worst Race: None. All races good or bad are always a blast!!

History: Own The Horse Connection, Pottstown, Pa. Raced Motorcycles ( Moto-Cross ) back in the seventys and eightys.  Race Promoter: Mid-AtlanticEvents.com I race XTERRA, Triathlons, Duathlons, and Running Races

Name: Barry Pollock

Age: 35

Favorite Competition: Oympic Distance

PR's:  15:14 - 5K  2:18 - Olympic  11:50 - Ironman

Why you joined HRC-M:  Discount at the store.  ; ^ )

Describe the best race you've had: I haven't done a lot of triathlons, but my Ironman was pretty good.  I felt fairly strong on the bike considering I had only been riding for a year.  When I got out of T2 I managed to pass almost 600 people while running 3:28.

Describe the worst: Last year's Diamondman Half Ironman.  It was extremely hot during the run.  I ended up walking for 5 minutes and considered dropping out.

History: I started running in high school.  I was the Delaware State Cross Country Champion in 1990 and went on to become the Cross Country team MVP at the University of Delaware in 1995.  I have always had injury problems, so triathlon was the logical choice for training in my later years.
Name: Duane Serpentine

Age: 31
 
Hometown: Wynnewood, PA
 
Favorite Competition: Half Ironman, trail running.
 
PR's:  Ironman Coeur D'Alene 08: 11:11.06 Mooseman Half Ironman 07 (New Hampshire):  5:01

Why you joined HRC: to meet and train with other triathletes.

 
History:  I ran track and cross country at Archbishop Carroll HS and then ran cross country at St. Bonaventure Univ in NY (grad in 2000).  I got in
Name:  Tim Straub

Age:  32

Hometown:  Currently live in King of Prussia, PA.  Been in the Philadelphia area for 10yrs now, but grew up in Kingston, PA.  I still consider Kingston my hometown for some reason.

Favorite Competition:  No race I have done can compare to the rush you get when running the last mile of an Ironman (and presumably any iron-distance) race.  For most it's the culmination of 7 months of dedicated training....it's all done for that moment and it's well worth it.

PR's: Oly - 2008 Philadelphia Triathlon 2:17:26  

Why you joined HRC: To meet more local triathletes and of course the wonderful discount at HRC!

Describe your best race: It depending on how you define "best".  As far as execution and performance, I'd have to say '07 Northeast Triathlon and '08 Philadelphia Triathlon.  In both of these races I had solid performances (for me) in all three diciplines and I was able to finish strong negative splitting the run.

Describe your worst: '06 North Wildwood Sprint.  The town didn't shut off the sprinklers the night before that watered the grass on the islands that divide the road.  With the rest of the course dry, I proceed into one of the first turn-around a bit two hot and drop the bike.  I still had over half of the bike left to do and the run.  I jump back on the bike, bleeding and in pain, and finish the ride on adrenaline.  The run was tough as it was a beach run and it happened to be high tide...making the run a soft sand run.  I end up running barefoot while hold my sneakers.  I realize after the race that my front brake was rubbing from the crash and two days later I find out I fractured a bone in my left wrist and sprained by right thumb.

History: I grew up in Kingston, PA.  I am the oldest of three.  My brother is 18mo younger and my sister is 7yrs younger.  Myself and my siblings have always been into sport, which is a surprise as my dad still claims that he hasn't run 26.2 miles in his whole life.  Basketball was my passion in high school as I lettered for three years.  I used cross-country to "stay in shape" in the fall for basketball.  I was a mediocre runner on a bad cross-country team.  I prob only ran 6mi a handful of times in two seasons of cross-country and our speed work consisted of indian races.  In our coach's defense, he was the baseball coach and just helping out and volunteering at the cross-country coach. 
 
