What is it about Tristar Athletes that makes our team and programs unique? We believe it is our core values that tie into our coaching philosophy and training methods. We have four distinct values that permeate our program at every level.
HEALTH
Value of the common thread of the endurance journey, self improvement and making a conscious decision to be healthy first.
EMPATHY
As a team coming together and celebrating each individual, recognizing the talents of hard work and sacrifice needed to achieve life goals and peak performances.
HAPPINESS
Derived from the love of body movement, nutrition, athletic adventure and team comradery.
ACHIEVEMENT
Dream huge! Shoot for the moon and land in the stars, believe truly that anything is possible.
TEAMWORK
A teamwork environment promotes an atmosphere that fosters friendship and loyalty. These close-knit relationships motivate us as athletes in parallel and align us to work harder, cooperate and be supportive of one another towards greater goals never thought possible…
Learn more below about our coaches, athletes and inceptions or to get started follow here.
MEET THE COACHES
MEET THE TRISTAR ATHLETES
Tristar Athletes Southwest Team -Leslie "Survivor" Tafoya - athlete bio - “I was runner for many years before I started triathlon in 2012 as a means to cross train. Both running and now triathlon has always been about staying healthy, stress relief and fellowship.”
Tristar Athletes Southwest Team - Brian “Sandman” McGee -” Crossing the finish line for the marathon I experience emotions I will never ever forget. Along with a time I was proud of, just finishing and feeling healthy was all I needed!”
“Uncle Fred Skinner” Athlete bio - Fun facts: Kona Bound in 2020 after winning his age group at IMLV in 2019, Fred lives on a high mountain ski slope in New Hampshire with his wife Virginia, with beautiful views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Fred does his long rides around New Hampshire and every time he gets home he has to ride up the mountain one mile with a steady grade of 13%! (You can actually stand leaning into the mountain in front of his driveway.) Talk about a way to end every bike ride with a 1mi time trial treat on the legs! OUCH! Fred swims in open water across Lake Winnipesaukee during the warmer summer months and is a dedicated athlete.
Kelli "competitive" Rantz - athlete bio. “I am a Certified Pilates Instructor and Movement Specialist. I admit I am a total movement nerd and gait creeper! I just love teaching movement through mind/body connection and balanced muscle control. I am fascinated by watching random people walk, run, and cycle. Lately (about 14 years), I've been really caught up observing incorrect gait and pedal stroke). I really do drive my family, friends and sisters NUTS!”
Joe "Deep South" Rummler - athlete bio - Joe is a get work done kind of athlete, he knows how to put in the time and effort to get where he wants to be. One of our top performers in his age group at most races, Joe is the guy you DONT want to race against in your age group!
Tristar Athletes Southwest - Toby “Red-line” Rider -My first athletic challenge was in 6th grade. I rode my little BMX bicycle from Torrance to Marineland (in Palos Verdes) straight up Hawthorne Blvd. That was several thousand feet of climbing, wearing jeans. I put PB&J sandwiches and a jug of water in my backpack……
Tristar Athletes Southwest Team - "Ultra" Julian Summers - Julian is one of our brightest Tristars! reaching for both the moons and the heavens when it comes to goals. A competitive thirst for going long, and at the same time brining a winning attitude and smile to those he races along side; you can’t help but get caught up in his winning spirit!
Tristar Athletes Southeast Team - Brett “Colonel” Buehner - Brett is a red white and blue Tristar Athlete! One of the most dedicated athletes on our team as well as dedicated to serving the in the United States Army.
Tristar Athletes Southwest - Ash “from OZ” Forrester; “From Australia, love to travel and have lived for periods of time in various parts of the world including stints in London, New York, and now SoCal. Have 8 year old boy/girl twins.“ Coaches Notes: Ash is a fun and passionate athlete and somehow manages to train super hard doing so with a smile. We think he might be missing the “pain gene”!
Tristar Athletes Southwest - Durst "Continuous Improvement" Breneiser - athlete bio -”My goal is to continually improve, not just pace and times but my own health and goals, both within triathlon and outside.”