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In Loving Memory of Michelle Griffin Castillo
Michelle Castillo, a very active member of the Team Z community, was a staple at Wild Wild West workouts. She approached her fitness goals and
role on the team – like she did all things in life – with enthusiasm, passion, and humor. A valued part of the Team Z family, Michelle brought a warm
smile, kind words, and infectious laughter to those around her.
An experienced marathon runner, Michelle had recently accomplished her long time goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon with Team Z at the
Rock and Roll Marathon. But in true Michelle fashion she had her sights set on something bigger… having signed up to do Ironman Cozumel before
she had even done a single triathlon! Tragically, Michelle passed away before she would have the opportunity to accomplish this dream. Team Z
misses her terribly and we will be thinking of her and her family on race day. We know she would have celebrated her journey with a big smile and
lots of hugs at the finish line. With heavy hearts we cross that line in her honor, and will celebrate our day knowing that she is with us in spirit.
Team Z Media Guide 2014
Jan Amtrup, “German Hammer”
Team Z Ironman Cozumel Racers
Name: Jan W. Amtrup
Hometown: Silver Spring
Z region: Notorious ZMDC
Motivational statement: Im Bett da isses nett
What's next after this race: My wedding - Heike and I get married in
Cozumel after the race.
Favorite treat after a race: Ice cream (and margaritas in this case)
Favorite song that pumps you up: Nuevo Tango - e.g. Otros Aires
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Completing my first 110
mile bike ride in cold, pouring rain
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Wearing my wetsuit for the
first time at Sandy Point. I made it all of 50 yards, panicked, and had to get out
of the water. That was a very long drive for a short swim.
Favorite super hero: Professor X
Special power you would like to have: Flying
One thing you would like people to know about you: I love to cook and eat
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Waterman’s sprint in 2011
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Daniel Alvarez
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: Stick to the plan
What's next after this race: Xmas cruise with the family! then Ragnar Miami
to Florida keys
Favorite treat after a race: Burgers, Pizza, Fries, Coke and anything that
crosses my path!
Favorite song that pumps you up: Anything by Jack White
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Ironman Florida 2013,
everything went as planned and I shaved more than 2 hours and 43 minutes
from my previous IM.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Falling while clipped in your
bike is always embarrassing, especially that slow motion fall at a stop sign,
when everyone is looking! You look like an upside down turtle
Special power you would like to have: absorbing other people's powers
One thing you would like people to know about you: I try to simplify the
internet for old people
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Leon's
(world fastest) triathlon, Hammond, IN - June 2013 - Olympic distance
Rochelle Anderson, “Chelle”
Name: Rochelle Anderson
Hometown: Springfield VA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: Just get it done and try to have fun
What's next after this race: Next big race, Boston marathon 2015, then some
more 70.3
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing my first
ironman (Cozumel 2011)
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Nathalie Behn, “Nat”
Hometown: Heidelberg, Germany
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: Mind Over Matter
(www.trimindovermatter.blogspot.com)
What's next after this race: Starting in 2015, only do 70.3’s every ~6 weeks
at tropical locations so I have an even better justification in my head to spend
money on traveling . Signed up for Puerto Rico in March ’15 already, maybe
St. Croix in May, Vegas again in Oct ‘15, maybe Asia, Europe in between…
Favorite treat after a race: Five Guys and lots of German Chocolate!!
Favorite song that pumps you up: The Catalyst, Linkin Park
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Completing the hilliest
and most beautiful bike course I have done to date at the 70.3 IM Silverman in
Oct ’14. It was breathtaking to climb these mountains and see the amazing
scenery. I was about to stop and take some selfies!! The amazing view (almost)
took over my fear to actually have to descend what I had just climbed up.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: My one and only fall to date
(knock on wood!) was on a ride with my partner-in-crime Zuzana, when we
pulled up at a rest stop and (I didn’t forget to unclip!!) my clip was stuck and I
sure felt on my behind while trying to fall so my bike won’t get any scratches.