I always had an interest in triathlons as one of my good friends from HS frequently participated in the Wilkes -Barre Tri back in the 90s along with her siblings.  I never thought I'd do a whole olympic distance tri...always had myself pegged to be on a relay team.  It wasn't until fall 2004 that my best friend, another HS classmate, convinced me to do a sprint in the spring of 2005.  I trained that winter and spring and the NJ Devilman was my first ever race.  I borrowed a road bike, averaged 20mph and then died on the run.  I've been hooked since!  When I look back at my training logs, I laugh at what I use to call training back then.  I was clueless.

Name:  Brian Szydlik

Age: 32

Hometown:  Las Vegas, NM           

Favorite Competition: Anything with a short swim…

PR's: All-Armed Forces Championship (OLY Dist):  2:00::11; Lake Stevens, WA (70.3):  4:39::22   

Why did you join HRC-M:  To share in a genuine sense of camaraderie, team, and family with like minded people that can share and understand the entire spectrum of hard work, victory, and defeat. 

Describe you best race:  Any day I can stand or tread water at the start line…

Your worse: Never try to outrun a dog.    

 History:  I recently moved to the Philadelphia area after 8 years in the Army.  I have been a Triathlon and Multi-sport geek since 2003.   The endless source of bananas, pizza, and bagels at most finish lines, of course, is very enticing but sharing goals, finding your best and helping other people find theirs is what truly draws me to this lifestyle.  Maybe Multi-sport is a temporary distraction from the scorns of daily life but it truly makes it easy when all you have to do to win is show up.  Oh, and while I am here, I might as well give it my best and see if I can do better than last time.    I compete for no other reason but to enjoy the ‘team’ atmosphere, stay fit, and be a good example for my two boys….and maybe, if I do this long enough, I will take up enough of their weekends to keep them out of trouble  J.
Name: Gjoko V Ruzio-Saban

Age: 61

 Height: 6'00

 Favorite race: Getting any tri done

 Why you joined HRC-M: To stop me from ending on a walker!

 Describe the best race you've had: Any

 Describe the worst: One's I could get ready for!

 History:  I've been involved in many different sports:  Swimming, Soccer, Water Polo, Cycling, cross country runner.  Today I am single and enjoying the companionship of the club members.

Name:Chip Waite

 

Age  42

 

Height 6' 1''

 

Favorite Competition: 24 hour adventure

 

Why you joined HRC-M:  Meet and train with like minded people

 

Describe the best race you've had:  Adventure race national champion race.  It was a great location, excellent course, great competition and fun.

 

Describe the worst:  24 hours of Allamuchy.....Rain, rain and more rain.  

 

History: I have always been a big fan of running, cycling and anything outdoors for most of my life.  I did not get into racing until I was in my 30s  My first few events were mostly running and mountain biking; however, it was a 24 hour mountain biking race that got me seriously involved in racing.   I have competed in adventure races ranging from 6 to 42 hours in length including the Adventure Racing National Championship.  In addition I have been involved in numerous mountain biking races including the 24 hours of Moab and Allamuchy.  I am also very interested in trail running and would like to complete ultra distance race in the next few year.  This year I will be racing in my first 100 mile mountain bike race and  planning on competing in a half and full ironman in 2009.
Name: Steve White

Age: 58 years

Hometown: Doylestown

Favorite Competition: Philly Olympic Triathlon

PR's: 3:14 for Philly Tri 2007

Why you joined HRC: I joined because I wanted to show that old Chiefs of Police can actually compete in multi sport events....I guess I was proving this to young patrolman! Actually a more reasoned answer is I joined to be part of incredible athletes of all ages and abilities showing up wearing the HRC team uniform and enjoying the energy of the event. It is really cool!

Describe your best race: My best is actually swimming the 9/10ths mile last year at the Philly Tri. It was a big challenge for me. Slow, slow, slow at 45:02, but I will break 40 minutes this June 22!

Describe your worst: The Wildwood Triathlon August 2004. As a new triathlete, I had no business being in the 12 foot rolling waves. I finished the Tri in 1:32 because it was a HRC team event, but as a new swimmer, it was nuts being in the storm charged ocean.

