2010 Full Throttle-Twinlab

Meet the Athletes from the NY National and Regional Teams

  These are the 2010 Full Throttle-Twinlab

Triathlon and Cycling Coaches and Athletes

So you could get to know the athletes just a little better,

we asked them to declare the other favorite teams

they cheer for during the year.

  Coach Scott Berlinger is the Founder/President of Full Throttle Endurance. He is a USA Triathlon level 2 certified coach and USA Cycling Coach. He graduated from the University of South Carolia in 1988 with a B.S. Marketing/ Finance degree.

  Scott has been a Division Winner or Runner up over 20 times, including winning his Division at the Team National Championships in St, Louis, MO in 2007, Las Vegas in 2008 and Oklahoma City in 2009. He was the Clydesdale National Champion Runner-up in The2008 USA Nationals, Portland Oregon.

Scott has signed Twinlab to be the title sponsor in 2009 and has a multi-year deal with the Jamis Bicycle Company.

 A former "American Gladiator-Viper", His love for competition and training inspired him to start his own racing team, a place where athletes can realize their own goals and reach their highest potential.

He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.

For more info on Scott Berlinger

  Andrew Kalley was born and raised in NYC, Chelsea to be exact. He is a personal trainer and the Coach for the Full Throttle Endurance Level 1 Team. Andrew joined Full Throttle in 2006 with no prior multi sport training experience. With the help of Scott Berlinger and the Full Throttle program, Andrew managed to have a very successful first season. In 2006, Andrew completed 4 triathlons with 4 age group podiums, 3 of which were 1st in division. Scott Berlinger brought Andrew on as and assistant coach for the 2007 session. Andrew has found his calling as a triathlete and loves training and helping his fellow teammates.

Andrew was the Overall Winner in the:

2008 West Point Triathlon

2010 Mighty Montauk Triathlon

2010 Stamford Triathlon

For info on Andrew Kalley

  Rick is new to the New York area working for New York Road Runners. A native of the northeast from Massachusetts, Rick has spent the last 3 years working for ESPN in Florida. He has been an USAT All-American for the last 3 years and has been a member of Team USA for 2 of those. He placed well in many races in 2008 and is looking to pushing it to the next level for 2009 with the help of a strong team and experienced coaching.

Mikael is a certified Level 1 USA Triathlon coach, a Level 2 USA Cycling coach, a Schwinn indoor cycling instructor, a member of Power Bar Team Elite, Suunto Sports Ambassador, and will soon be completing his USA Track and Field certification. His longevity in endurance sports comes from the fact that he has instilled training into his daily routine and has fun with it (and typically competes in over 20 events each year!)   After spending nearly 15 years working on Wall Street, Mikael left banking in 2004 and started Enhance Sports - an Endurance coaching company. In 2006, Mikael joined Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers as the Director of Performance for their New York location. Mikael left the world of corporate coaching in November of 2008 and returned to Enhance Sports where he could not only spend more time with his athletes, but also his new son Matthew (yes - I blame Matthew for my lack of podiums in 2008 - but I would have it no other way!)   While growing up in Wisconsin, Mikael was a nationally ranked cyclist and top regional cross-country ski racer, but his move to the east coast has seen him graduate into other endurance sports. Mikael is the ultimate multi-sport junkie, competing in numerous duathlons, triathlons, bike races, running events, and even a couple cross-country ski races during the year and has been doing so for over two decades! 
Mikael has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities - from first timers to CEOs to even a World Champion! Mikael was the 2002 and 2004 multi-sport athlete of the year for the New York Flyers (NYC's largest running club) and represented Team USA at the 2007 World Duathlon Championships in Gyor, Hungry. He holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business.

Eagle Man Half Iron Man  5:28:00
Ironman USA 12:13:42
Pat Griskus 1st 30-34
Northern Columbia Triathlon 1st Female overall
West Point Triathlon 1st 30-34

For info on Toni Weeks

          5x group winner of the "King of the Hill" Xterra   

        Overall winner of the "king of the Hill" Xterra   

        5x Podium finisher in the 24 hrs of Allamuchy mtb race   

        Nationally ranked expert mountain biker   

        2nd in Division Harriman TRi   

        5th Overall "War at the shore" tri in Longbranch    

        2009, 2010 1st in Division "Flat as a Pancake" Staten Island   

        2nd in Division Team Nationals OKC   

        2nd in Division Mighty Hamptons 

        Father to Shane 8 and Ethan 5

  It was December 2008.  I had been wearing pants that were much too tight for at least 9 months.  My legs looked like sausages overstuffed into their casings; it wasn't a pretty sight.  I had really let myself go since my lightweight rowing days.  An important choice had to be made: buy larger pants, thereby admitting defeat and beginning down a slippery slope, or get my act together and lose the weight.  You may think I'm going to tell you that I chose the latter and joined Full Throttle.  You're wrong.  I bought a lot of new pants, and donated most of my old ones to charity.  A month later, Full Throttle team member and fellow Yale Varsity Lightweight Crew alumnus Don Kilpatrick and Coach Berlinger convinced me to make a serious attempt at a triumphant return to my former glory.  Now fast forward to June 2009.  I have a closet full of pants that are four inches too big in the waist and a podium finish at my first Olympic-distance triathlon.

It's great to be training with a team again - every member pushing him/herself individually, but toward a collective goal.  I am grateful to my coaches and teammates for welcoming me to the team and for all the encouragement.  I'm looking forward to helping Full Throttle defend the national title in 2010

2008 was a comeback year for Chris after joining Team Full Throttle.  After spending 3 years battling a degenerative injury Chris re-invented himself as an AquaBike specialist.  In 2010 Chris joined the Full Throttle coaching staff as the team’s swim coach.  Chris attributes his success to the incredible coaching, team camaraderie and talent of the athletes that surround him every day.

Full Throttle highlights include:

2008 - 3rd overall Nutmegman 1/2 Ironman, AquaBike division

2009- 3rd overall, 1st in Age Group, Eagleman 1/2 Ironman, AquaBike division

2009- 5th overall, Timberman 1/2 Ironman, AquaBike division

2009- 1st overall, Long Island Gold Coast Sprint , AquaBike division

2010- 4th overall, 1st in Age Group, Eagleman 1/2 Ironman, AquaBike division

2010- 1st overall, Long Island Gold Coast Sprint, AquaBike division

Chris was a junior national water polo player and an NCAA Div.I swimmer for Providence College. He is a USLA lifeguard competitor specializing in the distance surf paddle and the lifeguard ironman for the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps. In his spare time he travels and surfs as much as possible and works directly with the USAT to help develop the future of AquaBike events nationally.  Chris is an art educator, professional artist, and lives in Brooklyn with his wife Jennifer and their son, Kai.

www.chriscoffin.com

  Overhearing a coworker talk about an upcoming triathlon, I asked, "What's that?" After he told me about it, I borrowed a bike and signed up for the race that weekend. I've gotten bit by the bug and I’m hooked. Now, I have a serious half-iron training plan and am putting in strong numbers, placing in the top three of my age group in both an Olympic and sprint-distance triathlon. I am thrilled for the '09 season.  

Born in Buffalo and now living in Wappingers Falls, NY, I rarely get to train with the rest of the team in NYC.I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be on the team and thank Scott Berlinger for helping me become part of the 2009 Full Throttle Nation. Everyone I’ve met has been inspiring and motivational, helping me push myself to achieve my goals. 

I teach high-school English where one student said to me the other day: "You mean to tell me that you raced for over two hours and all you got was a T-shirt?" I just smiled. If only he knew.

Owner/Manager Colavita pro-amateur cycling program.  Cat 3 USA Cyclist -  Grade School XC, Track & Field Coach - Co-founder of Triton Swim Trainer along with FTE legend Bill Kelly.   Brief Bio: getting old, feeling old, gutting it out.  “That’s all I have to say about that”  Forrest Gump

2009 Results:

Buckman Sprint Tri        3rd Overall

Redman Tri Sprint          3rd Overall  

Harriman Sprint Tri         4th Overall,  1st Age group

West Point Tri               5th Overall,   1st Age Group

Randolph Tri                  10th Overall,  2nd Age group

  The Coach for cycling on the Twinlab-Full Throttle Triathlon team. Frank's backround is in cycling where he raced 16 years at the Pro/Am level in the US and France. Frank is also a personal trainer at Chelsea Piers

Meet the Captains

2008 Most Valuable Athlete"   

A fixture on the Metropolitan Triathlon scene, Bill has been racing competitively in the age-group ranks for over 20 years. He is a multi-year member of Team USA and has consistently been named First Team All-American by USA Triathlon. While typically a short course racer, Bill has shown his versatility by racing the Hawaii Ironman numerous times and in 2007 being on the podium at Ironman USA in Lake Placid with an outstanding time of 9:57.  