Favorite super hero: Mirinda Carfrae (so I’d have a chance to win Kona one
day)
Special power you would like to have: invent something genius and become
super rich so I can quit my job and then travel a lot and do Ironman around the
world for fun!
One thing you would like people to know about you: I am really not afraid
of speed which is my one German trait I possess (Other German traits I
DON’T have: I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I hate cold weather and don’t care
for soccer). I used to race motorcycles and 270km/h (170mph) is just fine fully
leathered, but a downhill of exceeding 40mph on my beloved Chou Chou (my
tri bike) in a little bit of tri gear, is beyond scary to me!!!
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? USMC
Sprint Tri – August 2013.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Allie Caroll
Hometown: the DMV
Z region: Arlington AllStars
Motivational statement: “Someday you won’t be able to do this, today is not
that day!”
What's next after this race: A trip to Yogaville! (Yes, this is a real place.)
Favorite treat after a race: Seeing/hugging my husband, Danny Slaski, who
is enthusiastically cheering and supporting me across the finish line long after
he has crossed it himself!
Favorite song that pumps you up: I make a pretty mean music mix! I have at
least 10 playlists that are somehow or another aimed at getting me pumped
up. All of them are carefully crafted and have titles like: Saturday Morning
Long Run, Dance/Run/Dance, PumpItUp, Own The Course, You Can Do
it….you get the idea.
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Realizing that I can be the
best version of myself even during the “dark moments’ of a race or training.
Knowing I can stay positive, smile during the tough times, and that I’m quick
with a wave or a word of support as others pass by has been both a humble and
powerful experience.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: The endless struggle that goes
into putting on a wetsuit and/or the fact that I have never taken a decent race
photo. One of these days I will look badass while breezing by the photog, one
of these days….
Favorite super hero: Katniss Everdeen
Special power you would like to have: The ability to always be perfectly
hydrated.
One thing you would like people to know about you: I have a mild
obsession with cute monsters and pugs. I blame it on Jim Henson.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
I was lucky enough to finish my first tri with my mom on Mother’s Day 2008
at the Fins, Wheels, Feet Sprint Triathlon in Virginia Run. She is my biggest
inspiration and I have her to thank for my first foray into this crazy sport!
But, if we are going way back, my very first “race” was the Ashburn 5k
Turkey Trot in 1997
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Chris Catalano “Cat”
Name: Chris Catalano
Hometown: Middletown, NY
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: "Let’s do this!"
What's next after this race: Come find me on Monday... let’s do a shot.
Favorite treat after a race: A can of coke at the Team Z tents.
Favorite song that pumps you up: A bit strange but its "Wu Tang: 7th
Chamber Part II” That track is definitely NSFW. So if you need to download
something go with "Going the Distance" from the Rocky I soundtrack :)
Training or race moment you are most proud of: The day I decided to stop
wearing a watch to train. I was watching my girls run around the park and
thought "I want running to be fun like that. How do I get there again?"
Focusing in on "feel" and other indicators has helped me find a new way to
appreciate the sport. Although, to be fair I still wear one for track workouts :)
Most embarrassing race or training moment: There are too many,
embarrassing moments build character, right.
Favorite super hero: Spiderman!
Special power you would like to have: Flying!
One thing you would like people to know about you: This is 3 things: I
want to thank my wife Molly and our girls June, Violet, and Cora for their
support and patience. The girls like it when I pack my cycling stuff because
they can usually make off with a honey stinger waffle from my bag. When I
leave with my bike they'll say "Bye Dad! Don’t get hit by a Car!" Excellent
advice from a 3 and 5 year old. I want to thank my Dad for taking the trip to
Cozumel for the race. I also want to thank Team Z. There's no way I’d be here
without the strength and encouragement from the Team and Coaches. I’m
proud to be part of such a great group.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? My first
Tri was the Upper Main Line YMCA sprint in Berwyn PA in 2010. From
couch to lumbering finisher in a few painful weeks. My first series of
workouts were 1-min walking, 2-mins "Running" for 20 minutes. I never
thought those workouts would lead me here.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
John Chicoski
Hometown: Arlington
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: The only one that can tell you “You can’t” is you.