History: I work with the Doylestown Township Police and in 1992 we had 2 police officers hurt and part of the cause was they were over weight and out of shape. The Board of Supervisors offered us a membership at the YMCA and I took them up on it at 42 years of age. I had not really competed in anything since college. I now do more than 25 running and other events a year. Multi-sport is awesome and even old guys can compete. I have been Chief of Police for more than 20 years and a police officer for 35 years. It is just an incredible personal feeling to toe the line at any event especially with my HRC team-mates!
Female
Name: Kristine Kessler Cox

Age: 40

Hometown: Radnor

Favorite Competition:   Sprint tri's, Olympic relay (bike)

PR's: I AM NOT A RUNNER!  In 2006 finally broke my 8 minute mile (with a split of 7:58) in the May's Landing Sprint Tri...you would have thought I won the Olympics!!!!

Why you joined HRC: To do group ride

Describe your best race:  Stone Harbor 2004.  I had recently had my second child and was really feeling like I needed to get connected with something that was for me again.  Followed a "do a sprint on 5hrs or less" plan and had a blast training and doing that race.  Loved being back out there!

Describe your worst:  Mays Landing 2006...let nerves get me.  I was so sick to my stomach that I was completely depleted by beginning of race.  Barely got through the swim...used most of bike (usually my best event) to re-hydrate and recover...I was able to pull it together for run.  Managed to age group place but all in all NOT a good race.  It reminded me the power of the mind is a serious thing!!!

History: I went to a really small public high school in rural PA.  The sports for girls were very limited and I chose the cheerleading route.  I was an age group swimmer and just all around active.  After graduating from PSU I moved to D.C. . . .  so many great trails, started riding to work and getting into mountain biking.  In 1996 decided to try my first sprint but ended up breaking a collar bone and sitting that summer out.  Met my husband Dave the same year - and moved to Philly . . . started doing some great Mt. biking and a few sprint tri's each year!

I am the youngest of six and grew up in Lebanon, PA.  Graduated from psu, moved to D.C. where I  met my husband Dave Cox in 1996 who solidified my love of biking.  After embarking in a small business, a marriage and 3 children together Dave and I now have a weekly "date night"  where we do the Tuesday night ride...meet in parking lot and go out for dinner!

Name: Tracy Frary

Age: 41

Hometown: Horsham

Favorite Competition: Any distance!  Half-iron is my favorite

PR’s: 13:11 Ironman, 6:20 half-Ironman, 3:03 Olympic

Describe your best race: Lake Placid, Ironman 2008…in the pouring rain.

Describe your worst: I've been lucky enough not to have a "bad" race, but I don't love racing in the heat… 

History: I've been participating in triathlon since 2001 – competed in over 20 races of many different distances, including 2 Ironman (Coeur D'Alene in 2006, Lake Placid in 2008).  I'm a "recreational triathlete" – in it to stay fit and for the feeling of accomplishment – I am not real fast…
Married with 2 children – husband and kids are all triathletes!
Race Directors of the "School's Out! Kids' Triathlon" in Horsham, PA (which is always on the same day as Eagleman and the Wachovia bike race).

Name:  Val Hardin

Age:  47

Hometown:  Doylestown

Favorite Competition: Xterra's, Olympic & Sprint Tri's

PR's:  Xterra's  - all different course lengths - 2 - 4 hours, Sprint Tri - 1:08 - 1:12 Olympic Tri - 2:18 - 2:22,

Why you joined HRC:  Wanted to represent my local triathlon community at races as well as train and race with others on the team

Describe your best race: Xterra Maui WorldChampionships - the beautiful scenery totally contradicts how brutally hard the course is.  Fun and positive vibe for the race pre-race activities and post-race activities.  Just finishing is awesome, finishing strong is even better!

Describe your worst:  Never had a worst....there is at least one thing that is always good

History: I was very athletic growing up and I started running when I was 10.  I actually competed in the JFK 50 Mile Run when I was 10 with my dad and 10 other FBI agents (my dad was in the FBI).  I ended up beating all (including my dad) except for one - it took me 9 hours and 49 minutes, I was the 2nd overall woman.  When I got to highschool,  I just focused on running cross-country, indoor and outdoor track.  Ended up with a full scholarship to the University of Virginia where I ran cross-country and track.  UVA had a really strong CC and track teams with some Olympic caliber athletes.

