Endurance Nation | Online Triathlon Coaching & Community

On August 29th, almost 20 TeamEN athletes will put months of hard work to the test at Ironman Louisville. It will be hot, it will be difficult and they will be challenged. But these folks are ready. Let’s take a minute to get to know the people behind the names and bib numbers…it’s a great bunch that we can’t wait to support on race day!

I’m Barb Spitler, a 51 year old triathlete, preparing for my first full IM, in Louisville, KY.  I’m a marathoner, having done 12 thus far; The Great Wall Marathon in China being the most difficult.  I have completed 2 HIM’s (Steelhead) an Olympic distance, and numerous sprint distance races.  My other pursuits include: martial arts, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, reading, and paranormal research!

This picture is of me and my beautiful Mother, on her 90th birthday in July.  She is a strong woman who has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  Completing an Ironman has been a dream for many years.

As a teacher, I strive to inspire my students to believe in themselves, that they can set goals and accomplish them.  Using myself and my experiences as an example, they look at me through different eyes, and at themselves with possibility.  My favorite quote, that I keep on my chalkboard all year is: “Imagine what you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail.” (Anonymous)
I consider myself so fortunate for having found Endurance Nation, Rich and Patrick, and all of my wonderful teamates who make this truly a triathlon family!


Chad Scott — This has been an exciting year for me! I just recently married (2 months ago) the love of my life and I’m so thankful that she is so supportive in all my training and racing. This will be my 3rd Ironman, I’ve competed in IMFL and IMAZ. This particular Ironman was suppose to be my first Ironman about 4 years ago, however, due to injury’s I was not able to compete. So this is my revenge on this race as the first time around I was injured. This will be my 2nd Ironman racing EN style and I have complete confidence in that I can execute my race plan. My goals for this race are to just execute my plan as best as I can and to not dwell on obstacles that might be thrown at me through the course of the day, just stay focused and race in my box! My one thing is “I can do all things through he who strengthens me”!


I’m  Matt Seaton and I joined EN this past December.  I live in Pineville, Louisiana with my wife Cindy and we have three boys (23,18,17).  This will be my third IM and my second time at IM LOU.  After being injured all of 09, I’m really looking forward to IM LOU.  My wife Cindy will be at this race with me and you might hear on the course with her bullhorn supporting the team. Look forward to meeting everyone.


Frank Haun — Both guys will be doing the race in KY.  This being my 6th and my nephew’s first Ironman. We’ll be support by the two lovely ladies in the picture – my wife and mother-in-law along with other family members. Wishing everyone the best Luck and Looking forward to meeting everyone in KY.


Dan Kerr — Lancaster, PA has been my home for the past 19 years. I’m married to Lori and we have two boys, Colin (14) and Kyle (12).

I’ve been with Endurance Nation since the beginning, joining the team after Coach Patrick helped me to my first Ironman finish in 2007. I think I heard Coach Rich deliver one of the first Four Keys talks (though it wasn’t called that at the time) at the epic camp in Lake Placid the month before the 2007 race. “There’s no such thing as a good bike followed by a bad run” reverberated in my head on race day!

Louisville will be my second Ironman. I’m feeling more pressure to perform this time around, but am still fired up about the opportunity. Like many others in haus, the last few years have presented a number of personal hurdles to cross. I’m extremely grateful to be able to toe the line healthy and strong. That will be my race mantra.


Aimee Hendrigan – I live in Boston with my husband Bob, directly across the street from Fenway Park! I was raised in Cambridge, Mass and grew up a swimmer. In college I played varsity water polo (little-known fact: my team nickname was “Killer” – trust me, it was ironic!). After college I spent many fun-filled years in California, where I first dabbled in triathlons. I lived in Santa Barbara, and then in the Bay Area, where I got my masters in city planning at Cal. I’ve been back in Boston for six years and currently work at a foundation, making grants aimed at ending homelessness and creating healthy communities. This is my first Ironman; I’ve done two half IMs in the past year and many sprints and Olympics prior to that. Looking forward to a HOT day!