And you don’t have to listen.
What's next after this race: Margaritas!
Favorite treat after a race: Singing, dancing and screaming until midnight at
the finish line! … also beer
Favorite song that pumps you up: Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Setting a goal that I knew
was impossible.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Unclipping the wrong foot,
and falling over on my bike…several times.
Favorite super hero: Chris Wren
Special power you would like to have: Running
One thing you would like people to know about you: I’ve won every pie
eating contest I’ve ever entered.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Celebrating Heroes Sprint Tri, June 2012
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
David Colman, “DC”
Name: David Colman
Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: Never give up, never surrender!
What's next after this race: Boston 2015
Favorite treat after a race: Ice cream!
Favorite song that pumps you up: Thrift Shop - Mackelmore
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Sticking with Anne riding
the whole Mountains of Misery and holding hands through the finish line.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Running smack into a tree in
the middle of the Rothrock trail run.
Favorite super hero: Iron Man
Special power you would like to have: Telekinesis.
One thing you would like people to know about you: Come rain or shine,
I'll be the happiest runner out there!
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? 1998
Sound to Narrows 5k
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Maggie Crnic
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Z region: OG Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: “Your biggest competitor isn’t someone else. It’s
the burning in your legs and the aching in your lungs, and a voice inside that
yells "can't". But you don’t listen, you just push harder until you hear a voice
whisper "can", and you realize that the person you thought you were, is no
match for the one you really are.”
What's next after this race: IM Chattanooga
Favorite treat after a race: Cold Beer
Favorite song that pumps you up: High Hopes, Bruce Springsteen
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Shamrock Marathon
Most embarrassing race or training moment: practicing descents at
McKinley school
Favorite super hero: Wonder Woman
Special power you would like to have: 20 mph bike pace
One thing you would like people to know about you: Ironman Mont
Tremblant was my 5th IM finish
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? 2006
IronGirl sprint
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Valerie Dix, “Iron Tutu”
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: Courage to start, strength to endure, resolve to finish
What’s next after this race: a lot of rest
Favorite treat after a race: ice cold coke
Favorite song that pumps you up: “Feel This Moment” Pitbull featuring
Christina Aguilera
Training or race moment you are most proud of: The entire Ironman
Cozumel experience in 2011
Most embarrassing race or training moment: A tie between falling at the
bike mount line at Ironman Louisville in 2013 and DNF’ing Ironman Mont
Tremblant this year
Favorite super hero: Ironman
Special power you would like to have: Travel through time
One thing you would like people to know about you: I have seen Dave
Matthews in concert 79 times
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? 14.06,
super sprint triathlon in July 2010
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Terry Drinkwine
Hometown: Aldie, VA
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: Focus on what you can control. If you’re happy
with the results, don’t worry about the rest
What’s next after this race: Fishing with my dad
Favorite treat after a race: Pizza
Favorite song that pumps you up: Training Montage – Rocky IV
Training or race moment you are most proud of: First 50 mile race 2010
Most embarrassing race or training moment: heckled by high school race
aids in my first 5K race
Favorite super hero: Captain America
Special power you would like to have: SPEED
One thing you would like people to know about you: I race for my family
who unconditionally supports me and this crazy sport
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
WarHawk 5K 2008
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Alison Eddy
Hometown: Orwigsburg, PA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: Hmm. I should have one of those. Otherwise, I find
it best to not think too much. Just go.
What’s next after this race: Christmas cookies. Lots and lots of Christmas
cookies. Then Placid and Chattanooga with a bunch of stuff in between.
Favorite treat after a race: Chocolate milk! Pizza! Root beer floats!
Favorite song that pumps you up: OneRepublic 'I Lived'
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Getting a half marathon
PR after thinking I put everything I had into the bike - Waterman's 2014.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Forgetting my timing chip at
the hotel before my first half – Williamsburg 2013.
Favorite super hero: Superman
Special power you would like to have: Quick healing?
