My first triathlon ever was in 1985 at Contra Loma Reservoir in Antioch. I was next to last out of the swim, ran out of breath just running to my bike, but somehow finished, and decided that I liked this new sport. The next year, I convinced my high school best friend Mark Shaw to join me in a two-person adventure race called the River of No Return - Survival of the Fittest. That began our 'partnership' and our love of training and racing. I started Total Body Fitness in 1991 as Sacramento's Premier Personal Training Company offering in-home personal training to individuals looking to add health and fitness into their life. I convinced Mark to join me as my business partner in 1993, and since that time we have continued to do what we love: workout and play, and teach others how to do the same. In 2002 we convinced our long time Death Ride companion and good friend Dan Foster to join us as a partner in TBF Training.

I love seeing the transformation in athlete's lives when they set and reach a fitness goal, and then that helps them to do the same thing in other areas of their lives because of their increased self confidence. I get inspiration from everyone that accomplishes difficult athletic goals, whether it is a top triathlete winning their age group, an ultimate fighter training for a victory, a marathoner setting a personal best, or an NBA guard leading the league in scoring. That power to excel, to succeed, is in all of us - and it is demonstrated by both superstars and ordinary training partners in our lives every day.

My goal for 2008 is to do the ‘Thailand Triple Crown’ of Multi-Sport: the Bangkok Marathon, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, and the 7th Annual Railay Bay Adventure Race, setting new PR’s for each of the three events. I have competed in 78 triathlons including 5 IRONMAN triathlons and 14 half Ironman triathlons, 11 duathlons, 15 marathons, 5 century rides, 12 Death Rides and 12 adventure races.

My entry into the multi-sport life was the River of No Return Pentathlon in the summer of 1986. My best friend Bill Driskill convinced me to be his teammate in the race with two weeks notice. After a half mile swim in the Russian River, a ten mile canoe journey downriver, a one mile uphill canoe portage, a 9 mile rolling run and a twenty mile road bike I was unable to move and unable to wipe the smile off of my face. Over the next 5 years Bill and I tried to figure a way to make a living teaching multi-sport to others.  Bill got Total Body Fitness started in 1991 and I joined him in 1993. Total Body Fitness has grown into a multi-sport training, racing and travel company with a coaching staff and racing staff of over 40 people.

Going outside to play was the best part of growing up. Play was coming up with new games, designing obstacle courses, making skateboards, climbing trees, catching any thing we could, piecing together scraps for bike jumps, riding wheelies, playing sports, racing motorcycles, racing bicycles, finding triathlon and always looking ahead. As a TBF Coach, I get to share my passion and knowledge of play with others and encourage them to remove limits, set goals, get moving, have fun and enjoy life. The most rewarding part of being a TBF Coach is witnessing the change in the athletes as they gain confidence, build skills, stay motivated and develop a love for the multi-sport lifestyle.

May races for this year are Ironman China April 20, Auburn International Triathlon May 18th, Tri-For-Real June 8, Tri-For-Fun July 12, Vineman Half Ironman Triathlon July 20 and the Tahoe Sierra 100 on September 6th. My main goal is a sub-5 at Vineman Half.

I became a partner in TBF Training in 2002 after completing a rewarding career in the environmental consulting business.  All my life I have worked as a professional and enjoyed fitness as a hobby.  However, as of 2002, the rolls have reversed and now my hobby has become my passion and profession.

The best part of TBF Training is seeing all the positive changes in the athletes that complete our program.  Care is given to each and every athlete and this support network, combined with some motivation and learning, come together to complete the life changing experience.  At TBF, my paycheck is truly "changing lives...one at time"


My primary racing goals for 2008 include a great performance at Iron Man China in early 2008! To achieve these goals, I will focus on increasing my average bike speed in addition to developing a strong post-bike run. I have completed one Iron distance triathlon and look to continue my "addiction"

2008 Training and Racing goals:
“My goals this year are to do two sprint distance triathlons, 2 olympic distance triathlons, and conclude the season with a ½ marathon”.

2008 Race Schedule:
2 Tri-4-Funs
1 Tri-4-Real
1 other Olympic distance tri
Disneyland ½ Marathon

How did you get started with TBF?
“I got started with TBF in 2003. I signed up for the tri class anjd after my first swim clinic I asked if I could help as a coach. Mark, Bill, and Dan watched and listened to my “skills”, liked what they heard, and welcomed me aboard!