After college, I was a Marine Corps officer for three years...really enjoyed the physical activites I was able to participate in.  As an example, I was one woman out of  45 men that participated in a month long Water Safety Survival Instructor Course - about 20 of us completed the course.

I am also starting to do some Adventure racing to mix it up a bit.  I envision competing for a long time...I'll be that little old lady still chugging along with a a smile!

 

Name: Maureen Harnishfeger

Age: 41

Height: 4'11" (yes, that's right) 

Favorite Competition: My best race so far would be this recent Broad Street Run.  It was my best pace yet for that distance, so I was really pleased.  I felt good the entire race.

Why you joined HRC-M: So I can improve what I'm doing and not make the dumb mistakes I made in the Du that I did.  I want to know the right way to complete a Du and not feel sick at the end of a race.  I would like to meet others who enjoy this crazy sport too!

Worst Race: My worst race was the second time I ran the Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon.  I went out too fast and bonked after 4 miles!  I felt so exhausted I actually considered just laying down on the pavement.  It was awful.  I completed it, but I walked a lot of it.

History: I started running back in '92(?), but just ran occasionally and never really trained for anything.  Every now and then I would run a 5K.  That was my "long run" at that time.  I was never athletic as a kid, so that was a real switch for me. I started doing running races 3 1/2 years ago when I joined a group that helped people train for a marathon.  I've completed 2 marathons (both Philly) and numerous half-marathons.  I'm planning on running the Virginia Beach half-marathon also on Labor Day weekend.My favorite race would probably be my first Marathon (Philly '06).  Even though I ran it very slow, I had an fun time.  I ran with a pace group and the pace girl was very entertaining.  She kept the group laughing the whole time.  It was like a running party. My goals for this year are to improve on the bike, run faster and hopefully learn to swim so I can try a Tri!  I'm married and have 3 young boys (age 11, 8 and 3).  My oldest son will be doing the Doylestown Tri (for kids) in June.  I'm also a Physical Therapist and work per diem for multiple places. 

Name: Alicia Krier

Age: 36

Hometown: Sellersville

Favorite Competition: Timberman Half Ironman

Why you joined HRC-M: To be a part of a team and share in the commraderie of the great athletes we have.

Describe the best race you've had: My first half iron man (Timberman 2006)probably would have to be the best race ever because you can't get that feeling of firsts ever again.  My whole family was there and they followed me everywhere on the race course shouting and encouraging me, it was great.  In the race I had no expectaions other than finishing and so there was no pressure.  With the support of my family the whoe day was fun and I just couldn't believe I had done it.

Describe the worst: Tinman 2007 I gave up on myself for no reason and I that alone is the worst feeling.

History: I was never an athlete, never played a sport, never part of a team.  For my New Year's resolution in 2004 I decided to give up smoking cigarettes and start running.  I started running from telephone pole to telphone pole in the dead of winter, soon I progressed to running with some people at the YMCA who encouraged me to keep going.  I entered my first 5K that year and was so happy to finish.  It progressed from there and suddenly I found myself signing up for the Philadelphia Triathlon and I didn't even have a bike!  Since then I can't get enough of early morning workouts, sore muscles and the thrill of crossing a finish line.
Name:  Heather Leiggi

Age:  32

Hometown:  Bryn Mawr

Favorite Competition:  Olympic distance and Half-Ironman

PR's: 6th at Best of the US Triathlon 2007, 4th at Eagleman 2007,

Why you joined HRC:  Camaraderie

Describe your best race:  My favorite race is the Best of the US Competition.  The race is a lot of fun with great head-to-head competition and lots of perks.  It is in a different location every year but last year it was at Cypress Gardens, FL.  The course went through the amusement park! 