One thing you would like people to know about you: How about a mildly
interesting fact instead? The Running Juggler you may have seen at races... is
a friend of my family. My Aunt and Uncle were once very active in the
Philadelphia Jugglers Club. I made the connection during my long walk at the
Shamrock Marathon. And, yes, I can juggle: 4 objects or 3 clubs. I have
experience passing clubs and some limited experience with fire.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Spring
Ridge Super Sprint – 8/30/09 (Pool); Kinetic Sprint – 5/15/11 (Open Water)
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Anne Forney “Forneycation”
Name: Anne Marie Forney
Hometown: Denver, CO
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: "Just keep swimming!"
What's next after this race: Scuba diving in Honduras!
Favorite treat after a race: Banana split
Favorite song that pumps you up: All About that Base - Meghan Trainor
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing Marine Corps
Marathon in 2012- At 26.0 I quote "I want to die"
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Trying to put on my race belt
on the bike... while riding
Favorite super hero: Batman
Special power you would like to have: Time travel
One thing you would like people to know about you: I love my new
husband, David <3
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Bolder
Boulder 10 k 2000
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Chris Gosselin
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
Z region: Wild Wild West/Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams
come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, selfdiscipline, and effort.”
What’s next after this race: Tequila
Favorite treat after a race: Chocolate Milk
Favorite song that pumps you up: Levels – Avicii
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Ironman Louisville 2012
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Splitting my shorts from front
to back 5 miles from my car while doing a training run last year.
Favorite super hero: Superman
Special power you would like to have: Travel through time
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Georgetown Ironmed Sprint – 2009
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Amanda Harper, “Donkey” or “Mander”
Hometown: Petersburg, WV
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: “Find a way.” Meaning there is no excuse for not
finding a way to get something done, regardless of how I feel mentally or
physically.
What’s next after this race: Insomnia (IM training is the best insomnia
treatment EVER!)
Favorite treat after a race: I’ll eat nearly anything that doesn’t put up a fight
(assuming it’s vegetarian).
Favorite song that pumps you up: Right now I’m singing Juice Newton’s
Queen of Hearts or 100 Bottles of Beer On The Wall to get through long
training rides. They don’t pump me up per se, but they help.
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Athleta Iron Girl Half
Marathon in 2012 and Waterman’s Half in 2014.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: I’m amazed that I cannot
think of anything to put here. Non-race/training related, I’ve got thousands I
could list!
Favorite super hero: She-ra, Princess of Power
Special power you would like to have: Ability to fall asleep whenever I
wanted.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? My first
race ever was the Warrior Dash in October 2010. My first triathlon was
Salute to the Military Sprint in May 2013.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Kate Hildreth, “Tweak” (after the South Park character who
only drinks coffee)
Hometown: Cedar Grove, NJ
Z region: Arlington All Stars
Motivational statement: "I learn to get by on the little victories." -Matt
Nathanson
What's next after this race: a 70.3 in 2015 (perhaps), then a hilly Ironman in
2016
Favorite treat after a race: margherita pizza and San Pelligrino with fresh
lime
Favorite song that pumps you up: Move Along by All American Rejects, or
Light 'em Up by Fallout Boy
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Outlasting 6 Ironman
finishers on an 80-mile taper ride for Lake Placid 2013 on a 110 degree day
with vultures circling overhead
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Wiping out two steps into the
ocean at Dewey Beach triathlon in 2010. Baptism by sand!
Favorite super hero: X-men, as they are my fellow mutants!
Special power you would like to have: Being able to speak all languages, so
I could ask directions in any country I train or race in when I get lost on the
course ; )
One thing you would like people to know about you: I just want to cross the
finish line at Cozumel with no injuries, and have fun!
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? My first
race was a high school swim meet in 1997, and my first triathlon was Dewey
Beach Sprint in 2010
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Megan Hill “Ed’s No Maintenance Client”
Name: Megan Hill
Hometown: Havre, Montana
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: It’s about being blessed (IMMD video).
What's next after this race: First, a wonderful week-long vacation in
Mexico. Then I’ll think about 2015 goals, but they will certainly include major
core strengthening and a lot of leg presses and extensions.