What is your favorite thing about being a TBF Coach?
My favorite aspect about being a TBF Coach is helping the athletes. When athletes ask me for tips, advice, or pointers, they are always so thankful! I love when athletes say “thank you” and show their appreciation…this keeps me coming back for more!

What was your first tri? What was your most memorable moment?
My first triathlon was the Danskin in 2001 in Sacramento. I loved it! It was an all women’s sprint distance triathlon race.

My most memorable triathlon was my first Olympic distance (Tri-4-Real) in August 2007.

What Darren enjoys most about coaching for TBF Training is the camaraderie, and seeing a member's face light up when they first put a tip Darren gives them into action and they see the results. Darren is inspired by his family, and his close friends in TBF: Mark Poole and Booth Borcherding.  Darren says they have been doing this far longer than he has, and their longevity in the sport is truly inspiring.

His top goal for 2007 is to race more races and stay healthy. Darren has competed in 28 triathlons, including one IRONMAN and 6 half Ironman triathlons , 6 marathons and 5 century rides.

A lifelong runner and long time cyclist, Spence took the plunge and joined
the multi-sport lifestyle several years back. With the help of TBF he has
become reasonably amphibious, making the swim phase of triathlons something
that he now enjoys. Spence appreciates the broad variety of events
multi-sport offers, and competes in sprint to iron distance road events as
well as mountain bike off road triathlons. He has been a TBF assistant
coach for three years and is currently a TBF Track Attack running coach. He
especially enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge with those new to the
sport of triathlon. "Triathlon can be enjoyed by anybody, at any age and at
any fitness level, so what are you waiting for?"

Testimonial
Anybody who says their first triathlon was perfect has a defective memory.
My first triathlon was educational on need for preparedness and planning. I
picked a TBF event for my first, and chose the MTB race instead of the
sprint race because I was coming of a long lay-off and the run for the MTB
event was one mile shorter than the sprint tri. Turns out that really
didn't matter since I was so wiped out by the MTB ride that the run (my
strongest segment), was more of a stumble. Of course the MTB ride came on
the heels of my first open water swim experience, which served to prove that
I really didn't know how to swim.

Despite a tough day, the sense of achievement having completed my first
official triathlon and positive energy that came from the event and other
participants got me hooked. I immediately sought professional help (TBF
Training) and am proof that a plan and some coaching can significantly move
you forward.

The multi-sport lifestyle has also had a positive impact on my professional
life. Besides maintaining a level of fitness that keeps me sharper during
the work day, I'm constantly incorporating lessons learned multi-sport. The
people that I've met through multi-sport continue to provide a level of
energy and support that I've rarely experienced in my life. That by itself
is enough to keep me enthusiastic and excited about the years to come.

Laurie Hom - Multi-Sport Coach, Mountain Bike Coach

Laurie first joined TBF in the fall of 2001 when she took her first class from TBF, a Mountain Bike Class. Courtney Cardenas and Mark coached the class and she was hooked! She was not a big fan of running and not really a swimmer at all, but can do both now. Laurie's first ever triathlon was the Danskin Triathlon in 2002.

What Laurie enjoys most about coaching for TBF Training is the thrill she gets when she sees the athletes in the classes complete their first Triathlon. Laurie motivates and inspires herself. To complete any endurance event is a win for me, she says.

Her top goals for 2007 are the MTB Challenge Mountain Bike race in March, the Tri for Fun in July and the Disney Half Marathon in September. Laurie has competed in 2 triathlons, 3 duathlons, a half marathon and mountain bike races.

Michelle Morley- Multi-Sport Coach, Swim Coach

I first joined TBF in the fall of 2004 triathlon class. I finished the Luna Bar and Golden State Triathlon while participating in that class. I was hooked and continued training with TBF for the spring and summer class of 2005.
Bill surprised me at the July tri for fun as I was setting up transition and asked if I would like to help coach swimming for the upcoming fall class. I was excited to start giving back.

I am thrilled to say that I have completed two of my 2008 goals so far. I finished my first half marathon and the xterra real triathlon. I also plan to do an Olympic distance triathlon and continue my tradition of swimming from Alcatraz and complete my 7th crossing.

What I enjoy most about coaching for TBF is observing the hard work that athletes put into their training and witnessing their first finish. Every finish is so personal and unique.

My best race moment has to be at XTERRA REAL when I finished the mt. bike and all my training partners and TBF family cheered for me. I felt like it couldn't get better then this until I crossed that finish line!