Describe your worst:  I've had some bad races but I've learned from all of them.  You can't have great races without some bad ones to spur you on!

History:  I started doing triathlons 8 years ago.  I was a D1 college runner and was looking for some fun competition after college.  After I did my first triathlon I knew I had found my sport.  I love it!  I just turned pro this year which I'm really excited about.  I also work as a physical therapist.

Name: Donna Monaghan 

Age:  30 

Height: 5’6” 

Favorite Competition:  Sprint Triathlons 

Why you joined HRC-M:  To meet other triathletes and learn about their experiences during training and racing. 

Describe the best race you've had:  Every race after my first.  Each race seems to be better than the last. 

Describe the worst:  My first race because I was not prepared.  I never performed an open water swim, so I was not ready for the mass start and the freezing cold water (temperature in the 60’s).  I started to hyperventilate from the excitement and the cold water.  Luckily, I was able to get past it and move on…mostly because all I could think of was the embarrassment of telling people I didn’t finish and I did not want that to happen.  When I got out of the water, it took me five minutes to get my wetsuit off and get on my bike.  I only had a bike for two months, so I was very new to cycling and was not at all in shape to ride up hills.  So of course within the first mile there was a very steep hill.  For some reason I clipped out of my pedals while trying to get up the hill and could not get back in since I just started using the new pedals two weeks ago.  I had to walk my bike up the hill.  It was so embarrassing.  I even have a picture of it because the camera person just happened to be right in the middle of the hill.  By the time the run started, I was so happy that I survived the swim and bike that nothing could bother me. 

History: I have been participating in triathlon for the past three summers.  So far I have completed ten sprint triathlons and one Olympic distance.  I would like to start competing in more Olympic distance and eventually a half iron distance.  I started triathlon because I needed something positive in my life.  Triathlon, at least the training, has become a big part of my life.  It is a time for me to do something for myself without worrying about work or anybody else.  When I am training, I feel free of any stress and problems and a great sense of accomplishment.  I stay involved with racing because of the people involved with triathlons.  There is nothing like going to a race and participating with so many other people in something that you love. 

Name:  Amy O’Neill

Age: 37

Hometown: Doylestown

 Favorite Competition: I am still fairly new to triathlon so every time I have a new experience I am on top of the world.  I started to cry around mile 10 at Eagleman because I could hear the finish line announcer and I knew I had made it!  Nothing tops the feeling of finishing a race.

PR's: Eagleman 2007 most proud, Broad Street Run 2008

Why you joined HRC: I love competition and all you can learn from teammates with experience.  I have a great mentor and have made some friends.

 Describe your best race: Eagleman.  I learned I was capable of more than I had ever thought.  But, if you ask my husband no best race exists in my mind.  Once the splits are up on the computer you can always see of what went well and what not so well (I wish I would have, next time I will…why didn’t I?)…I guess if we all had our best swim, best bike and best run on the same day competiting would lose its magic.   It was beyond my wildest dreams that I would ever do a triathlon so I am just so grateful to be out there. 

Describe your worst:  Black Bear sprint- I am so glad I did this race.  The bike course was a new experience for me!  I dropped my chain going uphill and had to get off my bike and get myself back into the race.

History: I have always loved sports and being active.  Kevin and I love to ski and our two little ones have finally learned so we enjoyed last season as a family.  I ran cross country, played basketball and lacrosse in high school while at Central Bucks West High School.  I was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.  I went to Old Dominion University and played 4 years of varsity D-I lacrosse and had the time of my life.  I then coached lacrosse at Pennridge High School for a couple of years after graduation.  Coaching became a challenge with 2 babies in tow so eventually I resigned. I ran 5ks occasionally but did not really like them.  I spectated while my husband raced his first season of triathlon and I intrigued by the diversity of the competitors.  Eventually I thought, “I can do this.”  I talked about wanting to try for many months.  I signed up for a race with no bike or swimming background.   Kevin told me to go do 12 laps in the pool but I could only do 2 so I signed up for the newbie class with Chief, Sharon and Nancy.  I am so glad I did!
Name: Heidi Seiberlich

Age: 45

Hometown: Hatboro

Favorite Competition: Triathlon; Olympic and 1/2 iron distances.

