MEET our T3 November ATHLETE of the MONTH, Dave Stadtlander!
Coach Amy Farrell says, "Dave has been an excellent student of the sport of triathlon since we started working together in January. He goes above and beyond to make himself a better triathlete. Dave finds a way to make it all fun and social while steadily improving all season. I knew once Dave spent time volunteering at Ironman Lake Placid that he would catch the bug and have to sign up. I’m so excited to see what next season holds for him after his success this season. Congratulations, Dave!"
Read more about Dave here...
Read more about Dave here...
MEET our T3 October ATHLETES of the MONTH, Hillary Williams & Melanie Weber
"Impressed... That is the word that comes to mind when I think of Melanie Weber and her accomplishments this season", says Coach Kevin. Her ability to balance this journey with the many hats she wears on a day to day basis, and to have the results she had was remarkable. Melanie conquered Ironman Lake Placid with what looked like ease, fun, and so much positive energy. Truly embracing the journey and then turning the actual day into what felt like a celebration with family, friends, and teammates lining the course. At every opportunity, a smile, a hug, a high five - she made it awesome not only for her "fans", but more importantly - herself. I am unbelievably proud of Mel, and the opportunity I had to coach this rock star - that I am lucky to have as my sister-in-law! Congratulations, Mel!! #T3Proud
Coach Rachel says, "Getting the chance to coach Hillary this year was a very special opportunity for me that I am thankful for. I truly feel that she is one of those people that can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to, and while working towards whatever that may be, she never loses sight of everything else in her life that is important to her. She prioritizes her family, friendships, work, supporting others, and having fun…and does it so well!
"Hillary made her debut in triathlon this year but is no stranger to endurance athletics. She has an impressive background in ultra running, which really set her up for success in triathlon, especially from a mental standpoint. Her athletic IQ made coaching her a breeze :). She showed up every day and did what had to be done, and many times had to be creative about it. Hill runs with a jogging stroller?! Her dedication this season has been admirable, and she was able to showcase her ability and grit at Ironman Lake Placid. Hillary is a fantastic athlete, and even better person. It will be exciting to see where the sport of triathlon takes her, as I feel she has tremendous potential. Congratulations Hillary!" #T3 Proud!
Read more about Hillary and Melanie here...
Coach Rachel says, "Getting the chance to coach Hillary this year was a very special opportunity for me that I am thankful for. I truly feel that she is one of those people that can do ANYTHING she sets her mind to, and while working towards whatever that may be, she never loses sight of everything else in her life that is important to her. She prioritizes her family, friendships, work, supporting others, and having fun…and does it so well!
"Hillary made her debut in triathlon this year but is no stranger to endurance athletics. She has an impressive background in ultra running, which really set her up for success in triathlon, especially from a mental standpoint. Her athletic IQ made coaching her a breeze :). She showed up every day and did what had to be done, and many times had to be creative about it. Hill runs with a jogging stroller?! Her dedication this season has been admirable, and she was able to showcase her ability and grit at Ironman Lake Placid. Hillary is a fantastic athlete, and even better person. It will be exciting to see where the sport of triathlon takes her, as I feel she has tremendous potential. Congratulations Hillary!" #T3 Proud!
Read more about Hillary and Melanie here...
MEET our T3 September ATHLETE of the MONTH, Christina Ardito!
Everyone at some point will face adversity. It seems inevitable. Though everyone's circumstances are different - each is equally understanding. Christina Ardito, our T3 Athlete of the Month is no stranger to this. Her story is remarkable. Her accomplishments are inspiring. Her perspective on patience - her superpower! A message we can all learn from her.
In May 2019 a leg injury sidelined Christina.. 5+ years later, 5 surgeries, multiple attempts of comebacks, and endless ups & downs... Christina toed the line to complete the 2024 Ironman Lake Placid.
For perspective, after almost 5 years of not being able to run, her first opportunity to run again was on February 28, 2024. She set out for 30 minutes, walking 2 minutes...jogging 30 seconds... repeat. This day was remarkable. Coach Kevin, "I remember that workout. How excited I was to await her results. It was monumental in my eyes. She had worked so hard to get back to this point. To know she was running again was undoubtedly one of my coaching highlights for the year!"
From there, Christina was off...progressing. Throughout the entire process showing patience & positivity in each day, each workout, each moment...clearly understanding the long haul is the reward of the journey. With this remarkable mindset, gradually 30 seconds turned into 1 minute, then 2, 5, 30, and eventually completing a couple of days of "2 hours time on feet."
When July 20th, 2024 came, the day before Ironman Lake Placid...Coach Kevin knew she had already won! "She won the battle internally, with herself, both physically and the power of her mind. This made her invincible on that day. A powerful message to stay positive, remain patient (even if 5 years or more), never give up, and believe in yourself."
So, five years later, on July 21st, 2024 - Christina certainly earned the "Voice of Ironman", Mike Reilly's call - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN. Congratulations to Christina!
Read more about Christina here...
In May 2019 a leg injury sidelined Christina.. 5+ years later, 5 surgeries, multiple attempts of comebacks, and endless ups & downs... Christina toed the line to complete the 2024 Ironman Lake Placid.