Scott Liston
Fairfield, OH
M45-49 age group, Ironman Louisville Bib Number 2598
My wonderful family! Eric (18), Deb, Mark (16), Aimee (12), Me, Brian (20)
This is my first Ironman.  I did sprints from ‘03-06, Olys from 07 to 09 and also did Muncie Endurathon HIM (5:25) and Toyota Challenge HIM (5:57 in Hurricane Ike, gusting to 60 MPH winds) in 2008.  2009 was a tough year with some knee issues which were diagnosed to be a functional leg length discrepancy that showed up with all the HIM-prep biking.  4mm shims on the left leg later, and voila, I am back in the game!  Time to move up to Ironman!

In high school, I did one year of swimming, one year of cross country, and some soccer.  I was interested in triathlon in the mid 80s and even subscribed to Triathlete mag and bought a Trek tri bike of the era in 1986.  Life (graduate degree, four kids, career) managed to get the priority but I lost weight and did a marathon in 2000 then switched to triathlon in ’03.  In October, I celebrate a decade of fitness and am truly blessed to have family and friends support me on this journey.
I live in Fairfield, Ohio near Cincinnati.  I am a finance manager at Procter & Gamble in corporate new business development getting P&G into new business models, primarily services.  I am married; my beautiful wife, Deb, comes out to races a couple times a year and usually takes home hardware in the duathlon! I have four beautiful children ages 20, 18, 16, and 12.  I am thankful to God for the opportunity to do the sport of triathlon and I look forward to meeting my teammates on Thursday, August 26th.


Dan Gilliatt 31, Winterset Iowa.  This is Ironman #5, I’ve done IMFL x3, IMOO 1x.  I’m not exactly sure why in the heck I chose IMLV.  I’m married to Brittany and live on an acreage in rural Iowa with our two dogs.  In real life I’m a firefighter/paramedic for the Des Moines Fire Dept.  My goal is to nail my execution and put myself in a good spot (relatively) to start racing at mile 18.


Yasko Howell — I started my tri career in 2001,  trained with a friend to do Danskin triathlon in Seattle (women’s sprint race series nationwide), have done bunch of Sprints, Olympics, HIM since then, and finally did my first IM AZ in ’06 (13hr51min), and then IM Japan in ’07 (12hr50min).  It’s been 3 years since IM Japan, and I am very excited to do this race (hopefully in EN way), especially after I had to withdraw from IM China in March due to an injury.  For me (and my husband), IM training/races is a way of life, and we enjoy the journey together.  I feel blessed to be healthy and strong to be able to train and race, and enjoy all the people we meet along the way.  I hope we are showing many good/positive aspects of what triathlon brings to our life to our 12 yr old daughter. (She is a competitive swimmer, and does triathlon occasionally)  Our goal is to do at least 1 IM race in each continent, and we have conquered North America, Asia, and hopefully Europe next year (signed up for Regensburg in ’11).  Maybe I could qualify for Kona when I am in the 60s!   I can’t wait to see Coach Patrick and all the IMLou peeps I got to know via the group forum!


Michael Johnson – 7th IM of career. Did IMLOU last yr. with the WRONG gearing….still set a PB!! (12:37) Definitely looking for another PB..Hoping for sub12hr if all goes well. I will be entered in the Executive Challenge this year (will be wearing their white kit) on raceday. If I see any EN kit it will say hi.


Rick Jansik, 48 years old, born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently living in Tampa. I have three children, twin sons who are 24 and a 14 year old daughter.

Two years ago I retired from 24 years in the Army, I am now working at US Special Operations Command as a civilian Intelligence Analyst.

I started participating in running events back in 2001 finishing my first marathon in 4 hours 20 min.  Since then I have finished 12 marathons (pr 3:45), 14 half marathons as well as many distances in between.