Bill is the 2009 Overall champion of the Mighty Montauk triathlon and is the oldest to ever win that race. He has countless age group wins (He won his age group in the New York City triathlon 4 consecutive years) and despite his age still tends to race in the elite divisions. Bill is excited about the 2010 season where the focus of the season will be the Age Group World championships in Budapest Hungary in September as a member of Team USA.. Bill works in the financial field, lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children, and is a passionate New York Yankee and Bruce Springsteen fan

.   

"2007 Most Valuable Athlete" 

Jesse is originally from Seattle, WA, has lived in NYC for ten years and has been racing competitively for six years. 

Recent accomplishments include:

Overall amateur winner (and 12th in pro field) at 2010 Ironman St. Croix 70.3,

Overall winner of 2009 and 2010 Nautica South Beach Triathlon,

2010 Overall Winner at the Harryman Olympic Triathlon, 7th Overall American to cross the line at 2009 Ironman World Championships, 

Overall winner of 2009 Endurasport Harryman Half-Ironman,

Multiple-time qualifier and finisher of Ironman World Championships and 3rd overall American at 2008 Long Course World Championships in Almere, Holland.  

Jesse is a five-time USA Triathlon All-American and holds a Washington State record in the mile run.  Jesse works at a private equity firm and lives with his wife Sonja in Chelsea.

"2009 Most Valuable Athlete" 

Doug Clark is the 2009 Hawaii Ironman 40-44 Champion.

He was USA Triathlon National Masters Champion for 2008 and 2009 and placed 2nd in his Age Group by three seconds at the 2009 World Short Course (1.5/40/10k) Championships in Gold Coast, Australia, where he was the first American finisher overall.

Since arriving from the UK 12 years ago Doug has taken 1st overall in 35 triathlons, 3 of them Half-Ironmans. He is a Software Engineer for Alcatel-Lucent in New Jersey, and is afflicted with being almost 6' 5". Fatherhood means he favors intensity over volume, and he did over half of his Ironman Training during his commute.
Most likely to say: "Do you have any Belgian beer?"
Least likely to say: "Can I have the rest of this wrapped please?"

   Shane's 1st race was age 5 at the Boston kids run, while his dad was racing in the Boston Triathlon. He hopes to race with the team in the coming years. He now rides his Jamis bike proudly.

  Jason is relatively new to triathlon. He grew up playing many sports including; hockey, soccer, golf, football, baseball, and he skied. While in college at Washington and Jefferson, Jason began to run. He spent the summer of his sophomore year at Parris Island, S.C. with the Marine Corps. This is where he was introduced to running...and he ran a lot. From there, he completed a few marathons and last year marked his first year of triathlon. His first tri was Eagleman Ironman 70.3. Jason became hooked and raced Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3, and the Nation's Triathlon. His strength is on the bike and with the help of his coach, Erin Kummer of Team Timex, Jason hopes to have a breakthrough season. Jason is very excited about the opportunity to race as a representative of the Full Throttle Team and there is no doubt that Scott and the Gang will help him achieve his goals.

  Taylor Storms began racing with Scott when he was sixteen and has been with Full Throttle since the beginning. Throughout his four years at Columbia University he continued to race with the team and has finished at the top of his age group in multiple races.

  Dan is a 3rd Grade teacher who resides in New Jersey. Dan has been a triathlete since his senior year in High School and continues to become more interested in the sport each year. Racing everything from sprints to Ironman has made it possible for Dan to challenge himself in many different areas both physically and mentally. Being a type one diabetic, Dan has pushed beyond all barriers to consistently race at the Ironman level and continues to set new physical goals and grow as a triathlete. In 2008 Dan will be racing several sprint triathlons, Ironman USA in Lake Placid, and the Eagleman Half.        DanRSlagle@hotmail.com

  Thierry is a Ralph Lauren Model, that has been with Full Throttle for 2 years. See one of his many pictorals in Italian Vogue, shot by Bruce Webber.

  Born and raised on Long Island, Kirk is a lifelong laxer per the requisite child-rearing of the region.  Playing lacrosse through college, the move to NYC was not easy for him at first given the lack of suitable fields to rip up and he used swimming as an interim outlet.  Upon Drew’s nudging, he soon jumped on the Full Throttle team to satiate the need for something more.  Entering his rookie season in 2009, he is amped to be back in a team atmosphere while still being pushed to excel as an individual.  When not training or at work, Kirk stays busy snowboarding, surfing and pursuing other endeavors to keep him outdoors.

  I grew up involved exclusively with team sports, playing football and lacrosse through college.  After graduating college and moving to NYC in 2004 I tried to fill the athletic void by taking up distance running, completing the 2007 NYC marathon and several 1/2's.  I soon grew tired of the monotony of running and took up triathlon in 2008.  I completed five races last year and am hooked.  I am new to Full Throttle this year, but the motivation, expert tutelage, and team focus FT brings to the sport are exactly what i've been looking for.  Excited for a great '09!

Dave is in his second year of competing in triathlons and his first with Full Throttle. His athletic background was entirely in team sports, playing ice hockey and lacrosse growing up and in school. Triathlons are a new obsession for Dave and he's hooked, especially after his first podium coming in 1st in his age group at the Great South Bay Triathlon and a solid showing at Escape from Alcatraz. Besides the 5am wakeup, Full Throttle has been an amazing experience and the improvements have been fast and tangible. When he's not getting yelled at by Coach Berlinger, and trying to beat his fiancee in races, he works at Google and lives close by in Chelsea.

  All the hard work, long hours on the bike, miles and miles running trails or on the pavement and countless laps in the pool, not only effects the athlete, but the people around them.  It can’t be forgotten the unadulterated patience and support given to each athlete who embarks on the journey multi-sport offers by family and friends. 

That’s why as someone who embraces the sport of triathlon, I can’t give you a sense of who I am without introducing you to who my wife and top cheerleader is.

I have to say throughout the years, starting with sprint distance races and working up to whole day Ironman competition, the support I receive from my wife Kristen, is unwavering.  Testimonies such as mine must pour in everyday of wives and husbands who go beyond the requests of doing dirty, sweat-stained laundry, cooking nutritious meals each night and dealing with mornings alone in the house while we sit on a bike saddle pedaling for miles on end.

However, in my mind, it’s a super special bond.

My races have taken me amazing places such as Lake Placid, Wisconsin, Florida, and Louisville, and all along the one constant I can always count on is my wife by my side.  The prep work for these kinds of events can be so unpredictable; during high peak training blocks 8 p.m. bed times are never out of the question; during taper time, we athletes turn from regular, high energy normal people to exercise deprived fens looking towards race day to release all the energy we have.

Yet, without a hesitation, my wife, understanding the bipolar states this sport gives, is always the first to put her arm around me with a calming touch and say the perfect positive thoughts to relax and calm the nerves.

So, this is who Matt Mauclair is.  All the races, from Lake Placid to Wisconsin, to Eagleman all the way to the Chesapeake Bay Swim, it’s not what start and finish I toe that day but who is waiting for me there.

Thanks so much for allowing me to be part of this team.  It’s truly inspiring to be surrounded by a group of people so athletically talented and in the same breath so amazingly special in life.

 I joined the club in 2004 and have been honored to meet and train with a talented, interesting and dynamic group of people. I'm lucky to have made some great friends through Full Throttle. And, while triathlon is intrinsically an individual sport, it's my teammates that inspire me to the starting line in the first place.

   I grew up playing all sorts of sports (soccer, skiing, lacrosse, basketball, etc.), but was never really a very good athlete. I started training for triathlons in the spring of 2008 both because my future wife had gotten into it, and because Scott kept badgering me to join the team. I decided to join, despite the fact that I didn't know how to swim and was deathly afraid of bikes, and am now sort of hooked on the sport. I'm not that great a runner, I still don't bike or swim too well, but one day I hope to beat my wife in a triathlon. Also, I'd like to complete a half IM. Preferably in a short amount of time. I live in Chelsea, and when I'm not training, I play soccer, work in finance, and like to travel.