Why did you join HRC-M: To meet peolple with the same interest and for the commaraderie.

Descirbe your best race: The Diamond in the Rough. It's a nice course and everything went right that day.
Describe your worst race: The Philly Tri. I have done the race every year and every year it's a disaster. Something always goes wrong. I can never get in the groove. I have officially retired from that race. Every year I think it will be better. A black cloud follows me to Philly. I have real issues with that race.

History: Wanted to be a major league baseball player but the gender thing was a problem, so I played field hockey in college until I started running with cross country/track girls who lived in my dorm. One morning the cross country coach saw me running with my cross country friends. Asked me if I would want to run, he talked to the field hockey coach and so I ran . The 10k was my race, I struggled with injuries off/on . Too much mileage, not enough rest. After college I had 3 kids, ran in Boston (what a rush), then started swimming and biking because my knees and hips couldn't take the constant running. Decided to try out triathlons. My first race was in 2003 ( very funny to watch). Since 2004-present I have been All-American Honorable Mention. Did my first Ironman in 2006 and swore I would never do another.  Two days later I changed my mind. Hope one day to make it to Kona. That is my goal to qualify for Kona.

Name: Nancy Smith

Age: 51

Height: 5'7"

Favorite Competittion: Hawaii World Championship   Just to be with the best athletes is so awesome.  I like Columbia Tri also,  Vigorito puts on a nice race.  I like Timberman 1/2 ironman.  The lake is so pretty and clean,  You can watch the sun come up during your swim.

Why you joined HRC: Well, I started the club back 5 years ago when it was only a handful of us triathletes.  I am president of HRC this year.

Describe your best race: Probably Lake Placid Ironman where I qualified to go to  Hawaii, and Columbia in 2008 where I broke a course record held since 1993.  I also had a good race at Timberman when I won the age group and masters division.

Describe your worst: I don't remember a bad race.  I believe any race I can get to the starting line and finish line is a good race and good day to be alive.  I have been given gifts from God and use them to the best of my ability. I have a lot to be thankful for.

History: I am a USAT Level 1 Triathlon coach, Coach swimming, and a tri newbies class.  I love to see other people come to love the sport as much as I do. to see their progress  is very rewarding.I love the sport and feel it is such a healthy life style.
Name: Gerrie Sommers

Age:  55

Height:  5’4”

Best Race:  Iron Man Lake Placid 2007/Diamond Man Half IroMan 2005

Why I joined HRC-M:  To know others who enjoy this crazy sport!

History:  I am probably one of the few that was never much of an athlete.  I started running around 10 years ago, and slowly became interested in swimming and biking.  I was a non swimmer up until four years ago, did a little biking and ran only(1-3 miles at a time) to stay in shape.  I did my first triathlon three years ago, my first 1/2 iron man.  Two and a half years ago and first Iron Man last year.  For me just having the endurance to make it through these events is an accomplishment.   I like the diversity of this sport, the friendships, and the support that I receive from others at HRC Multi Sport.  
Name: Laura Suarez

Age: 26

Hometown: King of Prussia

Favorite Competition: If its got a swim, a bike, and a run, I am pretty much all over it. I think I am most competitive at the half-Ironman distance.

Why you joined HRC-M: My boss, David Cox, was a member of HRC Multisport and was the one who got me initially interested in triathlons. He helped me to pick out a tri bike through HRC in Wayne, in February 2006. When I went in to pick up the bike, the sales associate told me about Tuesday night indoor trainer rides at the store. I decided to check them out, and at my first class, I met Tim Straub. He helped me learn more about triathlons and also sparked my interest in becoming a member of the team. I joined and raced six sprint tris that summer.
 
