GOTRIbal Ambassadors

Do YOU want to be an Ambassador on the Squad?

Scroll to the bottom and see how to get a hold of us!

Meagen Johnson

Utah

 

The 411 on Meagen:  I did my first ½ Marathon in 2007 and my first triathlon in 2008 and I was HOOKED! I love biking, running and swimming. I love to mix up run, rides and triathlons. Recently, Istarted crossfit for cross training and I am TOTALLY HOOKED! 

Big Goals for the next months:

Complete another ½ Ironman, more triathlons and push to place in my age group. More than likely a marathon in the fall. Looking at getting my crossfit certification and focusing on crossfit for triathletes.

I have 8 races this year; half ironmans to 5K runs and everything in between.  Can't wait!

Fun Fact:  I own a publishing company. We publish about 200+ authors each year. I love helping people share their stories!

How did you come to learn about GOTRIbal? Saw a badge on another blogger website!

Find Meagen on Facebook, at Twitter, on her blog, or HERE on GOTRIbal!

 

Amanda Remlinger

Arizona

The 411 on Amanda:

I have been participating in triathlons for about 3 years now. After the birth of my first child I was diagnosed with post-partum depression and anxiety and was put on various medicines. While I felt better I still never felt like myself. For quite sometime I was searching for a way to felt whole again. In November of 2010 I stood along the sidelines of Ironman Arizona and watched my brother cross the finish line. I witnessed him go through a multitude of emotions and I was jealous. I wanted to feel overcome with emotion just like he had at that exact moment. I was tired of being overweight, feeling like a horrible mother and having little to no energy. It felt like someone (or something) told me to do a triathlon. The idea popped into my head and I immediately signed up for one six months later. I was certainly no athlete and could hardly run more than a mile or two without feeling like I was going to pass out. But I started slow and trained every single day and never gave up. I did complete my first triathlon and finally felt that rush of emotions I was longing for. I never wanted that feeling to end so I continued to sign up for additional races. Over the course of my training I was able to wean off my medication and feel better than I ever have. I love the feeling I get when I go for a long run or when I get done cycling and still have enough energy to go for a quick swim. 

Big goals for 2013:

This year I am participating in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in May (52 miles from Durango to Silverton, CO). I am also doing my first half Ironman (Vineman) in July. In November I am running a half marathon in Scottsdale, AZ (Women’s Running Series).
Besides all this fun, my family and I take every opportunity we can to jump in our RV and go for a camping and hiking adventure.

How did you come to learn about GOTRIbal?

I came across GOTRIbal a few years ago we first moved to Arizona. I was new (to the state) and really needed friends. I was searching on-line for local triathlon groups. I was hoping to find ladies in my small town to train with, but haven’t found any (yet- hoping that will change as word gets out about this tribe). But in the interim, I have made some great connections with women involved in GOTRIbal and I feel like I can count on them for advice, tips, cheerleading-you name it!

Fun Fact?  Anytime there is food involved at a race, I find that pure bliss.

Find Amanda on her blog, on Twitter, or HERE on GOTRIbal!

 

Heidi Calma

Virginia

 

The 411 on Heidi:

I got started in the crazy sport of triathlon in 2006 shortly after I found myself divorced and about 20 pounds overweight. I had recreationally run and worked out before that, but I had never done any racing or serious training. Quite simply, it saved me from swirling down a drain of alcohol-laden nights, and it gave me courage to rebuild my life after divorce, hope to mother my two small boys alone, and something positive and transformative to focus on.  I completed many sprint triathlons over the course of three years.

Big goals for 2013:

I have four main races planned for 2013: Smith Mountain Like Sprint Tri (5/4), Jamestown International Tri (6/8), Patriot Sprint Tri (9/8), and Augusta 70.3 Ironman (9/29).  I also plan to run a local 10k in October and hopefully a half-marathon in November.
 
My main sports-related goal this year is to stay strong and focused and finish the half-Ironman. I’d love to see improvement in my Patriot Sprint time from last year to this year.
 
How did you hear about GOTRIbal?

Through Meredith Atwood’s awesome book: Triathlon for the Every Woman

Fun Fact?

When I first decided to train for a triathlon back in January 2006, I had no idea how to swim beyond a doggy paddle. I couldn’t even go underwater without holding my nose! I spent my first several sessions in the pool, holding on to the wall, nervously putting my face in the water and blowing bubbles out of my nose and mouth.

To read about Heidi's incredible fortitude and humor in the face of a crazy first adventure in triathlon, (and other hysterical and heroic adventures), read her blog at Loveeachstep, connect with her on Twitter ... Or HERE on GOTRIbal!
 

Michele Reimer

New Jersey

 

The 411 on Michele:

I have been active in ‘something’ for at least the last 13 years, after the birth of my first daughter. I was a band geek in high school and college and started running to lose weight. I started with a simple couch to 5K program

I ran my first race as a celebration of my one year survival from cancer! Since then, I have done MANY running, biking, triathlons and duathlons. I am competing in my first half ironman distance triathlon in June of this year and I am SO excited.