  Joe began racing with the Jamis / Full Throttle team in 2006, diving in head first with the long course athletes. In the last two years he has completed 2 Ironman distance events, 4 Half-Ironman events and numerous other short course races. Joe’s day job is president of Interactive Marketing Solutions, an Interactive Media agency that he founded in 2000.

Joe's 2008 Schedule was the most miles ever logged in one season by a

Full Throttle athlete.

Click here for the details

Congratulations Joe

  As the Events Director for the Sports Center, Phil develops successful programs and partnerships with hundreds of corporations, businesses, schools, and agencies. Under his leadership, the corporate Team Building program enrollment grew by seven hundred percent to serve over six thousand participants each year.  He also is in the process of creating and launching the Sports Center’s - Professional Team Development program using Behavior and Personality profile assessments.  The Professional Team Development program is a comprehensive team building and leadership program for businesses and management teams.  When he is not designing or implementing customized programs, he also coordinates sports marketing initiatives between the Public Relations department and Corporate Communications.

Every year he competes in NYC tri, West Point, and various other local triathlons.  He was the first winner of the Full Throttle Endurance Challenge back in 2003.

   2008 will be Colin's first season with Full Throttle. Though he has never
competed in a Triathlon, he once held the 14 and under record for 50 yard
breaststroke at his summer camp, and definitely had the flyest Huffy on his
block from '80-'83. Colin lives in Chelsea with his fiance and two standard
poodles.

"2007 Most Inspirational Finish" NYC Triathlon

With a background in running, Jose joined Full Throttle Endurance in April 2006 with a goal to complete one triathlon. After two months of hard training and with lots of encouragement from Coach Berlinger, Jose competed in the Mighty Montuak triathlon in June 2006. From then on he was hooked in the sport and ended up competing in 6 short distance triathlons in his first season.
One of Jose’s achievements in 2007 was being part of the team that won the “National Team Championships” title. Jose works on Wall Street.

 Investment Banker, needed a hobby besides professional drinking. Since joining in June of 2009 I've become completely addicted. Andrew and Scott have helped me get to a point where I can actually be competitive in my age group…far exceeding my expectations.  Hopefully now I can podium overall in 2010

   I was introduced to the triathlon sport by Scott Berlinger in 2006 as a way to get in shape and stay fit and joined the Full Throttle team without knowing much more about the sport. Starting out with low expectations, I've grown to love the sport and the positive changes it's made in my life. Triathlons had not been on my radar prior to 2006 as the sport seemed so far out of my reach, however with the motivation and encouragement I've received along the way, it’s now a sport I truly enjoy. The camaraderie and feeling of accomplishment when crossing the finish line are indescribable. Thirty pounds lighter and 3 races into the sport, with a 3rd place finish in the Clydesdale division of my 2nd race, improving on my personal times along with the added push from Coach Berlinger keeps my motivation and drive alive. I live in Stamford, CT with my wife Jenny.

  I started my triathlon career two years ago with this being first season with

Full Throttle. With my schedule I often don't get to train with the team but Scott assured me this wouldn't be a problem. I too. like many have issues with the water. Scott helped give me more confidence in the water which improved my swim significantly.
Although I don't think I will see a podium finish anytime soon I will continue to do triathlons for the challenge and enjoyment I get out of it. I am looking forward to next season of racing and training (when I can) with the team and actually making it to some karaoke....no I'm not singing. Thanks Scott and the team for all the support.

  David grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has been involved in organized sport
for the better part of his life.  He has always enjoyed team sports
looks at FT as an extension of the same idea.  David has always tried to
stay active and fit although years of strength building have not exactly
incorporated certain aspects of endurance that FT brings to the table.
He looks forward to the challenge and thanks Vadim for making the
introduction to a new set of goals.  David lives in Westfield, NJ with
his wife Kristin and 9 month old daughter Hannah.

 After graduating from college, I took on my first triathlon as a bet.  As a former college wrestler, I had muscles in all of the wrong places.  It was humbling to emerge from the water to see my old used 10-speed standing alone in the transition area; nearly last to complete the swim, I pushed myself to a slow and grinding finish, but a finish with a real since of accomplishment.  Since that first race, I've gone on to compete at Alcatraz, Wildflower, Vineman, and the LA Marathon.  Now returning to the sport after a 7 year hiatus, I look forward to learning from the talented and motivated athletes in the Full Throttle Nation.  I finally realized after all of these years that running isn't punishment, it's pure joy...but only after you've swam and biked!    

  After starting to train with the team in Jan 09 Mordecai ran his first race
in Miami a few months later and is now hooked. Mordecai is looking forward
to the rest of the season and training with a great team. When not in the
pool, biking or running (or snowboarding in the winter) Mordecai practices
entertainment and technology law for a number of startups in nyc.

	Veterans Day 10K 11/11/07 —  WASHINGTON DC, DC	35:44
	Ironman Florida 2007 11/3/07 —  Panama City Beach, FL	10:11:42
	Longhorn Triathlon - Half Iron 10/7/07 —  Austin, TX	4:45:44
	The Nation's Triathlon 9/29/07 —  Washington, DC	1:57:52
	ITU World Championships 9/2/07 —  Hamburg, 02	2:08:45
	Nautica New York City Triathlon 2007 7/22/07 —  New York, NY	2:02:10

  http://www.espenusa.com/

   Will comes to Triathlon from a running background in college and high school.  His PR’s are 9:58 in the 2 mile, 34:03 10k, and 3:09 marathon.  College also introduced Will to multisport where he competed in Ocean lifesaving and Kayak racing events.

 Will has worked as a Camera Operator in the Movie industry since 1991 in New York City until meeting his wife in California and moving there in 2006.  He lives and trains in Marin county north of San Francisco, and also works and trains in Los Angeles when he has to!  The training is much nicer in Marin!  When in the area call him up for a ride or a nice chilly bay swim.  Bring your wetsuit! 

Will’s 2007 season consisted of all top 10 finishes.  7th in age group (35-39) at Ventura.  1st in under 40 Clydesdales at NYC.  9th in age group at Los Angeles Tri and 4th at the Team Nationals in Missouri.  Just missing the podium for 3rd at Nationals was a big heartbreak as he caught the guy in front in the last mile of the run.  However a 2 min penalty on the bike course was a big lesson learned. Experience is just as valuable as speed, and Will is looking fwd to helping FT defend its crown at Nationals in Vegas in ’08. 

Having hunted around Northern & Southern California for a cohesive unit to replace the comraderie and inspiration of FT since moving west, Will has yet to find anything as strong and cohesive.  This is why he gratefully continues his relationship w/ Scott Berlinger and the FT brothers & Sisters, and meets up with them to race whenever he can. 

 2009 is Brian's first year of training with Full Throttle.  When not enjoying the abuse of coach Berlinger and Coach Kalley, Brian can be found chasing his son Jesse around the apartment or Central Park.  Brian works in the Financial Services industry.

Bobby grew up near Pittsburgh, and is an attorney with a boutique wealth management firm in Pittsburgh. His athletic background includes a short college football career, a few years of Aikido training state-side and in Japan, and finally learning how to swim at the early age of 27. He now resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife, 2 children and his two favorite training partners: Harper and Dunkel.  Bobby is a Steeler fan and rocks out to the Foo Fighters with Mazzie and Axel.

2009 has brought an itch for longer distances.  The schedule includes Black Bear, Lake Placid, a brief hiatus to act as sherpa for his incredible wife at IM Lou, then Redman and Beach to Battleship (NC).

  I am a former Marine Corps officer who began participating in triathlons about 7 years ago in order to stay in shape, challenge myself and to recapture that camaraderie that I was so used to having in the military. I currently work as a federal agent in New York and have been doing so for a little over 9 years. It has been a great experience racing for Full Throttle and the team is filled with good people, who are a constant source of motivation.