Chris Strutz - Multi-Sport Coach

Klint Robins - Multi-Sport Coach

Klint first joined TBF in 2004 after being motivated by his experience at the MTB Challenge. Klint's first ever triathlon was the ICE Breaker Triathlon. That was his first ever triathlon and open water swim, and as he walked into the water and lost his breath (water about waist deep) he thought that it was just about quitting time. He looked around, and seeing the other competitor's faces confirmed that the water was cold, so he had to continue. Looking back now he thinks that was the hardest thing to complete. But the fire was lit and he knew he wanted to get involved in triathlon. Klint started in 2004 at his first MTB race at 265 lbs. Now today he is at 201 lbs.

What Klint things is the most enjoyable aspect of being a TBF coach is watching others grow as he did and helping them achieve there goals in a positive and motivating way, and most important keeping them having fun. Klint's brothers are probably the most inspiring for him. They're constantly pushing to perform at the best of their potential. They're always calling (both from NY) asking about workouts, races, strengths, and weakness - pushing him to lose weight. Klint says without his family and TBF's support this wouldn't be possible and he thanks everyone for their support.

Jamie Baker - Multi-Sport Coach
How I got started with TBF – I participated in one of TBF’s Tri 4 Fun events and received an invitation in my packet to attend one of their free seminars regarding triathlon training. I attend their seminar and was so motivated and inspired, that I signed up that night for their spring 2005 triathlon class.

2008 Training and Racing Goals – My top training goal for this year is to learn to do recovery workouts. I used to ignore these workouts in my plan and make my body work hard at every workout. I am teaching myself that these workouts help me to prevent injures and I enjoy and have fun during these workouts. My racing goals for 2008 are to improve my run off the bike and to race in the Barb’s Half Ironman.

What I enjoy most about being a TBF Triathlon Coach – The alumni and new athletes hunger for knowledge of triathlon and their desire to better themselves in the sport. I enjoy sharing my trials and errors in training, nutrition, and racing. It helps the athletes feel a little less stressed about the next event they are competing in.

Your first triathlon and best triathlon race moment - I completed my first triathlon in Aug of 2004 at the Tri 4 Fun in Rancho Seco Park. I had a few friends convince me that I could do it and they were right. My best triathlon race moment was crossing the finish line after my first half Ironman. It was the best feeling of accomplish and pain at the same time.

Dee Larsen - Multi-Sport Coach

Dee first joined TBF as a Key Staff with TBF Racing in 2005. TBF has helped her as a triathlete with the positive attitude that our coaches promote. Dee's first triathlon ever was a TBF Tri 4 fun in 2004. Which she did very well in, even though when she first started training it was just to get in better shape, and she had no real desire to do a triathlon. That first year Dee did 5 triathlons.

What Dee enjoys most about coaching for TBF Training is watching people improve their fitness and encouraging them to do what they can do. Dee is inspired by all of those who have huge obstacles to face in life.

Her Top Goal for 2007 is competing in RAAM for Team Donate Life on an all women's team. Dee has competed in 14 triathlons, 5 century rides, one half marathon and one half Ironman.

Rob Wagner - Multi-Sport Coach

Rob first joined TBF for the spring 2005 Triathlon class. Rob says TBF taught him the essentials to complete his first Triathlon at the 2005 Icebreaker. During the Icebreaker Tri he swam about a 1/3 of the swim on his back gasping for air, then transitioned onto the bike, and the longer he rode the more his feet went numb. At about the half way point through the run, Rob's feet finally thawed out and he happily crossed the finish line. Rob was hooked on triathlons after that race. He continued learning from TBF and joined the IRON class. He went on to complete his first Olympic distance and ½ Ironman (Vineman) in 2005, rejoined TBF in 2006 and took 18 minutes off his Vineman ½ Ironman time with his improved swim, bike and run form.

What Rob enjoys most about coaching for TBF Training is sharing his knowledge and giving pointers to new members that are training for their first triathlon. Rob remembers when he was new to the sport and needed to learn all the basics. He finds it rewarding to teach others to help them achieve their goals. Rob is inspired by the people he races against in his age group and other top performers at the local races. Rob is always analyzing his performance against others and seeing where his strengths and weaknesses are to focus on improving as a multi-sport athlete.

His top goals for 2008 are to train for the shorter Sprint and Olympic distance races so he can work on his speed in all areas. Rob has competed in 19 triathlons, including 2 half Ironman triathlons, and 21 mountain bike races, including one 24-hour mountain bike race.