Describe the best race you've had: Along with five of my closest friends (one being my boyfriend and fellow HRC teammate, Tim Straub), I did Ironman Coeur d’Alene last year. It was just an overall incredible experience. I trained for 7 months, and over that time, I was able to place 5th overall female in two half-Ironman races. I felt really strong going into the day and felt that I had a chance to break my goal of 13 hours. Race morning was without race jitters, which is completely unusual for me. I typically cannot sleep the night before the race, but this night I was out like a light early and slept through the night. Driving to Ironman Village the morning of the race, I was calm and ready to start the day. But, as I donned the wetsuit and goggles and walked out onto the beach of Lake Coeur d’Alene, I was overcome with emotion. After a hug from my group of friends, we set out for probably one of the greatest days of my life. I had a strong swim in 2-foot swells, felt terrific on the bike, and had a solid marathon, where I was able to catch up to Tim. We ran the last 16 miles of the marathon side-by-side, and we broke the tape together in 12 hours, 28 minutes, and 32 seconds. Having Tim there was the most incredible way to end the Ironman. Who knows if we will ever get the chance to do one together again. Since it was my first Ironman, I could not have asked for a more perfect finish.

Describe the worst: My last tri of the 2006 season was the Patriot’s Triathlon at Evergreen Lake. The race is about 20 minutes away from where my parents live, and it was the first time that my father was going to see me race. I was nervous to have my dad there, but I was excited to have him see how hard I worked to compete. I was not in the first wave, so I was standing next to my parents and chatting until about 2 minutes before my wave was to go off. I put my goggles on and tightened the strap. Well, the strap snapped. I had to sprint up to the transition area to get my extra pair of goggles (thank God I had an extra pair!) but they would not let me in the TA because the timing mats were activated. I finally persuaded them to let me in, grabbed my goggles, and sprinted down into the water. I was in the water just as my wave went off, but I was in the back of the pack. I fought my way to the front and actually was the second girl to exit the water. I was so flustered! I started the bike and felt strong. About 2 miles into the race, I followed the guy in front of me take a right-hand turn. Unfortunately, it was a wrong turn that led us back to the start of the bike. I had to turn around and backtrack. I went 1.5 miles off course and had to fight back into the race. I lost out on an overall finish because of that stupid wrong turn.

History: I have always been really into athletics. I grew up trying any little league sport that was offered, and I played three sports (tennis, basketball, softball) in high school. After playing 1 year of tennis at Shippensburg University, I quit to concentrate on my schoolwork. I still went to the gym regularly, but I let myself fall a bit out of shape and put on that lovely college weight. After Christmas break of my senior year of college, I made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Fifty pounds later, I learned to really love to run. I started to train for a marathon, which I never got to do because of knee pain. My boss suggested I try biking while rehabbing the knee injury, and I turned to triathlons. I started training early in 2006 and competed in my first tri that May. I was hooked right away! I hope to be competing in tris for a long time!
Name:  Susan Thornton

Age: 49

Hometown: Philadelphia

Favorite Competition:   Sprint Tri's

Why you joined HRC-M:  To socialize and train with other triathletes

Describe your best race: Pacific Crest 1/2 Ironman, Bend, Oregon:  it was a great race, my longest ever and biggest challenge.  Since I was in the last swim wave and I'm slow anyway, I had most of the bike course and all of the run course to myself.  However, I didn't finish last, which was wonderful, and my entire team (I did the race with Todd Wiley and Team in Training) were there to cheer me over the finish line.  And I felt great afterward - just had to go to bed early!

Describe your worst:  Thundergust a few years ago.  Somehow I had an allergic reaction to the cedar water and found that I couldn't breath for the entire race.  It was a struggle and although it was only a sprint, it was painful.

History:   I've always been "athletic" although never an "athlete".  I started running when I was 17 to stay in shape an was hooked from there.  I've always enjoyed sports, cycling, skiing, tennis, golf and when I found triathlons in 2001, I was totally hooked on the sport and the lifestyle  It keeps me going and also provides me with a wonderful community to share the experience with.  I've met some of my bes friends through the triathlon world.