   International distance and Xterra...he is also part of the largest chiropratic business in Pittsburgh...Pittsburgh Chiropractic

2007

Fat Rabbit        2:27:24

Pittsburgh         2:28:59

Baierl Family    1:16:06

Chicago            2:33:01

   Scott was an original member of the Full Throttle team and competed in three triathlons during the 2004 season. Unfortunately, after the 2004 season, the proverbial wheels fell off the cart. He retired and made quick peace with a slower and more restful existence. 2008 will hopefully mark his return to Full Throttle. When he is not contemplating a return to Full Throttle, Scott is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development for the RCA Music Group, which includes RCA, Arista and J Records and manages the campaigns of such artists as: Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis, Luther Vandross, Paula DeAnda, Rod Stewart, Sarah McLachlan, Taylor Hicks and Whitney Houston.

   As a former porn star, I never really thought of myself as a serious Athlete, but have always been into "working out". After a number of years of running, I thought, "What the hell, triathlon sounds like fun". In spring 2008, I decided to do it more as a way to really get into shape, but soon got hooked. Scott and the crew welcomed me onto the team and now I'm training for my first race this fall.  I know how tough it is to start something new, Full Throttle has been a great personal and physical challenge and I've loved every min of it.

 Craig grew up in St. Marys, Pennsylvania.  He is a graduate of Duquesne University, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Craig is an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Pittsburgh.  In addition to hunting, fishing, skiing, bowling and playing volleyball, Craig always had a passion for swimming. It wasn't until 2008 when he decided to start training for long distance open water swimming and completed the 1500 meter swim in the Pittsburgh Triathlon in 40:20.
Craig returned in 2009 to the Pittsburgh Triathlon and took nearly six minutes off his previous time, finishing ahead of more than 100 able-bodied competitors. Craig also competed in two Half Iron Man Triathlons, completing the 1.2 mile swim in 46:12 on May 31 (Black Bear) and then 41:58 on September 20 (Savageman).  Next year he plans on swimming the 2.4 miles of an Ironman, and continue training to do the Chesapeake Bay Swim in 2011.

 "David Powers joined Full Throttle Endurance in 2010, having competed in triathlons since 2003.  Triathlon highlights include overall victories in the Mighty Montauk Triathlon (2008) and the Montauk Point Lighthouse Triathlon (2007 and 2009) as well as qualifying for Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.  His personal best at the Ironman distance is 9:50 at Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2008.

Prior to competing in triathlons, David was a competitive swimmer.  He was named NCAA All-American multiple times in swimming and was a Masters Nationals champion in backstroke events.  He resides in the West Village of New York City and spends his summers in Wainscott, NY."

   Ray comes to triathlon from a running background. He competed in Track and Field and Cross Country in College. After college, Ray started training and competing in road races. In 1995 he moved up to the marathon. To date Ray has run seven Marathons, three under 3 hours. Ray is most proud of his 2:49 at the 1997 Boston Marathon. In 2003, Ray started cross training and joined Full Throttle. After several years competing at the Olympic distance, this year he moved up to long course, competing in the Eagleman Half Ironman and the Lake Placid Ironman. In 2008, Ray plans to focus on the Half Ironman distance. What Ray most likes about competing for Full Throttle is the added motivation of training and racing with the team.

  John is a general athlete, having focused largely on adventure racing, alpinism and recreational mountain biking over the last ten years. In 2007, he switched his primary focus to triathlon and achieved success with several age group podium finishes. John hopes to get over his dislike of swimming and running while maintaining fast bike times in 2008. In addition to sprint and olympic distances, John is planning to try the half-iron / 70.3 distance.

  After more than 10 years away from the sport Scott jumped back in joining the Full Throttle team and his former age-group and high school swimming friend, Coach Berlinger in 2006.  After a successful debut in the 2006 Escape from Alcatraz triathlon he has continued to enjoy success routinely finishing on the podium while claiming one age group victory over the past few seasons.  As part of the National Championship team Scott finished on the podium at Nationals each of the last three years and looks to expand on this success as he enters a new age group in 2010.  Goals going forward are to increase his training with the group and to continue enjoying the camaraderie and competitiveness shared among Full Throttle Team.

   Steve is the Managing Director/Principal for Bear Stearns Co. Inc in Atlanta.
He is a Category 1 Road and Track rider with the USA Cycling.
South Carolina Men’s State Crit Champion in 1998
2 Time South Carolina Men’s Masters Road Racing Champion
Silver Metal in the 4000m Pursuit at Festival of Speed 2007
4th in the Rivergate Pro 1/2 Event in 2007
And is personally responsible for pulling the “Italy Group” all the way to Switzerland and getting all of us very lost.

  Yankee fan, enough said.........not a good thing

  Dave had a very rewarding second season with Full Throttle; completing his first Half-Ironman, wining his division at the team nationals in St. Louis and podium finishes at three other races. He enjoys the camaraderie of training with the team and his wife Jen, also a member of Full Throttle. When not in tight-fitting spandex, Dave works as a brand strategy and market research consultant for advertisers. He and his wife life in Chelsea, about three blocks from the gym.

   Before the last hint of muscle turned to jelly after the birth of their daughter, Lilah, Trip was in pretty decent shape. Over the last two decades, Trip has competed in over 100 triathlons, 10 marathons and 1/2 a dozen 24 hour mountain bike races. Trip raced with Full Throttle for two years before Lilah joined the world, and hopes to stage one of the greatest comebacks in sports history by being able to compete again in 2008.

   Originally from Johnston, RI, Tony now makes his home in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.  Tony was a competitive swimmer throughout college, where he attended West Virginia University.  Also as a former Marine he became a decent runner.  After being bored with the everyday routines of working out, Tony’s competitive nature came back and he had heard how challenging the sport of triathlon was.  So, in 2003 he trained for and competed in his first race, the Chicago Triathlon.  He was hooked.  He has reached the podium in a couple of his races and looks forward to more.  His specialty is sprint and Olympic distance, but likes the challenge of a Half Ironman each year.  In 2009, he plans on competing in a full Ironman distance, most likely Ironman Wisconsin.  Tony works as a Process Improvement Manager in Logistics with Crate&Barrel.

   Born and raised in Colombia, Luis came to the US to play Division I college tennis. Subsequent to finishing college and pursuing a career in finance, Luis moved to New York City. After a few years in the City and frustrated with the challenge of finding enough court time and other players to practice with he turned to swimming and running. Eventually,
to increase the diversity and challenge of his work outs his brother encouraged him to cross train and practice the three disciplines involved in the world of triathlon.

Luis has been a member of the Full Throttle team during the past four years. He enjoys racing the Olympic and Half Ironman distances.

  Full Throttle is a terrific organization with a lot of motivated talented individuals. It is a really great bunch of people who are a pleasure to train with in addition to being a real driving force for improvement. I look forward to training with them for the 2008 Season.

   Scott has been hooked on the multi sport lifestyle since his first Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes Triathlon in 1999. After his initial season with Full Throttle, he beat his long time nemesis for the first time in 8 years. Scott has competed in Sprint, Olympic and Half-Ironman distances. Full Throttle is a tremendous group of motivated and talented people. If you love teamwork and competitive camaraderie, this is the place for you. Scott is President and Co-Founder of Scojo New York. He lives in Tribeca with his wife Patricia Willens and their three young children: Noah, Eve and Gideon.

   Kevin first participated in triathlon training and competition in the 2001 Mighty Montauk, joined team Berlinger for cycling maneuvers on the 3 day Bear Mountain, NY to Boston, MA AIDS ride, and then jumped into his first round of Full Throttle in Fall ‘03. After an extended hiatus of non-training in Ibiza and Mykonos, Kevin is back in FT for ‘09 and planning on returning to Mighty Montauk and other NY triathlons this season.

  In 2007, I joined Full Throttle Endurance and finished my first Triathlon.  Although I only beat about 100 swimmers out of the water, I am proud of this achievement.  A month later I was on the age-group podium for a Harriman duathlon.  I inherited my mother's "Frozen Shoulder", so swimming is no longer possible.  In 2008, life took over and I was fairly inactive.  In 2009, my goals are to complete my first marathon and to get on more duathlon podiums.

   Mike raced his first race at the 2008 Stamford Triathlon. This will be the first of many. He lives in NJ with his wife and 3 children. SURF and SNOW BOARD DUDE!!!!