I competed in my first triathlon in 2007, since then I have finished at least 10 per year. I have steadily improved my age group finishes, July 30th I was second in AG at the Ft Desoto Top Gun Triathlon.

My first Ironman Louisville goal is to finish, second I would like to finish close to 11 hours.

Between running, triathlons and duathlons I will compete in at least 25 events this year.  With the help of my Endurance Nation training plan I am at my peak in physical fitness which I plan to take advantage of as long as I can.

I will be bringing my best friend and personal motivator Laura to the race; I look forward to meeting all my fellow EN competitors.

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The playing field is stacked with the world’s best. The course is hot and windy. The run takes you to places you may never want to go again. Some excel in this environment while others crumble. Regardless of your outcome, of the final time on the clock, you completed an Ironman. Arguably one of the world’s toughest.

Yes, you need to review. Yes, you need to think (albeit loosely) about the future and what your “next steps” might look like. But no, you don’t need to beat yourself up about the day. When you get right down to it, I am sure no one is ecstatic about how their day went, save perhaps the men’s and women’s champions. And even they need to start thinking about how they can up their game if they plan on defending.

As the dust settles and your season comes to a close, remember this:

Don’t let HOW you did take away from WHAT you accomplished.

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Download it here. Or if your a visual person, then watch the coaches recap of the race week adventure here!

Tune in as Coach Patrick talks about the Team, the race, some insider tips…and some other administratively fun stuff. No, really.

But he refuses to explain this photo:

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Just hit the ground and getting settled. Lots and lots of admin things to do, but the good news is that the weather is cooperating, the Team looks ready and we have plenty of caffeine!!!

You’ll find a brief pre-4Keys talk below. You can view our growing picture album online here and, of course, follow the Team all weekend and on race day via the Endurance Nation homepage!

FourKeys @ Ironman Louisville 2009

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This coming Sunday is the August Ironman double-header with IM Louisville and IM Canada. IM Canada is the oldest North American Ironman event with this year it’s 27th running. Contrast this with Louisville, one of the youngest NA IM events which will take place in Kentucky for a third time this weekend. Team EN athletes will be present in good numbers at both events. Here is our Roster Snap Shots….enjoy and good luck to everyone!

PS — If you can’t be in Louisville at our FREE Friday 10am Pre-Race Talk, then follow Team EN online via our homepage on race day!

IM Louisville EN Athletes

MATT SAMOJEDEN:

First timer! “I did triathlons 20 years ago for 3 years and the longest was a ½ IM. I have been out of the sport for 20 years and turned into major couch potato. I started exercising again a year ago April. I started training to do triathlons last summer, joined EN nation in August. I will be down 76 lb on race day from my weight last April.” His expectations for race day: “Execute the EN way and stay in my box. Watch with a smile while the others who don’t understand proper pacing hammer the hills. Being my first IM I have no formal time targets, the objective is to finish. I don’t know how dark the run will get but I plan to only walk portions of the aid stations. One thing: To finish and hear the words “you are an Ironman”!!”

JIM YANOSCHIK:

Jim has done 23 IM’s but this will be his first time in Louisville. “I promised my wife that I would do IM Lou one day because we could visit her aunt and uncle who lives in Georgetown, KY. My wife has a horse and we would be in the middle of horse country. It was going to be a good trip. Last week Uncle Dennis went to the doctor with a pain in the leg. Turns out that he has cancer in 6 places in his chest and his leg. The doctors are still trying to determine the source of the cancer. My one thing has become to do the race for Uncle Dennis and his fight with the disease. I will try to think that if I am in too much pain, I can slow down. Uncle Dennis does not have that luxury. My expectations are to have a long catered training day and stay in the moment. My goal is to keep my stomach contents down and have a solid run. Pretty basic.”