Favorite treat after a race: Cheeseburgers are great!
Favorite song that pumps you up: I love the Happy song 
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Getting to the starting
line. Every time.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Thankfully I can’t think of
one.
Favorite super hero: The folks at Project Violet (www.projectviolet.org) are
my super heroes.
Special power you would like to have: Disappear calories!
One thing you would like people to know about you: I’ve done a lot of work
in Mexico and love the Yucatan Peninsula, so if you need help with language,
culture, tourist sites to visit or menu choices, please let me know! One of my
former students is also a Cozumel scuba guide and will offer special tours for
Team Z.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? My first
triathlon was with Team in Training (go team!), St. Anthony’s Olympic
distance, in 2007. It was a great experience.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Franca Jones
Name: Franca Jones
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Z region: Notorious ZMD
Motivational statement: Never Give Up!
What's next after this race: Lots of rest.
Favorite treat after a race: Team Z Fries!
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing in the top 50th
percentile at Age Group Nationals 2014.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Losing both of my water
bottles on a bump at mile 15 of Waterman's 2013.
Favorite super hero: Wonder Woman
One thing you would like people to know about you: I have a wonderful
husband and 10 year-old daughter.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? I finished my
first Sprint in graduate school in 1997. Then I did my second Sprint in 2001
and followed that with my first Olympic in 2001. I then took a 12 year hiatus
from the sport and came back to do the Columbia Tri in 2013. I've completed
8 races ranging from Olympic to Half-Ironman distance since 2013. Now I'm
hooked!
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Marcia Insley
Hometown: Albany, New York
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: It’s better to try (tri) and fail than to fail to try (tri)
What's next after this race: Some short holiday runs this year and then focus
turns to Mountains of Misery double metric and a half or full marathon early
next year
Favorite treat after a race: To stop running
Favorite song that pumps you up: On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing my first sprint
tri – Iron Girl Columbia MD, August 2011
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Putting my running shorts on
inside out – I am VERY thankful I walked past a mirror before I left the house
Favorite super hero: All those that wake up each day with chronic illnesses,
diseases or injuries and push forward with a smile. They inspire me.
Special power you would like to have: To not look like a drowned rat when I
complete a workout or race.
One thing you would like people to know about you: About 5 years ago, I
saw a broadcast of an Iron Girl sprint-distance triathlon on TV. I told my
friend Kai I thought I could do that. She said, “me too” and we did it in 2011
(see proudest moment above). Since that commitment, between us we have
lost more weight than either of us weighs today. I’m thrilled that Kai is
coming to Cozumel to be my Sherpa and I will be wearing my Iron Girl
cycling gloves to remind me of the journey.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? I ran a
5-mile trail run before I ran my first 5k – both in the Spring of 2011.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Jimmy Lutz
Hometown: Reston
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t
stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.
What’s next after this race: North Face 50 Miler in April followed by IM
Cairns, Australia in June.
Favorite treat after a race: Chocolate milk
Favorite song that pumps you up: Red Lights by Tiesto
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing my first
Ironman, at IM Wisconsin, 2012
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Running out of T2 with my
helmet on.
Favorite super hero: Nelson Mandela – he was a super hero in my book
Special power you would like to have: Speed – the kind that is earned.
One thing you would like people to know about you: If I do enough of these
crazy races, I won’t have any more secrets to tell! Okay, let’s see. I used to fly
Blackhawks in the US Army. Fun times.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Rumpus
in Bumpass Sprint in 2011. It’s safe to say that I was hooked afterwards!
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Erin McManamon "Princess" But if anyone calls me by
that, you're in trouble
Name: Erin McManamon
Hometown: Arlington
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: "Just do it!"-I wish I listened to my own advice.
What's next after this race: Drinking lots of margaritas and getting
sunburned on the beaches of Mexico!
Favorite treat after a race: Alcohol!
Favorite song that pumps you up: "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Crossing the Eagleman
finish line with a big PR and huge confidence about what I can do in Cozumel!