   James is currentlythe Chief Executive Officer of Exosome Diagnostics, Inc., a life sciences company commercializing genetic based diagnostics for early detection and monitoring of cancer and metabolic diseases.  Exosome Diagnostics uses proprietary technology developed at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital to identify genetic mutations in blood which are specific for cancer subtype, progression rate and susceptibility to drug intervention. He received his B.A. from Boston University in 1990, and his MBA from the Columbia Graduate School of Business in 1995. Mr. McCullough is an instrument rated private pilot and avid skier. He currently resides in New York City.

   As Coach Berlinger’s college roommate at the University of South Carolina, I have watched the transformation of young man with excellent athletic abilities into an inspirational, knowledgeable and extremely dedicated coach and mentor.  I enjoy the dedication and camaraderie of the entire Full Throttle Endurance Team and have learned a great deal from the program.  I am looking forward to making my come back in 2008.

 Greg joins Full Throttle for the 2009 season following a 15 year "hiatus" to raise a family and do the work thing.  After filling his time with only road racing and casual swimming he is excited to be back in the swing of things with FTE.  
Go Tigers!!

    Original member of Full Throttle team since 2003

Main events include

1998 JFK 50mile Appalachian Trail Maryland, US

1999 Marathon des Sables, 250km Sahara Desert, Morocco

2000 Eco-Challenge, 320mile Borneo, Malaysia

2002 Jordan Cup, 104mile Wadi Rum, Jordan

2004 Gobi March, 250km Gobi Desert, China

2008 RacingThePlanet, 250km Mountains of Sapa, Vietnam

Lives in Manhattan with his wife and two kids.

"2007 Most Improved Cyclist"

  Joe is a Sales Representative for Haworth Inc. - he was transfered to
New York from Edmonton, Alberta 13 years ago with a Canadian Office
Furniture Manufacturer.  Joe has always been athletic from
participating in cycling charity events to running but, had not swam
since childhood.  After getting back into the pool he put it all
together in 2003 and begun competing in triathlons.  Of the three
disciplines running was always his strongest pursuit but after
working hard on his cycling in the 2007 season and subsequently
receiving "Most Improved Cyclist" he believes cycling has now become
his strongest event.  In 2008 Joe is focused on bring his running
time in the International Triathlons to under 40 minutes.

   Ken is a competitive masters swimmer and current metropolitan record holder in the 100 breastroke for the 40-44 age group.  He was a  former division I swimmer and school record holder at the University of Virginia.  Past athletic accomplishments include: olympic trial qualifier, high school eastern champion, world club relay record holder 400 meter medley (short course), national sports festival participant; 1981,1983.  In 2008, Ken looks forward to competing in May at the masters swimming nationals in Austin, Texas and some quality training with the FullThrottle team.

  Paul Brahim, CFP, AIFA, managing director of the BPU Investment Management, Inc., was named one of Reuters AdvicePoint’s 200 Top Advisors 2008. 

Brahim is responsible for the management of personal financial planning and asset management methods and processes for application with individuals, families, retirement plans, and non-profit investment portfolios. He serves private clients with a typical net worth over $1 million and institutional clients with assets over $5,000,000.  He manages and consults on more than $500 million in total.  Brahim majored in Chemistry and English at Washington and Jefferson College.   Brahim has been a financial planner for more than 20 years. He started as an independent advisor in 1986 after working in pharmaceutical sales and in 1997 joined BPU, one of Pennsylvania’s largest independent wealth management firms. He is one of four advisors chosen by Reuters from western Pennsylvania.

  Multi year USAT All American, top 10 USAT national ranking 2005, Multi Year Kona qualifier, AG wins/podium in every distance from sprint to Ironman, top 10 all time AG finishes at IM Arizona and IM CDA, USAT level 1 and USCF Expert Coach certification, acheivement of performance PR's for 12 consecutive years.

2008 Ultraman World Championship winner, ag 50-59

2009 - 17th at ITU sprint World Championship

2008 and 2009 USAT All American

  A Catholic priest and a Jesuit, Tom has completed his second full season of training and racing.  A relative newcomer to the world of triathlons, he managed to take first place in his division at St. Louis Team Nationals.  His "calling" and "advanced age" notwithstanding, he maintains his training schedule to stay competitive and to keep Coach Berlinger only seconds ahead on the race course.

  At first I thought there was no way I could start my workouts at
5:30 am, but I was signed up for the NYC Triathlon and I needed to train for it.

At first it was a shock to my life, but after a few weeks the intensity of the training was paying off. I started to feel strong and I liked it. One thing about getting up at 4:30 in the morning to workout is that it keeps you out of the bars.
After all, you can't soar with the eagles in the morning if you are going to hoot with the owls at night!

  Don has been training with Full Throttle since 2004 and completed his first triathlon shortly after his 50th birthday that year.  Don was a rower in college and loves the similar year-round training regimen of triathlons (even if it means getting up hours before the sunrise).   The races are also fun for Don but he wishes his cycling wasn't so darn slow.      Don is a partner at the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and lives in Greenwich Village with his wife Karen Lavine, an occasional (she claims former but we'll see) triathlete.  They have two grown children, Dan and Ellie.

  Brian was born and raised in Long Island, NY and graduated SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in economics.  After traveling extensively and living all over the world during the earlier years of his career, Brian has settled with his family in Far Hills, New Jersey.   Always an avid sportsman and athlete Brian missed the discipline of serious training while spending years on the road for business and trying to fit workouts in between flights and meetings.  After searching for somewhere to swim in the city Brian found himself at Chelsea Piers and ultimately with Full Throttle.  The intensity Scott and the team bring to their training fit Brian’s life philosophy well -  “Do something all the way or don’t bother”.  While still struggling from time to time with balancing workouts, work and personal life the camaraderie of the Full Throttle team helps drag him out of bed at 4:30 am most mornings to make the one hour drive into the city and into the gym!

After being a couch potato for the majority of my adult life and ballooning up to 252 lbs., I decided to accept a challenge from my daughter and complete my first marathon in Pittsburgh, PA in 2003.  Well, it didn't stop there.  After a few years of only running, I decided to buy a bike, found a pool and started my triathlon career.  I completed my first sprint distance Triathlon in 2005 and worked my way up to successfully finishing my first 70.3 Ironman in 2009.  I've managed to drop 70 lbs, spend a lot of money and make some great friends along the way! I am sure my "addiction" will lead me to completing an Ironman in the near future; just don't tell my wife!

  it is with a very heavy heart that I announce our elder statesman, athlete and my good friend, Al Puma passed away this weekend. Al was an inspiration to me and always had a challenging word or thought that would make me reach just a little deeper or set the bar a little higher. I was never able to match Al's running PR, which gave him bragging rights, something he reminded me of often. He will always be a part of the Full Throttle Family, he will be missed. His shoes and resume were huge, never to be filled or matched.
Thank you for everything Al, you were the BEST.

Al Puma: Al's athletic career started in 1979. Participating in almost 800 races in 29 years, Al's best times are: Mile - 5:20; 5K - 18:35; 5 Miles - 30:30; 10K - 38:17; 10 Miles - 64:56; and Marathon - 3:14:55. Empire State Building Run Up - 16:43 at 63 years old. In the last decade, Al has completed Biathlons, Triathlons, Bike Races, 36 plus Stair Climbs, Javelin/Discus throwing and Rowing.
Al's goal is to stay mentally and physically fit in his senior years.
Al's recommendations is to "FOLLOW YOUR BLISS".
Hobbies: Photography and preaching the virtues of exercise and diet for all.

  Meet the Female Athletes

   Ryan 1st race was age 3 at the Boston kids run, while her dad was racing in the Boston Triathlon. She hopes to race with the team in the coming years. She now swims without a life vest. She also rides her Jamis bike proudly.

 Originally from New Jersey, Steph has been racing in triathlons since the age of 15.  She is one of those fortunate triathletes who began her swimming career at age 5 and started running later on in life.  She ended up undefeated in her age group for USAT races from age 15-19 aside from USAT National Championships 2008 where she placed 2nd in her age group.  She was also named All-American in 2006 and 13th overall in 2008. Steph did a few ITU Junior Elite Cup races in the 2006 and 2007 seasons and recently raced in the 2009 ITU Age Group World Championships on the Gold Coast, Australia.  Now Steph is a third year student at the University of Pittsburgh studying Pathokinesiology in the Rehabilitation Sciences program and will continue her graduate career in Pitt's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.  She previously ran track and cross country for Pitt and joined the Team Pittsburgh swim team, which is closely associated with the university team.  She is very active in the Panther Cycling Club, serving as the treasurer and is currently the founder and president the Pitt Triathlon Club.  She is excited to race in the NECTC and at USAT Collegiate Nationals with other students.  She is very grateful for her parents and the opportunities and support they have given her.

