Mari's Post

Mariana Filippov was one of the first members of Team TriROK. Originally from Brazil, she moved to this country, got married, had a successful career, and then became a mom to two beautiful girls. And while she came to the Team as a skilled swimmer, it wasn't until she began training that she discovered her natural running talent. Since then she's continued to compete even after going back to work full time. Balancing all of this and being a TriROK Foundation Board member, Mariana can teach us all a thing or two about juggling. That's why she is this week's TriROK Guest Blogger...be inspired by her example!

From Mari:

"I never thought I would become what I am today. An athlete. A triathlete!
My life changed in the fall of 2007, when I was challenged to train and race for a triathlon. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Are you Nutz? I would never be able to do that." But I took it up and learned that not only I could do it, I loved doing it.

I’m a mom to 2 girls and I was carrying around that extra baby weight at the time I started training. I just felt exhausted all the time. I didn’t even own workout clothes. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly fun to learn 3 sports at the same time. I had never run before in my life and only ridden a bike as a child. But I had to do that. I had to turn around my sedentary life of TV watching and late night snacking and show my girls a healthier lifestyle.

What motivates me the most is that my children can see how hard I’ve been working and how proud I am of myself. My oldest daughter is at the “obese” mark for body mass index and I do it for her. My younger one doesn’t like the water. Every time they are scared of swimming or don’t feel like riding their bike, I remind them that mommy feels the same way but I still do it. Just keep moving. We ride our bikes together, we go to the Y swimming (I do my workout while they are in class, too) and we love to race up our street.

If you are not sure you have what it takes, believe in yourself. You do have what it takes. Give your family a chance to become healthier and stronger. Just TRI it! You will ROK."

Someone has TRI'd Before You

Whenever you are considering a big change in your family's lives - moving or a new job, for example - it is incredibly helpful to talk to people who have gone through similar changes in their own lives. That's why one of the greatest assets that we offer to each of the families participating in our FamiliesTRI Program is their very own mentor family, who has gone through the program before them.

Before we became the TriROK Foundation, we were Team TriROK. We helped individuals realize their dreams of training for and competing in their very first sprint triathlons. In order to do that, they had to take on some scary things: learning to swim, riding a bike in traffic, making the effort to start running. They had to learn about goggles, helmets, running shoes, and trisuits. They had to get body marked, learn how to fix a flat tire, and explain to their kids why they were doing all this. In other words, they know what the FamiliesTRI participants are taking on.

And they are here to help.

Over the coming months, you'll hear from each of the founding members of Team TriROK, as well as later members. Hopefully their stories will inspire you, whether you apply to FamiliesTRI or not.

Speaking of which, we are accepting applications until October 15th. If you are interested in learning more or downloading an application, visit

http://www.trirok.org/involved.cfm?sec=participate

or email info@trirok.org.

Team TriROK Is Now The TriROK Foundation!

We are a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to defeat childhood obesity and get families healthy through the sports of swimming, biking and running.

Visit us at to learn how you can get involved!

Congratulations on an Awesome Season!!!!

This season has been a success for TriROK'ers of all backgrounds and walks of life, all ages and personalities. Congratulations on your races and all of your achievements, and thanks for setting such an incredible example for your kids, your families, and your friends. In all we got 10 new triathletes officially into the sport, kept another 3 involved for a second year, and have a few more yet to dive into their first races, but well on the way there. I cannot thank all the coaches and supporters enough either...your generosity will earn you good karma!

ROK on!

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Photos from Transitions Clinic

Group Rides Schedule

Wednesday, April 15th (forget your taxes...come ride with us!): 6pm behind the Essex Police Station

Saturday, April 18th (Marblehead preview ride): 8am at the JCC in Marblehead

Wednesday, April 22nd: 6pm behind the Essex Police Station

Saturday, April 25th (with a substitute coach because I will be away): 8am from Hamilton Wenham High School

Wednesday, April 29th: 6pm behind the Essex Police Station

Each ride will get progressively longer until we are up to 12.5 miles. Please rsvp if you are planning on coming. If the weather is questionable (raining or below 40 degrees) then check the blog - rides will be cancelled at least 1 hour before ride time...

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Transition Clinic Reminder - Wednesday at 6pm

Just a reminder to come learn how to lay out your transition area, what to bring, how transitions work (smoothly), how the individual tri's are laid out, and what to practice at home and in training to make raceday run like clockwork. No makeups for this one, but a good book to pickup is Triathlon 101 if you are unable to attend. Also check your TriROK folder for your equipment list if you aren't able to come.

Transitions Clinic
6-7:30pm
Wednesday, April 8th
April's Essex Studio

Please rsvp by emailing teamtrirok@live.com.