Outside of sport, I have 4 kids that keep me very busy. They are very involved in different sporting activities like karate, cross country, track, field hockey, and swimming. 

Plans for 2013:

My goals for the next 12 months are to continue to try new things – first this half ironman and then my first marathon in October!!  (Marine Corps Marathon!)

In October 2012, I was diagnosed with recurrence of my cancer. When my doctors and I decided that we would just monitor (and I had to learn to live with cancer in my body) I signed up for my first half ironman, Eagleman in June 2013! 

How did you hear about GOTRIbal?

I was doing a search on women, triathlon, and motivation and I found GOTRIbal! It was everything I was looking for! I ‘liked’ the facebook site immediately and felt ‘connected’. 

Fun Fact?

I was a band geek in high school and college and started running to lose weight. I started with a simple couch to 5K program.

Connect with Michele here on Facebook on her blog, or right here on GOTRIbal!

 

Trisha Gray

North Carolina

 

 

The 411 on Trisha:

I spend a lot of time with my daughters. I homeschool them so we are always together. A lot of our time does center around active sports. They are both swimmers so we are often found at the pool. We also enjoy hiking together and hanging out at the mall doing the girl thing.

Plans for 2013?

I am doing Three Rambling Rose Tri’s this year, May 5, July 14, and Sept 23. I also have the Charity Chase Half Marathon on June 1 and hope to do one more half marathon in Oct/Nov. I will also be virtural 5K’s with friends and may throw some in for fun as they pop up along the way.

I want to set a PR in the Sept Tri and late fall half marathon. I am also working on my certifications as a yoga instructor and a youth personal trainer this year.

How did you hear about GOTRIbal?

I found it on Facebook. Then my best friend mentioned it again, so I came over to check it out.

Fun Fact?

took a fall when I was a gymnast that damaged my knee. I was told at the time I would not be able to run, that my knee would not take it. My doctor said I would probably be okay with 5k races doing walking/running. I was not content with that distance and finally ran my first full marathon this year in 4:50:32...not bad for someone that was not suppose to be able to run in the first place. 

Reach out to her here on GOTRIbal, or you can find her on Facebook or her Blog.

 

 

Amy Sheridan

Virginia

The 411 on Amy:
 
I played soccer from elementary school age until I got pregnant.  During pregnancy I gained a huge amount of weight and stopped working out.  Then I decided it was time to change. I’ve lost the weight and entered the world of racing and triathlons.

I am currently just over half way to a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  While the martial art is a great source of fitness, it has been more about learning self-discipline and learning about me and my capabilities.

I enjoy helping people when it comes to fitness.  I lost about 50 pounds and I know how it feels to be uncomfortable in your own body.  I want to help people find the body that makes them happy and healthy. 

Big Goals this year?

  • train and become race-ready
  • complete all 5 triathlons
  • take and pass the Personal Trainer Certification
  • possibly look into a nutrition certification

Learn more about what she has planned to Make Awesome Daily by visiting her here:

Facebook here, or right here on GOTRIbal!

 

 

Angie Boswell

California

 

The 411 on Angie:  

 I'm a relative 'newbie' to triathlon, (I did a variety of triathlon, runs and rides in 2012!) and have some big goals for 2013.

Being married to a United States Marine, and having a father who was in the Marines, makes me a very proud supporter of our US Military.

Big Goals: Along with completing an Olympic distance tri, and some other challenge fitness goals, I'm looking forward to completing my B.S. in Kinesiology and starting to give back to the area I love the most: being a fitness professional and supporting others in their goals to live active, healthy lifestyles. 

I found GOTRIbal 2 years ago when I was looking for a womens only event to do, and have been hooked ever since.Every other site I looked at was so intimidating, that I felt it was aimed towards individuals who were already leading a very active lifestyle.  GOTRIbal was comforting in a way that helped me to understand that it was ok to be the new girl, and it was ok to finish last as long as I finish.  

Fun fact:  I'm a huge Univ of Louisiana fan (I grew up there) and if I had all the money in the world, I'd buy a ranch and save as many animals as I could.

Reach her on her Facebook page here.

 

Jennifer Hodges

Florida

The 411 on Jenny:  (Most Proud sports moments) My proudest moments to date would have to be running the Women’s ½ Marathon in November, 2011. It was my first ½ marathon, and having the support of my family meant the world to me!! My 2nd proudest moment is competing in the Venice, FL Triathlon in September, 2012. I did this event with a case of strep throat, and just kept my mindset positive, and managed to place second for my division!! 

I am a GOTRIbal Ambassador because I want to help to empower women to find their inner athlete! To give them the confidence they need to begin, a pat on the back when they do a good job, a shoulder to cry on when they get down on themselves, a TRIbe to belong to!
** Her daughters pictured here are Ambassadors in their own right! Having run in 5k's, they also promote an active lifestyle to all their schoolmates!

Reach out to Jenny on her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

 

Jen Small  

Maine

 

 

 

The 411 on Jen:

Just 3 short years ago I was overweight (250+lbs) and miserable. Having my daughter showed me that I needed to take control of my life and be the best possible example to her that I could be. Something in me just told me that there was bigger and better things for me and this incredible drive was born.  