  2008-2009 Season  

First Female Overall, New York City Biathlon (Sept, 2008)

3rd Female, Santa Barbara Running Club 10k (Jan 2009)

Female Champion, Ventura 5k (March 2009)

2nd Female Overall, March Madness Biathlon (March 2009)

Fourth Female, First in Division, Brooklyn Biathlon (May 2009)

First Female Overall, Putnam Triathlon (July 2009)

1st Age Group Time (Competing in Elite) NYC Triathlon (July 2009)

2nd Woman Overall, Northern Columbia Triathlon (August 2009)

From the time I was 11 years old all I wanted to do was play competitive golf, a sport that most girls do not even consider playing.  After competing as a junior golfer and then going on to play Division 1 Golf for Siena College, I was introduced to a new challenge.  Being introduced to triathlons from an already competing member of Full Throttle Endurance, I was told that completing such a race would be an experience of a life time.  Even though I did not train as hard or as long as I should have I completed my first triathlon (sprint) at Harriman State Park in June 2007.  It was an experience like no other.  It not only physically tested my body, but mentally as well, and it proved that I can accomplish any challenge I put my mind to.  Even though I am a full time graduate student I am now making more time to train for future triathlons.  I look forward to crossing the finish line at the NYC Triathlon this summer, pushing and testing my body farther than I ever have.

   The only Full Throttle athlete to break a rib while trying to learn how to use her clipless pedals...in her living room...Blair joined the team in 2008 to stay fit while overcoming a different injury.  Clearly somewhat injury prone, the triad of triathlon sports have kept her healthy and she successfully completed the Stamford, CT and NYC triathlons this summer.  Although she never thought at 24 that a 9:30pm bedtime would seem late, she has learned to love the early morning workouts with the team.  Originally from Lexington, KY, Blair played soccer for the majority of her athletic career.  When she hung up her soccer cleats after her second year playing for the Ephs of Williams College, Blair began to call herself a runner and trained for her first marathon (NYC) in the fall of 2005.  Enjoying the training more than the actual race, she vowed to run another marathon and is training for Chicago in October with a lot of triathlon cross-training. 

Allison Lind graduated with honors from Columbia University’s doctorate of physical therapy program.  She graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.  At Florida State, Allison ran cross country and indoor and outdoor track.  In college, she was a two time All-American in Division II and the National Champion Indoor 5k Runner Up.  She was All-ACC and All-Region in cross country at Florida State.  

5k PR = 16:40 at Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships (National runner up, All-American) in March 2001
10k PR = 35:23.13 ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships on April 18, 2003 15K = 57:46 Colon Cancer Challenge 15K Central Park, NY on March 11, 2007 20K = 1:16:40 New Alliance New Haven Road Race (USA 20k
Championships) finished 22nd overall
Half-Marathon = 1:20:37 Winner of the Ridgefield Half Marathon in CT on October 2, 2005 1:21:46 Philadelphia Half Marathon on September 16, 2007
Marathon = 2:57:23 ING NYC Marathon on November 5, 2005 (13th USA woman, 38th woman overall) 2:55:28 Philadelphia Marathon on November 18, 2007 (20th woman overall, 7th in age group) 2:57:20 Virginia Beach Marathon on March 16, 2008 (9th woman overall, 1st in age group)
18 miler = 2:01:16 Winner of Long Beach Island 18-miler on October 16, 2005
I was also All-American in DII for cross country and indoor track at South Dakota State University before transferring to Florida State in Cross Country 2000.    

  With encouragement from her swim coach, Andrew Kalley, Anna Hillegass joined the Full Throttle Nation in July of 2009.  Having just learned to properly swim in May and competing (and going embarrassingly off course) in her first Tri in June, Anna was ready for the support and guidance of Coach Scott Berlinger and the Full Throttle team.  Now a full fledged member of the FT Fan Club with 2 podiums under her belt, Anna is looking forward to many more exciting racing seasons with her new teammates and friends.  Anna migrated to New York from sunny Minnesota and works as a stylist in the Interior Design field.

   Jillian Mastroianni had an impressive high school career, including
winning eight New York state titles and a national championship, and
becoming the only athlete to win the high school Penn Relays 3000
meters three times. Her mile time of 4:48.03 as a sophomore at the
Golden West Invitational is still on the New York state record books.
Jillian continued her career at Stanford University, where she was
part of the 2000 NCAA cross country third place team. She finished off
her collegiate running career at Dartmouth College.

Since graduating, Jillian has completed five marathons, most recently finishing as the 26th female in the 2008 Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:58:33.  She joined
the Full Throttle team to stay in shape while recovering from a
running injury and Scott convinced her to sign up for the New York
City Triathlon.

   My former trainer, Phillip Morris (aka: Marlboro), kept me thin, but far from healthy. I switched from light to ultra-light numerous times before I realized that, "It's what's on the inside that counts." My physique, as ultra-light as it may've been, was not worth risking my lungs, heart, life, etc...set that aside, Scott was relentless in his efforts to get me to quit. I broke up with Phillip and his toxic tricks over three years ago after almost 8 years of tar-filled/nicotine-needing delusion. I started rollerblading (I know) and running in 1/4 mile increments (which actually hurt) until I established an aerobic capacity to start training at a beginner's level. Full Throttle took me under its wing and turned me into a National Champ (a couple-O-times)...which group? Athena 39 and under...ultra-light is out; top of my division is in.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXAfbFZxeH4

2009 South Beach Triathlon: 1st in division

2009 Montauk Triathlon: 1st in division

2009 NYC Triathlon: 2nd in division

2009 USAT Individual Nat'l Championships: 2nd in division

2009 USAT Nat'l Club Championship: 1st in division

2008 USAT Individual Nat'l Championships: 1st in division

2008 USAT Nat'l Club Championship: 1st in division

2008 South Beach Triathlon: 1st in division

2008 NYC Triathlon: 1st in division

2008 "Citizenship Award"

2007 USAT Nat'l Club Championship: 1st in division

2007 "Most Improved Athlete"

  Maria started endurance events in 2004 completing the Dublin marathon and several other local running races. In 2006, she moved to NYC and joined Chelsea Piers. She was always curious about triathlons but was, like many, intimidated by the swim. After meeting Coach Berlinger, he convinced her that he, "could fix that.” That he did, and 1.5 years, 8 triathlons, and 3 podiums later, she is hooked on the sport and looks forward to improving her performance in the upcoming season.

2007 Season

• Harriman Sprint Triathlon- 2nd in Division;
• USAT Team Nationals Sprint - 3rd in Division;
• Mighty Montauk Sprint-1st in Division

2008 Season

Nautica South Beach Triathlon- 1st in Division;

• Mighty Montauk Olympic Triathlon- 2nd in Division
• Nautica New York City Olympic Triathlon- 12/261 in Division
• West Point Sprint Triathlon- 4th in Division
• USAT Team National Championship Sprint- 3rd in Division

2009 Season

Nautica South Beach Triathlon- 4th in Division

My grandfather is an exercise fanatic—and had done many marathons in his years.

My father and brother were amazing tennis players.

My sister will sign up for a marathon the day before just because.

My mum is our biggest fan.

All in all, being active is in the blood.  And having a family that supports, motivates, and trains with you, only makes it that much better.  I joined full throttle this year, 2009 and have found them to be an amazing family away from home.  I look forward to the 2009 season—and look forward to assisting “Mull-Dog” in building the Athena brand! 

  My first introduction with triathalon was an email that said, "if you're going to train, you might as well have a goal." This begins my first triathalon season. I bought a bike and new running shoes. For some reason, most additional purchases involved some type of spandex. I guess I had given in. Coming off of a fairly serious accident, my season was filled with many discoveries about myself and my limits. However, having a team and a goal kept me going. I've always loved to move and challenge myself, so my goal was to finish my triathalon with a smile on my face. I finished my first and only race, the Mighty Hamptons, pretty much beaming. Thanks for a great first season, Full Throttle!

