2009 Full Throttle-Twinlab

Meet the Athletes from the NY National and Regional Teams

  These are the 2009 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.

   King of the Spartans, Defended Sparta against Xerxes the Persian ruler

  "Few fought against many, and stood against a tyrant and in the end,

even a God-King can BLEED "

"Team Full Throttle will Defend in 2009"

  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 on the podium many times including winning his Division at the Team National Championships in St, Louis, MO in 2007 and Las Vegas in 2008. 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 assistant coach for the Full Throttle team. Andrew joined Full Throttle 1 1/2 years ago 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.

For info on Andrew Kalley

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

Owner/Manager Colavita Pro Cycling Teams
Category 3 USCF Cyclist
1st Overall South Mountain Criterium Series '07
10th Overall - 2nd in Division at West Point Triathlon '07
15th Overall - 2nd in Division at Wyckoff Triathlon '07

  The Assistant coach for cycling on the Full Throttle/ Jamis 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

   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 more interested in the Olympic distance, 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 has countless age group wins locally (He won his age group in the New York City triathlon 4 consecutive years) and is an integral part of Team Full Throttle. Bill is excited about the 2008 season as he moves up to the 45-49 age groups, where one of his first tests will be the Age Group World championships in Vancouver Canada in June. 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 winner of 2009 Nautica South Beach Triathlon, Overall winner of 2009 Endurasport Harryman Half-Ironman, 5th Overall Amateur at 2009 St. Croix 70.3 (Kona Qualifier), Qualifier/Finisher - 2007 and 2008 Ironman World Championships and 3rd overall American at 2008 Long Course World Championships in Almere, Holland.  Jesse is a 4-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.

   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.

 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.

  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.

   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!    

  Team sports defined me growing up. Living on Manhattan with a crazy schedule including volunteering for Friends of Hudson River Park, I wanted to maintain my competitive nature. My best friend, Brennan, started me with some half marathons that lead into marathons. I like diversity and moved into triathlons by filling in for my brother at Eagleman and finished in 5hrs23mins. Loved it.

Full Throttle not only pulls me out of bed and gets me moving at 5:30am, but also makes the individual sport of running, swimming and biking more of a team sport. Scott and Drew and the FT Team will push me to new levels.

  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/

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.

   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).

  Former Marine Corps officer who began participating in triathlons about 5 years ago to stay in shape, challenge myself with something new and to rekindle a camaraderie with a team that I was so used to having in the military. Although I don't make many of the practices, Full Throttle has always been a great team to race for and 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.

  Doug Clark is the USA Triathlon National Masters Champion for 2008.

He was the 3-time fastest English athlete at the Hawaii Ironman, with a

best time there of 9:16:03. Since arriving from the UK 12 years ago Doug has taken 1st overall in 35 triathlons,

3 of them Half-Ironmans.

Doug is a Software Engineer for Alcatel-Lucent in New Jersey, and is afflicted with being

almost 6' 5".

Most likely to say: "Do you have any Belgian beer?"

Least likely to say: "Can I have the rest of this wrapped please?"

   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 into triathlons in 2006 after getting into the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon while at the same time seeing an article about Coach Berlinger and the Full Throttle Team in Men's Health magazine. At first Scott couldn't believe this was the same person he knew from age-group and high school swimming and also the Gladiator "Viper", but sure enough it was. With Coach Berlinger's help Scott had a great Alcatraz debut and his successful return to the sport continued with several podium finishes and one age group victory over the past two seasons. As part of the National Championship Team Scott ended 2007 with another podium finish at Nationals and goals for 2008 are to continue to enjoy the comraderie and competitiveness shared on the Full Throttle Team while putting more time into training and improving results across the board.

   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.

  Chris comes to Full Throttle with a varied athletic back ground based in aquatics.   Chris was a junior national water polo player and an NCAA Div.I swimmer for Providence College as a breaststroker and sprint freestyle specialist.  In addition Chris  has been a competitive ocean lifeguard for over 23 years on the regional and national level, specializing  in the lifeguard iron man, distance surf paddle, and various surf rescue events.  A serious competitor on the  masters swimming circuit, both open water and pool, Chris gravitated to triathlon in 1994 and competed in tri’s until sustaining an injury to his foot and ankle in 2005. Three years later, in 2008, in his first season back from injury, he placed 3rd overall in the Nutmeg Man 1/2 Iron Man, aqua/velo category. In 2009 Chris joined Full Throttle Endurance and has enjoyed the benefit of an elite team dynamic and superior coaching.  In June, 2009, Chris placed 3rd over all at the Eagle Man 1/2 Iron Man, aqua/velo category.  Chris is a professional artist and art educator, a die hard surfer and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and training partner, Jennifer.
www.chriscoffin.com

   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.

  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!

  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 die