CHRIS BENNETT:

This will be number three and first in Louisville for Chris. His race day thoughts: “Expectations? To be hot and bothered, but to also PR. The one thing on race day I’m looking for is to not blow up on the run like in my previous two. Mile 18 …”

BERNIE CONWAY:

This will be IM number 20 for Bernie and his second time in Louisville. His race day expectations: “I expect that it will be hot and humid. I also expect that I will be asking myself several times throughout the day why I keep doing these races. The answer to that question is also my “one thing”, stay focused, take charge of the situation, and bring this to the conclusion you’ve worked for.”

SCOTT BOLIN:

Third IM and first time in Louisville. “I’m expecting to finish, on my feet mostly, with a time close to my fastest if not faster (10:06) but won’t be disappointed with just finishing. I honestly don’t like to talk about expectations beforehand…. My “one thing” is to run under 3:30 for the marathon.”

NED PAYNE:

This will be the fourth IM for Ned and his first time in Louisville. He race day thoughts: “My big thing for this race is to be able to enjoy it knowing that I had a great training plan. I have not felt this good before a race in a long time. I am looking forward to counting people I pass in the last 8 miles of the run. I have to be honest about that. Having said that, I know I have just thrown out the largest jinx I ever could. Now I have to go and find a chicken to sacrifice.”

GREG CROFFORD:

Greg returns to Louisville this year for his second IM. His expectations this year: “Looked to just finish last year. This year I’m looking to push it a little more while leaving room to recover quickly. I’ve got two little girls that I’ll look forward to seeing along the course to keep me going.”

KRIS FRAZIER:

Kris is our RC for Louisville and she also is returning to Louisville for her second IM. Her race day thoughts: “Happy to have my health, good friends, family & training partners. My one thing is to honor the wisdom, tips, help and support of my fellow training partners by executing to the fullest extent of my fitness & abilities.”

DANIEL R MELAMED:

This will be IM number three for Dan. Dan raced a cold and raining IMWI in 2006 and then raced Vineman in 2008 with temps in the 90’s. His thoughts for Sunday: “… my hope for race day is weather somewhere—anywhere in between [IMwI and Vineman]. I have really enjoyed training this summer and my aim is to have just as much fun on race day. My One Thing: I shouldn’t be able to do this at all, but here I am anyway. So I have lots of admiration for fast people but no time goal for myself. I’m grateful to be out there and able to bring it home on 4th Street.”

MICHAEL JOHNSON:

This will the 6th IM for Michael. He has raced 4 non WTC events as well as IMFL. Last year he raced Redman to a PB of 12:43. His expectations for Louisville: “Goal: RUN the marathon (never have done it). One thing = Race to your capability. I deserve it!”

KATY ROSANE:

This will be number 10 for Katy and her first time in Louisville. Her veteran race day expectations: “…the usual…do everything I can to keep moving forward!!”

DAVE VANNETTE:

First timer! His perspective on Sunday: “I’m expecting that it’s going to be a long day… That said, I’m really excited about this race, and having my whole immediate family and some friends there to cheer me on will definitely give me a boost, especially on the run. EN and the coaches really have to get props for getting me to where I am today; I’m in the best shape of my life, mentally prepared, not really nervous, and feeling ready to execute a solid race. I have a few ‘one things’ for the day: 1) I want to make my wife and family proud and give them a good show at the finish line, not walking, not making them wait for hours and hours. 2) When I hit ‘The Line’ I want to suffer like a champ, my goal is to be able to say that one of my greatest athletic strengths is my ability to suffer well. 3) I’m not likely to be able to do IM in the next couple of years so I really want to make this one count! 4) I want to run a strong last 5k (sub-8’s).”

IM Canada EN RACERS

JORDAN VANCE:

First time in Penticton and his second IM. His expectations for the day: “My only expectation is to finish. Would love to finish sub-11 hours. My one thing? I suppose I could say that it’s to forget expectations come race day, stay positive, and keep moving forward.

FRED GILBERT:

Also a first time in Penticton and second IM for Fred – he finished the Vineman Full last year. A few thoughts on Sunday: ” I really just want to experience the magic of this legendary race, take it all in, and leave everything I’ve got out on the course. If I do that I will be happy. And I wouldn’t complain a bit if I finished sub-10:30!”