   I grew up swimming competitively. And years ago I picked up running. I'm still trying to figure out cycling but have come a long way. This is my second season with the Full Throttle and I'm looking forward to another year of training hard with the team, trying out a long-course race or two and, most importantly, beating my husband!

  Beth got into triathlon after seeing the Ironman on T.V. And thinking. . . “Are those people insane???” After cheering on her Dad in a sprint relay triathlon she decided to try one herself. In 2001 she swam a little, biked a handfull of times and made sure (once) she could at least complete the 5 mile run. On race day she thought she might die but dragged herself across the finish Line. She has been training and racing ever since. In 2004 Beth joined Full Throttle and was instantly adicted to the team spirit, competition, and friendship. Since joining, she has competed in countless sprints, a bunch of olyimpic's, the NYC marathon, 2 half Ironman’s and in 2007 completed her first Ironman in Madison, Wi. She is looking forward to less training but faster times in 2008.
Beth is the photo editor of Body + Soul magazine and lives with her husband in Franklin Lakes, NJ.  

Brooke Ballantine, a second year medical student at Columbia University, loves cycling and has been a spinning instructor for several years, first in Boston and now in New York City. A competitive figure skater when she was younger, she later played ice hockey for Amherst College, where she majored in geology and religion. While teaching at a public high school in inner city DC immediately after graduation, she started running longer distances, and she finished her first marathon last fall in Philadelphia. One of her med school classmates introduced her to triathlons, and she began racing last season. After barely making it back to the shore from the open water swim, she joined Chelsea Piers to learn technique and to spend time training. She completed her first half ironman?Half Vermont Journey?in August 2008, finishing second in her age group, and she placed first in her age group in the Jersey Man Sprint Tri in September. Besides becoming a stronger competitor overall, one of her goals is to complete an ironman before getting her M.D. She is really excited about training and racing with Full Throttle this year and is looking forward to expanding her strength on the bike to both the swim and the run.

 I did my first Triathlon (Mighty Montauk) this past June. I finished
in 3 hours 2 min. I had never run more than 3 miles when I started the
team 8 weeks before my first Tri. I loved it. Thank you to Scott and
the rest of the team for making me feel so welcome and helping me be
the best I can. If I can do it anyone can!

 Amy was looking for a way to feed her competitve nature after completing her ice hockey career at Dartmouth College.  Working in NYC and struggling to find a way to stay active and competitive off the trading floor, she discovered triathlons.  Training by herself proved sufficient for the Sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons, but after a grueling Half Ironman in the summer of 2009, Amy realized she needed more coaching and specific triathlon focus.  Chelsea Piers and Full Throttle was the perfect fit and exactly the team comraderie she was looking for!  Amy joined the squad in July of 2009 and is looking forward to competing in Nationals this year!

 Heidi did competitive gymnastics while growing up in Niagara Falls, NY, and enjoyed other sports such as skiing and running.  When her fiancée started bike riding 2 years ago, she decided to try it out as a new addition to her work-outs.  Together they decided to do a sprint triathlon.  After nearly drowning on the swim (only partly joking!) she decided to take swim lessons at Chelsea Piers, and completed 3 more triathlons in 2008.  2009 is Heidi’s first year with Full Throttle.  She loves the intense workouts, and getting to know people on the team.  This season she has been on the podium twice for her age group, in the Sea Isle & Islip Sprint Triathlons, and recently finished the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.  When she isn’t training with Full Throttle, she is the Director of International Licensing & Strategy for Aeropostale. 

   In 2005, I started training for my first triathlon. I spent the year getting back in shape after a 15-year hiatus from sports. In 2006, I became more mentally and physically dedicated to triathlons and completed a half ironman.

   My major accomplishments of 2007 included:

1st in my age group at the Harriman Half Ironman

3rd in my age group at the Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon

Lake Placid Ironman finish, which I trained all year for with my Full Throttle teammates.

   After completing The New York Marathon for the second time in 2007, I decided to add new facets to my training regimen.  I am juiced to train with a team of committed, determined and talented athletes. 

   Beth had a very successful first season in 2007 with Full Throttle taking at least twenty minutes off of her best time in every Olympic race. As tiring as FTE made her by the time 8a.m. rolled around it doesn't compare to the physical exhaustion of teaching pre-school in a restored upper west side Browstone with four flights of stairs! Being around so many hard working individuals at FTE in the mornings kept her motivated to hold her children to similar high standards, resulting in 4 out of 5 of her at risk four year olds being accepted or wait listed into NYC's Gifted and Talented Program.

  Jennifer grew up at the foot of Mt. Hood in Oregon and was an avid skier, racer and instructor. When she moved to the East coast several years ago she found the snow a little too icy, the lift lines a little too long, and the ski areas a few too many hours away. She discovered a new outlet for her love of technically-challenging sports when she competed in her first triathlon four years ago. 2007 was Jennifer's second year with Full Throttle. She had an up and down season due to injuries, but got healthy in time to finish her first half-Ironman at Eagleman in Maryland. And after narrowly missing the podium on several occasions she finally claimed her first age group win at her last race of the season in Montauk. Outside of triathlon she directs global communications and brand strategy for American Express at Ogilvy & Mather.

   I started training for my first sprint triathlon after seeing my friend cross the finish line at the New York City Tri. After completing my first race I was hooked! For a year I trained by myself at Chelsea Piers where everyday I’d catch a glimpse of the Full Throttle team. I knew by watching them if I wanted to get good I needed to join. So here I am getting my ass kicked (and loving it) everyday since. In my spare time I work at MTV…..

  A newcomer to the world of triathlons, 2009 was my first season training with Full Throttle. My initial goal was to complete one triathlon in 2009.  After a few months of training with this slightly competitive team, I realized that one race was not going to cut it!  Six races and three podiums later, I am completely hooked.  Not just to the sport, but to the team.  The coaches push themselves as hard as they push you and the level of camaraderie and support that exists far surpassed my expectations.  But the biggest surprise...how much fun we have doing this crazy sport!

When I am not training with FTE, I work in advertising sales at MTV and live in Tribeca with my husband Scott and five year old twins, Emma and Max.

  Marisa enjoys training and being fit. She has to be, to keep up with herhusband Scott and kids Shane and Ryan. Her first race was the West Point Triathlon which she certainly could have done without the swim. She has also raced a triathlon relay and running races.

   Julie competed with Full Throttle for two years before the birth of her daughter, Lilah, put in a crimp in her training schedule. While new to the sport of triathlon, Julie is an accomplished athlete, taking advantage of her 6' 3 inch height to play 4 years of Georgetown basketball. Julie competed in a number of triathlons, winning the Athena category at West Point and Southhampton in 2005, where she was 17 weeks pregnant. Julie, too, is hoping to accompany her now pudgy husband back to the glory of their fit past.

   Darcy received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and her MBA from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Darcy is a member of New York Securities Analyst (NYSSA), where she serves as an active member of the Private Wealth Management Committee. Additionally, she holds memberships with the CFA Institute, Financial Women's Association (FWA), Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and Financial Planning Association (FPA), and is a board member of K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations).

   Stacy joined Full Throttle after her personal trainer of many years became pregnant! She figured Scott couldn't get knocked up, so made the commitment to get in the pool at un-godly hours. Scott holds the distinguished accomplishment of being the only person who can tell Stacy what to do.

All kidding aside, Scott’s coaching has given Stacy the skill, focus and determination to accomplish goals she previously only had dreamed of attaining. Stacy is now training for her first but not last half irnonman.

Racing since 2002:

2 X Inside triathlon All American  

5X USAT All American

5X Hawaii Ironman Finisher

4XTeam USA – 5th at Olympic Distance Worlds 04

2nd Overall NYC 2004

  Adrienne Jakson has been one of the original Full Throttle members since 2003. Adrienne joined the group without knowing how to swim at all. Six weeks later she completed her first sprint triathlon and was hooked for life. She has competed in many races since then in cities near and far: St Petersburg. Philly. Boston, and the New York area. Olympic distance being her favorite length and her favorite race courses are the New York City and Philadelphia Triathlons. In between triathlon seasons Adrienne also likes to race half and full marathons. Adrienne has the work hard/play hard attitude in all aspects of her life. Her professional career is in Sales and Marketing in the pharmaceuticals industry, and travels often on business and for fun. Having Full Throttle actually helps manage her work/life balance, keeping her committed to improving her physical and mental fitness. " I am highly competitive in everything I do. I am hooked on the energy of training and competing with my Full Throttle team-mates, and how we all push each other through healthy competition (ha ha! ) everytime we're together. The best part of racing is the thrill of the Start and the awesome feeling when you cross the Finish Line!"