I joined my first TBF triathlon class in 2005. I was immediately drawn to Mark Poole's Iron Class and started training for the Vineman 70.3 that July. The TBF staff and their classes helped keep me motivated, updated on current training practices, and pushed me to become a stronger triathlete. I became an assistant coach in 2007 and I continue to find motivation and gain knowledge from all the athletes involved with TBF. My favorite part of being a triathlon coach is watching athletes improve their fitness and become passionate about the multi-sport lifestyle.

My number one training goal for 2008 is to train smart. For me this means using focused, well-planned workouts and including rest days in my weekly schedule. I am excited about my racing schedule for 2008 which consists of many TBF races. Racing with TBF is a pleasure since the races are always well-organized, positive events. My two goal races for the season are Vineman 70.3 and Folsom International.

Becky Matsuoka first joined TBF in 2002 as a member of the TBF mountain bike class. Becky then joined our triathlon class where she credits TBF coaching and a friendly learning environment for her skill development in all three disciplines. Becky had great fun at her first triathlon finish at the River City Triathlon in 2003. Becky has been training, racing and traveling with TBF ever since.

Becky enjoys working with the TBF team as a triathlon coach. She loves meeting motivated people that want to learn and enjoy a new multi-sport lifestyle.

On May 12, 2007 she became the 19th person to climb Doi Pahom Pok (2285 meters - Chiang Mai, Thailand) on a mountain bike. Her top goal this year is to master the one-mile swim in open water. She says the many spirited people of TBF help her stay motivated to perform better as a coach and athlete.

Tiffiny Ferrell

1. How you got started with TBF - For a few years, I wanted to get involved with triathlon, but knew I wouldn't be able to do it on my own. I had been involved in group workouts before and enjoyed having others to train with and the comraderie. I found TBF and the rest is history!

2. 2008 Training and Racing Goals - On August 3rd, I hope to finish my first Olympic distance triathlon with TBF!

3. What you enjoy most about being a TBF Triathlon Coach - Triathlon has renewed my love for swimming. Swimming is the sport about which most people say, "I can't". I want them to say "I can!" I love to sit at the finish line of a race and watch triathletes cross the finish line! It never ceases to be inspiring, no matter how many times I see it!

4. Your first triathlon and best triathlon race moment - My first triathlon was a sprint in 2007 with TBF and I was on a high when I finished! I couldn't wait to do another one.

My best triathlon moment was forgetting my concern over sharks during a triathlon swim in the ocean. There were two girls in my wave group kicking my butt and all I wanted to do was catch them! Sharks? What sharks?

Carrie Nutter

While signing up for my first triathlon I stumbled across tbf's training program and decided to join. After my first class and the completion of my first triathlon (golden state 2006) I was adicted. In 2007 I focused on improving my times and overall fitness. At the end of 2007, Mark asked me to help coach swimming.


My favorite part of coaching is watching the athletes run up the hill to T1 after their first half mile swim. The smiles on their faces is extremely rewarding. My best memories of triathlon are the finish line celebrations with my friends.

In 2008 my goals are to complete my first half marathon (completed) my first olympic distance (completed) and my first half ironman (barbs race august 2nd).

Paul Charteris - Kiwi, Trail Runner, TBF Webmaster, former President - Mad Cows Racing Team.

Paul started his triathlon career in late in 2003 at the TBF Racing Golden State Tri. Due to a very mediocre training effort he managed to bonk at mile 0.5 of the run a straggled through to the finish line sometime late in the day. In early 2006 he decided to focus on only one thing in his training - diet. On new years day 2006 he adopted the Paleo (or Paleolithic) diet and the lbs. quickly came off while strength, aerobic capacity and endurance rapidly improved.

He ran his first ever trail ultra-marathon, the Way Too Cool 50k that March and never oked back At the 2006 TBF Tri for Fun and REAL races he broke his triathlon personal best four times for Sprint and Olympic Distance races. That year he was awarded the "Moovin On Up Award" for most improved athlete by the Mad Cows Racing Team. 2007 was spent increasing running mileage to achieve the ultimate in running - completing the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run in 2008.

In 2008, Paul will race the Muir Woods 50k, Copper Canyon Ultramarathon (47 miles) in Mexico in March, Diablo 50 mile, Ohlone 50k, Western States Training Camp in May and the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in June. See Pauls TrailRuNZ Trail Running Blog.