JAMES GRAHAM:

Another going for IM number two and first time at this course. James race day expectations: “Expectations are to have a strong race and improve on IM debut last year of 11:33 at Wisconsin and not get stung by a bee this year.

Really looking forward to doing this course have heard how hard it is and beautiful. One-Thing’s: negative split the run which I have done in all my races since joining EN (1 x IM + 2 x HIM) Go sub 11hrs.”

SCOTT BERGMAN:

This will be Scott’s fourth IM and all fourth in Canada. He goes to his familiar IM stomping ground with this race day plan: “Plan A – Sub 11:30, Plan B – PR last year’s time of 12:01. My One thing is Actually two things – 1) #1828. This was my Brother-in-Law’s badge number. He passed away from cancer this year. He was one of the most decorated helicopter pilots in Army history during his two tours in Vietnam then dedicated the next 36 years serving his community as a Fire Fighter. I am dedicating this race to him. 2) After four consecutive years of Ironman I am going to take at least a year off (but still do HIM’s). This is a PR year for me.”

JILL BRAMMER:

IM Canada will be Jill’s second IM after her first IM in Lake Placid last year. She is hoping for weather improvement in Penticton. Her thoughts: “I’m a little nervous about the hills since I live in South Florida where the largest hill is a drawbridge but I survived IMLP so I’ll have a go at the hills in Canada and see how they compare.”

LAIRD LIDSTER:

This will be number three for Laird and first time on the IM Canada course. His thoughts for Sunday: “Expectations: Simply execute a smart race plan. Patience early on the bike, stay on target, hold back in the first 5 miles of the run. My One Thing: still working in that…hard to have just “one thing”!!!!! I normally go through a whole list when the going gets tough.”

GLENN BYRD:

a.k.a. the Byrdman raced IM Wisconsin last year and will go number two in Penticton. “Expectations: I expect to have a blast! The long months of training are over and the race is the icing on that cake. My race day ‘one thing’ – FINISH!”

PATTY HARRIS:

Patty is also going for number four and has three previous finishes at IM Canada. Her one thing: “To finish smart (and therefore, happy)!”

RANDY KNIGHT:

First IM for Randy. At 48 years here is Randy’s first journey to Ironman: “In 2004 I got off the coach and joined the gym/ Nautilus Running Club, these guys were so cool. I had always dreamt of being an Ironman, but the fact I couldn’t swim 50 meters was an issue. I joined a Masters swim club, bought a bike and toed the line at a local Sprint Triathlon. My next race, a week later was the 07 Newfoundland Ironman 70.3 and I have been addicted ever since. I joined EN in March 08, did the 09 OS and IMC Intermediate plan and feel that I can achieve my sub 14 hour goal. My biggest dream however happened this week, the arrival of my first child, my daughter Emma Jane 8lbs 5oz. It will be tough leaving her this week, I will have her picture with me for the whole race, she is my little miracle and my biggest inspiration.

DEREK WOODHURST:

This is Derek’s third IMC. He did a 12:14 in 2004 at 50 years old. Two years later did a 11:41. This year he ages up to the 55-59 age group and is looking to go a fast 11:00-11:15! “My whole race is about execution. I have used the EN out season plan, then the IM plan very diligently. My nose is glued to my PM on the bike and I plan to execute very carefully in order to have a good run. EN’s race plan worked well for me at a June Half-Ironman race in Oliver (just south of Penticton) where I won my age group.”

TONY STOCKER (IMC RACE CAPTAIN):

This will be IM number four but first in Penticton. His thoughts: “Hoping to finish in the 14-15 hour time range this year. Little worried about the swim and bike portions due to shoulder injury, and general weak biking. My one thing for the race will be to go sub 5 on the marathon.” I think optimism will have a hand in Tonys’ day as he signed off his email: “There are no wrong turnings. Only paths you had not known you were meant to walk.”

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