Most embarrassing race or training moment: At the bike mount line at
Savageman, as I was clipping in, a volunteer told me I could walk up the hill
because that's what a lot of other people were doing. It was information
overload as I was watching some people walk and some people ride and I was
currently getting ready to ride myself. So, I just fell over right in front of
everyone.
Favorite super hero: Wonder Woman
Special power you would like to have: I would love to be invisible so I
could spy on everyone! Oh, and I would love to be super speedy so that whole
Ironman cut-off thing isn't even a factor!
One thing you would like people to know about you: I couldn't have gotten
to this point without the love, patience and support of my fiance, Mike
Skeele. He's been a saint to put up with me during this whole ordeal. And, I
cherish the support, friendship and guidance from Ironwomen Bel Serocki and
Addie Schroeder Jones.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Race
for the Cure 5K in 1998. I can't express to you how hard I trained for that
thing. Look at me now!
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Newsha Nazmi-Ansary, “The Newsh”
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Z region: Wild Wild West
Motivational statement: Stand your ground and fight.
What’s next after this race: Going back home and meeting my niece for the
first time.
Favorite treat after a race: Did someone say beer?
Favorite song that pumps you up: Dancing With Myself, Billy Idol. The
Phoenix, Fall Out Boy.
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing my first 70.3
Watermans while laughing hysterically.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Taking the wrong turn on
bike course at Savageman 30 and biking up the gravel fire tower road.
Favorite super hero: Besides me?!!
Special power you would like to have: Be in two places at once. Home and
here.
One thing you would like people to know about you: I often get lost,
NEVER follow me! When I signed up for my first Oly, I had no bike and I
couldn’t swim Free Style, and I wasn’t a runner either!
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? River
Creek 5k, 2011 took me over an hour to finish!!!!
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Siri Oswald, Nickname? Ask Ryan – He’ll give you at
least five.
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Z region: Arlington Allstars (but like to get crushed at Westie Fantasy
Football)
Motivational statement: You are tougher than anything this day can throw at
you!
What's next after this race: You mean after many margaritas on the beach?
Moving...the other endurance event.
Favorite treat after a race: Chocolate milk, pizza, and G&Ts (plural)
Favorite song that pumps you up: On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons);
Best Day of My Life (American Authors); Courage Is (The Strange Familiar)
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing Ironman Lake
Placid 2008 in 16:53...I was the third to last finisher on a really tough day. But
some days you have to be proud just getting up at 4AM to train.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: There is not enough space for
all those moments, but if you ask, I'll tell you what I had to do with my cycling
shoes after the rainy Easton ride. Or about the time I put table salt in all my
water bottles. Or...
Favorite super hero: Wonder Woman
Special power you would like to have: Healing powers
One thing you would like people to know about you: I'm an original Zer
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed?
When? Running: LAWS 1/2 marathon in 1999; Triathlon: Seattle Danskin
Sprint in 2001
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Kris Peterson
Name: Kris Petersen
Hometown: Silver Spring (this is where my home is now, not where I was
born)
Z region: Notorious MDC
Motivational statement: "Don't you dare quit!"
What's next after this race: nothing on the docket.... but probably a local
Setup event
Favorite treat after a race: Ice Cream!
Favorite song that pumps you up: Get On Up by Jerrod Niemann
Training or race moment you are most proud of: helping another racer
finish Waterman's Half this year!
Most embarrassing race or training moment: my first Team Z swim
practice - thankfully only 1 coach was there....
Favorite super hero: Kim Possible
Special power you would like to have: translocation
One thing you would like people to know about you: I am an extrovert - if I
want you to know something about me, I have probably already told you....
and I am deaf in my right ear.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Waterman’s Sprint October 14, 2012.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Karl Picado
Adele Ratcliff
Name: Karl Picado
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: No Pain, No Gain
What's next after this race: Holiday Parties, 2015 Winter Classic (Hockey)
and go to Red Wings vs. Capitals games
Favorite treat after a race: Cold Beer, Beef Jerky. Oh did I mention Cold
Beer.