  This was my 1st triathlon season and my 1st season training with Full Throttle. It all began with a challenge from a co-work to do the NYC-Triathlon. So, not knowing what I was getting myself into I accepted his challenge not being able to complete 1 full lap swimming in the pool. Thanks to "Top Notch Coach" Scott Berlinger and all of my Full Throttle teammates I completed the NYC-Triathlon in 2:57:40. I also competed in the SOBE MOSSMAN Triathlon and (2) 1/2 Marathons.

I am officially hooked on racing!

  I am a former swimmer who began running in college because my swim coach at Pitt was one of the first who incorporated “cross training” as a training tool!  I have just finished my 3rd season of triathlon racing.  I have competed in sprint to ½ ironman distances and just completed my first Ironman last August in Louisville with other members of The Full Throttle Pittsburgh team. It was the experience of a life time!  My three teenaged daughters are very supportive of the “ridiculous” workouts I need to do, and my husband is the best guy to have at races as he keeps my friends and family posted on my splits and progression throughout the race.  The sport of triathlon has allowed me to develop many good friendships and the Full Throttle Team just formed here is an exciting extension of that!  I only wish the swim could be a little longer.

Stacy Creamer competed in her first triathlon in 1994 but didn’t get serious about multisport until about four years ago.  She started riding with Full Throttle in the spring of 2009 and committed to the full program in January, 2010.

Stacy is a 2009 USAT All-American in triathlon and duathlon.  In 2008, she was the USAT Duathlon National Champion in the F45-49 division and finished sixth in that age group at the Duathlon World Championships in Rimini, Italy.  In 2009, she finished third F50-54 at both the USAT Duathlon National Championships and the World Duathlon Championships.  In 2010, she took the F50-54 silver medal at the USAT Duathlon National Championships.  Stacy is a two-time overall winner of the Central Park Triathlon and a frequent age-group winner at Olympic-distance triathlons.  A longtime member of the Central Park Track Club, she is also a frequent age-group winner in East Coast road races.

A 1981 graduate of Yale University, Stacy is the publisher of Touchstone, a division of Simon & Schuster.  Her authors include Lance Armstrong, Elizabeth Edwards, swimmer Dara Torres, John McEnroe, mountain climber Ed Viesturs, pop star Rick Springfield, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, and former Guns n’ Roses bass player Duff MacKagan, and she edited Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel The Devil Wears Prada.  In 2009, a book she edited—Douglas Blackmon’s Slavery by Another Name—was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction.  Stacy lives in Manhattan with Stuart Calderwood and their son Kieran.

  Candy has been training with Full Throttle since 2004. She did her first tri in 2001 and has been hooked ever since. When not training, Candy spends her time teaching at the French Culinary Institute.  Cooking is her first obsession.”Cooking is a lot like endurance sports, you train/prepare, you execute, and then the finish is rewarding” Candy resides in Manhattan with her partner and poodle.

  Janet is a veteran racer having competed in her first triathalon in 1995, but began competive swimming in 1968. She joined Full Throttle in 2006 after participating in "visit the team" workouts and says she was hooked on the positive infectious energy of the entire group and had finally found a "training home". Janet is a single mom of 3 children. The apple does not fall far from the tree, she and her daughter (11yrs) competed together in 2007 at the Westpoint triathlon. When not training for the next triathlon she can be found racing J-24 sailboats on the Hudson. Janet resides in Manhattan and is a practicing Physiologist specalizing in repetitive motion injuries.

  Stasi is a veteran of 20 NYC Marathons, including 2007,  but a relative newcomer to triathlons.

At the tender age of 50, she learned to swim and has been training with Full Throttle ever since..

Stasi has competed in the NYC, West Point, Danskin and Central Park Triathlons.

When she is not training, Stasi works as a nurse practitioner at Cornell Internal Medicine Associates and is the mother of 3… 4 if you count Scott.

   I compete in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, biathlons, running races and century rides.  It’s exciting to go through the finish line, discovering inner resources that I didn’t know I had, and achieve things that I had previously thought were out of my range. I’ve podiumed a number of times this year, but my happiest accomplishments were my time trial around Central Park and jumping behind faster teammates on the indoor track at Chelsea Piers. I have another new adventure: I just launched a new brand of local wines with a fun and fresh vibe: Bouké (pronounced like “bouquet”) – www.boukewines.com.

   I have been a member of Chelsea Piers for about 7 years.  One day watching the  Full Throttle team dashing around the track with Scott's encouragement (and harassment)  I wondered "maybe I can do that".  I've been triathlon training for 3 years,  have raced 3 times and look forward to more. The group and Scott were so encouraging to me as a newbie.  I have a particular interest in the idea of people beginning to exercise when they're middle aged or older,  and have started writing about it.  Unlike some other team members,  getting out of the water onto land is the hard part.

   When I was growing up on Long Island when most peoples parents were buying them lacrosse sticks instead of baseball bats - my Dad was buying me and my brother stick ball bats and tennis balls and telling us stories about working in the Boston Red Sox front office as a teenager. From taking the T to deliver bats to Ted Williams and sitting in the living room of his house or Jimmy Piersall's odd behavior at Fenway my Dad passed down his love of baseball and athletics in general to me and my brother. As an adult when his knees had given out from a lifetime of overuse, he remained a lifelong athlete by swimming at the Downtown Athletic Club eventually becoming the club's vice president and member of the executive heisman committee. When he passed away suddenly while in Montauk one early Spring weekend, off I went in search of an athletic club that I could be a part of in the same way he was a part of his.
    When I joined Full Throttle I knew it was exactly what I had been looking for in a triathlon program from the very beginning. A no-nonsense approach to athleticism combined with a camaraderie and cohesiveness that I know my Dad must have felt at the DAC. Not a weeknight went by when I was not ecstatic to go to bed because of the pulse and excitement I felt in the mornings by being at Full Throttle. At every single practice I felt supported, understood and part of a team. The clubs I tried before Full Throttle as well as the ones I found after pale in comparison to what Scott has going on in the mornings at Chelsea Piers. No other coach or team can come close to holding a candle to his group of athletes.

   As I wrap up a year long membership at Chelsea Piers I have found myself to be twenty pounds lighter, one close girlfriend tighter and in Scott I found a leader who not only didn't accept mediocricity but also a man who gives whole heartedly back to his community. From the first time I tried a practice at Full Throttle, I knew there was something that reminded me so much of home! After a season with Full Throttle I am a completely different athlete and I feel that I can FINALLY move on with my own athletic goals and dreams while still remembering to take my Dad with me during every race.
   Thanks So Much Chelsea Piers for making Full Throttle available to me - it meant everything to me.

Males:

Mark Guay 25-29 Age-Group

Andrew Kalley 25-29 Age-Group All-American

Jesse DuBey 30-34 Age-Group All-American

Richard Krupa 35-39 Age-Group All-American

Robert Standish 35-39 Age-Group

Doug Clark 4o-44 Age-Group All-American

Espen Kateraas 40-44 Age-Group All-American

Dave Powers 40-44 Age-Group All-American

William Kelly 45-49 Age-Group All-American

Greg Usry 45-49 Age-Grouper

John Profaci 45-49 Age-Grouper

Tom Slon 50-54 Age-Grouper

Brian Smallwood 50-54 Age-Group All-American

Joe Marinucci 39 under Clydesdale Champion

Charlie Howe 39 under Clydesdale Champion

Scott Berlinger 40+ Clydesdale Champion

Dan Ownes 40+ Clydesdale

Females:

Steph Strambaugh 20-24 Age-Group All-American

Allison Lind 25-29 Age-Group All-American

Kyla Burrus 25-29 Age-Group

Melanie Wolff 30-34 Age-Group

Toni Weeks 35-39 Age-Grouper

Paula Bennett-Jones 45-49 Age-Group All-American

Stacey Creamer 50-54 Age-Group All-American

Heidi Burkhart 39 under Athena Champion

Jessica Mullin 39 under Athena Champion