I learned how to eat, how to run, how to swim and how to bike. But I learned how to love myself in the process and THAT was the life changer. Finding the confidence to face my fears, challenge my limits and chase my dreams has given me a life I am happy to live every single day. My daughter has only ever known a happy, fit, healthy Mom and THAT was my primary goal. I never knew just how life changing this journey would be!

I have shed over 120lbs, discoved my love of triathlon and endurance sports in general and transformed my entire life. 
I can finally be proud of the life I am living. 
 

Her blog
Twitter @milesmusclesmom

 

Erin Purrington 
Minnesota

 

The 411 on Erin:

I have been a runner since age 5, competing in track and cross-country through high school, and moving onto half-marathons and marathons as an adult.  I'd had dreams of being a triathlete since high school and after becoming a mom at age 34, decided it was time to start living that dream.  I completed my first two triathlons in 2011.  Diving right in, my second triathlon was a 70.3!  I have my sights set on a full iron-distance triathlon in 2013.  I currently volunteer leading a couch-to-5k-type group and with my "local" multisport clubs.   

How to connect with her?

Twitter handle: @ErinPurrington
Facebook
Her Blog - Another Drop in the Bucket

 

Helen Phipps  
Soon to be in Texas

The 411 on Helen:

I'm a mad scientist with an eating habit hence why I train so much and earned the status of professional triathlete.  I research traumatic brain injury through my doctoral program in biomedical science and am a subject matter expert for technical aspects of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear emergency management.  I am originally from Silver Spring, MD but I live in the panhandle of Florida now and am looking forward to moving to Texas soon with my trophy husband Steve!  Although triathlon can be a rollercoaster, I LOVE to see how happy and confident it makes women of all shapes and sizes!

How to connect with her?
Facebook
Her blog
 

Chloe Elfink
Florida

 

  Chloe started swimming competitively at the age of 7 and was always involved in running since her parents were avid runners and would race frequently.  With the support of good friends, who are also amazing triathletes, she got involved in triathlon and is now entering her third season. She is sponsored by Trinity Multisport, a company committed to sharing up to 25% of its profits to charitable organizations helping those in need

The 411 on Chloe.

Training: Since I decided to do Ironman FL last year, I wanted to get serious with my training and hired a coach. I was fortunate enough to find someone local - and hiring Coach Scott was the best move that I ever did. Not only did I have someone amazing working with me, but I also gained two wonderful training partners. There is no way I would be able to get up at 4:30 am and run 14 miles solo!  Finishing Ironman with my two favorite people meant the world to me. Some of the best freinds that I have I have met through triathlon.  

Where to catch up with Chloe:  Twitter or Facebook  or her blog here.

 

                    

Whitney Handy

CA

 

   The 411 on Whitney

Training:  I just began training with Lesley Paterson of Braveheart Fitness Coaching. She has helped me regain motivation for this sport! While I definitely complain about how sore/tired/how hard a workout was...a lot.. I know that I am just getting so much stronger with her. I swim at UCSD's Master Program. For strength and conditioning, I go to Rehab United. RU is another love/hate relationship..the workout can nearly leave me in tears, but it all pays off!   

Where to find Whitney: Twitter - @WhitneyCMHandy or on facebook here

Or her blog at www.focuswhitney.blogspot.com

 

 

Kellie Smirnoff  
Florida

Her motto: "Variety is the key to longevity".

 

      Kellie S with GOTRIbal Board Advisor, Dan S, at Ultraman Canada.

  

    The 411 on Kellie:    

Being involved in sports since the age of 5 Kellie played soccer and ran track.

As she progressed in years she found her love in running. Competing in several marathons she eventually moved her way into triathlon, ultra distance trail running and ultra iron-distance races. She finds balancing a full time job in Corporate America with her training and racing challenging yet rewarding and looks at the entire package as part of one incredible journey.

Kellie loves to train with her girlfriends but finds solitude in lacing up her sneaks and running solo for hours. She balances the muscle energy she gains from running, biking, swimming and TRX with the organic energy she finds in yoga.

You can find Kellie here on Facebook.  Or her blog here. Tweet her, @twinathlete.

                        

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you want to be a member of the GOTRIbal Ambassador Squad?

     Well, you can!

1. Do you love playing outside? Whether it be swimming, cycling, running, walking or any fun mix of those? What are you involved in and for how long?

2. Have you gained something, transformed something, or learned something powerful since enjoying your active, outdoor lifestyle? What was it? How did it change you?

3. Do you inspire, encourage, motivate and pay your ideas forward to other women so that they can live active and healthy lifestyles?

4. Are you a Twitter or Facebook lover? Do you blog regularly?

If "yes" to the previous questions, please reach out to us!  Our email: info@gotribalnow.com.

Don't forget to join the Tribe. Click on the LOGIN button at the top of this page, then "Create New Account", and you're good to go!

Or just connect with our casual-craziness on Facebook !