Favorite song that pumps you up: Cowboy and/or American Bad Ass by
Kid Rock
Most embarrassing race or training moment: 2009 almost missing my first
marathon because I went out with friends until 3am
Favorite super hero: Scooby-Doo
Special power you would like to have: Healing
One thing you would like people to know about you: Overcoming the
metal mind game of swimming 2.4 miles (on Zone 2)
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Marine
Corps Marathon - 2009
Hometown: McComb Ms, Springfield Va
Z region: Arlington - Agents of the Shield
Motivational statement: Never Quit
What's next after this race: beer, ice cream, and trail running
Favorite treat after a race: beer, ice cream, and a shower
Favorite song that pumps you up: I Lived
Training or race moment you are most proud of: All the training after my
accident to get to IMLP 2013
Favorite super hero: My Dad
Special power you would like to have: Thighs like Thor
One thing you would like people to know about you: I am a Proud Miss
State Fan!
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? A 5k, I
was just trying to stay ahead of the 8 year old boy and not be last!
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Daniel Slaski, “Danimal”
Hometown: Reston, VA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”
What’s next after this race: Making up for lost time with friends
Favorite treat after a race: Nachos and Coke
Favorite song that pumps you up: “Merchandise” – Fugazi
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Training for and
completing a 70.3 with my partner in crime
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Showing up to a race and
realizing I hadn’t signed up for it. Was eating Ben and Jerry’s the entire week
before to get into the Cyldesdale division for said race.
Favorite super hero: Inspector Gadget
Special power you would like to have: being interdependently wealthy
One thing you would like people to know about you: I know nothing about
college and professional team sports. Literally nothing.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Reston International Triathlon. 2005. Wore a special “danger swimmer” cap
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Tamara Smith
Hometown: Burgettstown, PA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
What's next after this race: More races! Maybe IMMD or MCM next year
Favorite treat after a race: French Fries or potato chips
Favorite song that pumps you up: There are many of these over time
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Two - 1) Running the
Boston Marathon in 2009 and 2) coming in 3rd place in my Age Group at
Rock n Roll DC half marathon 2014
Most embarrassing race or training moment: I block these out of my
memory
Special power you would like to have: ESP
One thing you would like people to know about you: I've always wanted to
be a songwriter
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? I ran my
first 5K in 2000 after losing 55 pounds over the prior year
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Donna Sumption, “Honey Badger”
Hometown: Randolph, MA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: It’s all mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it
doesn’t matter.
What’s next after this race: Heal my body and spend quality time with my
girlfriend, Cindy
Favorite treat after a race: Ice cream
Favorite song that pumps you up: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Completing
Savageman. That was hard.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: First half, I went 10 miles off
the bike course
Favorite super hero: Wonder Woman
Special power you would like to have: The ability to heal whatever hurts at
that moment instantly
One thing you would like people to know about you: I can deadlift 175
pounds and I am trying to get up to 300.
What’s the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? 3 miles,
when I was 14 on my high school cross country team
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Kate Vasko, “Vasko,” “KEV,” or “Beast!”
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: She believed she could so she did.
What's next after this race: Stand in line for my finisher's jacket, then eat
lots of Christmas cookies in December!
Favorite treat after a race: Anything I can get my sweaty paws on!
Favorite song that pumps you up: Usually anything from Pitbull
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Rev3 Cedar Point Half,
2012. Completing my first half iron four short months after joining Team Z
and finishing my first sprint!
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Struggling through my first
25 mile team ride on a mountain bike and platform pedals.
Favorite super hero: Rinny
Special power you would like to have: Speed
One thing you would like people to know about you: I'm very excited and
thankful that my Aunt and best friend from high school are coming to cheer on
Team Z in Cozumel!
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? TriRock
Annapolis Sprint, May 2012.
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Keri Walker
Name: Keri Walker
Hometown: Jenison Michigan
Z region: Williamsburg Va
Motivational statement: Follow your dreams, reach for the goals, but most of
all have fun
What's next after this race: Staying away from Adele Ratcliff and Carrie
Ohm for as long as possible so they do not suck me into anything else!