For perspective, after almost 5 years of not being able to run, her first opportunity to run again was on February 28, 2024. She set out for 30 minutes, walking 2 minutes...jogging 30 seconds... repeat. This day was remarkable. Coach Kevin, "I remember that workout. How excited I was to await her results. It was monumental in my eyes. She had worked so hard to get back to this point. To know she was running again was undoubtedly one of my coaching highlights for the year!"
From there, Christina was off...progressing. Throughout the entire process showing patience & positivity in each day, each workout, each moment...clearly understanding the long haul is the reward of the journey. With this remarkable mindset, gradually 30 seconds turned into 1 minute, then 2, 5, 30, and eventually completing a couple of days of "2 hours time on feet."
When July 20th, 2024 came, the day before Ironman Lake Placid...Coach Kevin knew she had already won! "She won the battle internally, with herself, both physically and the power of her mind. This made her invincible on that day. A powerful message to stay positive, remain patient (even if 5 years or more), never give up, and believe in yourself."
So, five years later, on July 21st, 2024 - Christina certainly earned the "Voice of Ironman", Mike Reilly's call - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN. Congratulations to Christina!
Read more about Christina here...
MEET our T3 August ATHLETE of the MONTH, Ella Crossman!
Congratulations to Ella Crossman on earning the Athlete of the Month. Having spent her entire childhood spectating hundreds of triathlons, there was always a special one to her - Ironman Lake Placid. The spirit and beauty of this event drew her in so much that she made the decision after last year’s race (2023), that she was going to do it.
On July 21, 2024, Ella toed the line for her first real triathlon. No others in her resume. She knocked it out of the park!!! 13 hours and 29 minutes later she got to hear the call “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN”.
Her coach/dad has this to say…”I’m still a bit speechless, processing, and wrapping my extremely proud emotions around Ella’s accomplishment. This journey has been so good for her in so many ways. The consistency, the discipline, and the fun she brought to the course was infectious. I’m smiling writing this! As a parent - seeing your children thrive is ultimate gift. This is special. I am so proud of her!!!”
Read more about Ella here....
On July 21, 2024, Ella toed the line for her first real triathlon. No others in her resume. She knocked it out of the park!!! 13 hours and 29 minutes later she got to hear the call “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN”.
Her coach/dad has this to say…”I’m still a bit speechless, processing, and wrapping my extremely proud emotions around Ella’s accomplishment. This journey has been so good for her in so many ways. The consistency, the discipline, and the fun she brought to the course was infectious. I’m smiling writing this! As a parent - seeing your children thrive is ultimate gift. This is special. I am so proud of her!!!”
Read more about Ella here....
MEET our T3 July ATHLETE of the MONTH, Bob Stocks!
Coach Kevin says, "While there are many triathletes, there are few who contribute to the growth of the sport like Bob Stocks. Having been in the sport a long time, Bob has spent his career lifting up others, all along having a very successful career himself. As a matter of fact, Bob was our very first T3 Athlete of the Month when we started this back in February 2008.
His energy is infectious. His athleticism is impressive. His contributions to the sport, everlasting. When you meet Bob you will instantly have a friend, a teammate, a training partner. He will take the time to explain, help, and enjoy the moment you are in.
While the triathlon community is fortunate to have Bob in it, at T3 we are spoiled by his presence. He embodies everything T3 strives to be. As Bob trains for his 13th ironman (IMLP), we want him to know he has already accomplished feats greater than a finish line. He has forever changed the sport for so many. Congratulations, Bob! #T3Proud"
Jamie Hoyt says of Bob: "Bob is a true ambassador for the sport of triathlon. I first met Bob when I posted an OWS question to a triathlon forum. Bob reached out and we were soon running and riding together most mornings. He was happy to answer my rookie questions (anyone that runs with Bob knows you do a lot of listening :) ). Bob was instrumental in starting the Broome County Club. He introduced the sport to several athletes in the area along with helping them along the way. It was no surprise when I recently walked into our local Y pool and saw Bob helping a local triathlete with his swim technique. Congratulations Bob and thanks for everything you do for our local triathlon community!"
Click here to read more about Bob...
His energy is infectious. His athleticism is impressive. His contributions to the sport, everlasting. When you meet Bob you will instantly have a friend, a teammate, a training partner. He will take the time to explain, help, and enjoy the moment you are in.
While the triathlon community is fortunate to have Bob in it, at T3 we are spoiled by his presence. He embodies everything T3 strives to be. As Bob trains for his 13th ironman (IMLP), we want him to know he has already accomplished feats greater than a finish line. He has forever changed the sport for so many. Congratulations, Bob! #T3Proud"
Jamie Hoyt says of Bob: "Bob is a true ambassador for the sport of triathlon. I first met Bob when I posted an OWS question to a triathlon forum. Bob reached out and we were soon running and riding together most mornings. He was happy to answer my rookie questions (anyone that runs with Bob knows you do a lot of listening :) ). Bob was instrumental in starting the Broome County Club. He introduced the sport to several athletes in the area along with helping them along the way. It was no surprise when I recently walked into our local Y pool and saw Bob helping a local triathlete with his swim technique. Congratulations Bob and thanks for everything you do for our local triathlon community!"
Click here to read more about Bob...