Favorite treat after a race: Hamburger and a fountain coke
Favorite song that pumps you up: Eye of the Tiger
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Finishing the Shamrock
8k with my mom, our one and only race together.
Most embarrassing race or training moment: Learning I had to pee on my
bike, then figuring out how to do it
Favorite super hero: Wonder Women
Special power you would like to have: Wonder Twin Powers….
One thing you would like people to know about you: I retire from the Air
Force 1 Dec 2014, yes I could still be running….and I would give anything to
have my mom at the finish line. She was my biggest cheerleader.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed?
When? Goldsboro NC YMCA Sprint Tri 1995
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Norm Weinberg
Hometown: Springfield, Va
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: Get it done!
What's next after this race: Mountains of Misery
Favorite treat after a race: Diet Coke
Favorite song that pumps you up: "Whole Lotta Love"
Training or race moment you are most proud of: 1st tri....Columbus 1985
Most embarrassing race or training moment: going over the handle bars on
my bike in a traffic intersection
Favorite super hero: Spiderman
Special power you would like to have: never hurting or injured regardless of
the event (painlessness)
One thing you would like people to know about you: I've done a lot, but
have lots to do...
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? Mile
swim at boy scout camp in 1965
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Team Z mates that completed other Ironman races during the second half of the season
Ironman Maryland, September 20
 Evelyn Adams
 Mark Stevenson
 John Matlock
 Mary Pickering
 Valerie Dix
 Jamie Poole
 Jon Poole
Ironman Chattanooga, September 28
 Jen Mallard
 Ho Nguyen
Ironman World Championship (Kona), October 11
 Tina Ament
 Chris Wren
Beach 2 Battleship, October 25
 Catherine Medd
Ironman Florida, November 1
 Von Spencer
 Deb Wolfe
Ironman Arizona, November 16
 Mark Edmunds
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Team Z Mascots
Gavin Pettengill
Zoe Zerkle
Emily Pettengill
Peyton and Skylar Lopez-Buitrago
Mollie Pettengill
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Alexis Lopez Buitrago
Team Z Coaches
Hometown: Kensington, MD
Z region: Notorious Z MDC
Motivational statement: Only one? No chance:
It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. –Abraham
Lincoln
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes
life meaningful. –Joshua J. Marine
The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is
doing it. –Chinese Proverb
What's next after this race: Sleep (not likely)
Favorite treat after a race: Ice Cold Cherry Coke, French fries followed by
ice cream (Duh)
Favorite song that pumps you up: Sexy Back, Justin Timberlake
Training or race moment you are most proud of: There are soooo many….
just kidding. Guiding our blind triathlete, Tina Ament to a podium finish at the
2011 Boston Marathon. That was pretty cool.
Favorite super hero: A tossup between Thor and Iron Man
Special power you would like to have: the power to make people follow the
training plans? (now I’m venting.) Extra Sensory Perception
One thing you would like people to know about you: I have two beautiful
granddaughters.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When? The
Grunion Run 10K in San Diego, CA. 1985
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Team Z Media Guide 2014
Ed Zerkle
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Z region: Arlington Allstars
Motivational statement: You'll never know, unless you Tri
What's next after this race: I’m gettin hitched!
Favorite treat after a race: A nicely packed trailer with clean, dry coolers
Favorite song that pumps you up: The Wheels on the Bus
Training or race moment you are most proud of: Tracey Ford, 11:59 finish
at Ironman Arizona, 2011. Patti Jackson - 2:30 AM finish at Cedar Point (19
hrs, 30 min), 2012
Favorite super hero: Oscar (the Grouch)
Special power you would like to have: I wish that Ryan, Alexis, and I were
the Wonder Triplets. "Form of: Completely shopped and packed trailer. Form
of: Completely set up Team Z Village. Form of: Completely cooked and
cleaned up lunch for 200 people".
One thing you would like people to know about you: I am the nice coach. I
don't care what Rich says.
What's the first race and/or distance you ever completed? When?
Richmond 1/2 Marathon - 1979
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