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Athlete of the Month
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December 2011December - Janette TrasobaresHonestly, when I was advised that I would be the December 2011 Athlete of the Month for MiamiPace, I was so surprised!
In looking at the caliber of past athletes who've held this post, I see it as an honor to be recognized by my peers I've not ridden my bike across the country for no particular reason, I've not overcome a potential fatal disease, I've not had the hardships or injuries that many have had to overcome. As I explain to my Fitness 101 participants (I'll get to that in a moment)... "If a little 'fat girl' from Hialeah can complete a Half-Ironman... you can complete a 5K!"...READ MORE
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November 2011November - Mario RenteriaBorn and raised in Miami, I've never considered myself much of an athlete, but over the last few years I've gravitated towards bicycles both for transportation and recreation.
My first major bike event was the 2009 MS150. I trained with different groups and friends to get my cycling up to par for this ride. I spent the rest of the year riding road, mountain trails, and swimming in the waters of Virginia Key.
In 2010, I started working part-time with All4Cycling-USA (Now RB Cycles - Biscayne) and participated in 7 local triathlons....READ MORE
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October 2011October - Carlos AbreuI was born in Caracas a few years ago and grew up in a family of 17 children. My father was a doctor and my mother was an elementary school teacher. They gave us a very good education based on strong family values....READ MORE
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September 2011September - David BigioBorn in Colombia in 1964
Played volleyball competitively while in High School
educated as a mechanical engineer and left for the Northern North Sea to work in the offshore Oil platforms living in Norway for five years, and the following 10 years between Europe, Africa, Colombia and the USA.
Always involved with exercise and learned to run socially from an Irish Colleague in Norway that taught me how you make social appointments to talk to people while you run... which to this date I still do....READ MORE
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August 2011August - Alissa KlonerI have always been a bit of an athlete, spending the days of my youth muddying my osh kosh overalls, and riding the block party circuit on my powder blue Schwinn. I began competing in the equestrian world when I was 7 years old and continued showing hunters and jumpers through 2002 in California and across the West. I traded the horse saddle for a bike saddle in 2007 after my horse passed of melanoma skin cancer. I had barely settled in Miami when I was introduced to miamipace and quickly found a group of dedicated, supportive and fun new friends and training companions. I have Tachi and this group to thank for so much! I am currently in training for a few more races this season and working with Ultrabikex. We just returned from the Tour de France trip hosted by Powerbar – I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to ride the Alpe d’Huez, see the final stages into Paris, and party with BMC post-victory!...READ MORE
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July 2011July - Jose Hernandez "Joyto"Growing up in Puerto Rico the land of baseball players, boxers and singers you probably had to do one as boy. If you have ridden with me, you know I can't sing so instead, I chose baseball. This started my competitive spirit and passion for sports. Beside playing baseball all thru high school and amateur leagues during college, I also enjoyed basketball and volleyball. I was a 100m and 200m champion in the Catholic School High School League as a Junior and Senior. ...READ MORE
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June 2011June - Maria Luisa de Jesus HooverI have always lead an active lifestyle ever since I was a child; dancing ballet to flamenco, competing with the neighborhood boys either by playing stickball or running sprints or racing bicycles; and in high school… running both indoor winter track and spring distance outside.
As an adult, running was always a part of my life…on and off until I had an incident during a Corporate Run in Miami in 2000 then running became painful so I went to a knee specialist doctor and he basically said I could not run anymore or get surgery but it would not guaranty that the pain would end....READ MORE
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May 2011May - Peter GonzalezI was born in Pinal Del Rio, Cuba in 1960 and migrated to the US with my parents and older sister in 1969 and settled down in West New York, New Jersey. It was an eclectic community of Cuban immigrants, Germans and Italians. In Jersey I learned to play a new sport with a funny looking leather ball with two points. I got hooked on this sport and with my running and jumping ability, I became a very good wide receiver.
My high school years where uncommon since I had grown up in two cultures. I could play sports and listen to Rock music with American friends yet on weekends you would find me Salsa dancing at various dance halls. Our multicultural community gave me the best of both worlds.
...READ MORE
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April 2011April - Katehrina Rivera Born in the United States and raised in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. During High School, I was given the opportunity to try out for a spot in the only dedicated sport school in Puerto Rico (Escuela Tecnica Deportiva del Albergue Olimpico). I made it through the tryouts and during last three years in school, I became part of the Cross Country and Track and Field Team. This was my first introduction to endurance sports and I dedicated myself to perfection because in the end I was part of Puerto Rico’s elite student athletes. I soon learned that I was a gifted and talented runner and through running I was going to get a full scholarship to pursue a college degree....READ MORE
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March 2011March - Roger ManterolaI am from Venezuela. I am # 3 of 5 brothers. My parents were married for 40 years. I had fun growing up; trips to beach towns, playing little baseball, hiking mountains, hanging out with friends from school, etc. I am blessed with a wonderful family and parents that were very dedicated to their kids. I migrated to the USA in 1979. I enjoy traveling, tasting new foods, different cultures, admiring historic places. I enjoy volunteering for good causes and to help those less fortunate. I am always setting personal goals; some hard and some easy to keep a balance. I believe it keeps the body and the mind healthy and young. Frankly, I don’t ever want to say “I wish I would have done that”. ...READ MORE
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January 2011January - Gian GilI'm a long distance triathlete, but I enjoy the olympic ones too! I love to compete and try to be the best I can for my clients and loved ones. I used to play soccer, but in 2000 the triathlon came, now with more than 10 Years of Triathlon experience, Running, Biking, Swimming. I love to work with my clients at all levels. There's always something new to learn from them. I like to build a relationship where they’re not only my clients but friends I'm a USA Triathlon Certified Coach, Sports Nutritionist and Personal Fitness Trainer....READ MORE
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November 2010November - Esteban ChiribogaI got involved in cycling and track and field when I was in high school. In 1987, while I was station in Hawaii I got involved in swimming. In 1988 did my first triathlon. From then on, I did all the available events; either be triathlons, duathlons, biathlons, or open water swim events. In 1991 I discovered mountain biking; mountain biking reminded me of the days I rode dirt bikes in Ecuador. Since then I have been doing road riding, triathlons and mountain biking events....READ MORE
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October 2010October - Gustavo LlamasHaving grown amid the beautiful mountains sorrounding Medellin, Colombia and while living just a few blocks away from the Olympic Village in the same city, I used to spend my afternoons between the Velodrome and the Olympic pool - being in such proximity of sports venues of this caliber, I grew up riding my bike anywhere I wanted to go, which in turn meant being free to move around the city as I pleased.
Eventually through the years, my passion for the sport grew and when I moved to Miami from Chicago in search of better climate, I was stoked by the possibility of being able to ride and train year round. I now commute by bicycle whenever possible and advocate for cyclists' rights and safety through local organizations and advocacy committees.
My passion for multisport has developed into one my favorite activities other than riding my bike which is writing, and I have now taken my focus document the Cycling activities, initiatives and campaigns through my blog miamicyclist.blogspot.com and also writing about local events as the race reporter for the examiner.com @ http://www.examiner.com/racing-in-miami/gustavo-llamas. ...READ MORE
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September 2010September - Arturo DiazPurdue University (Mech. Engineering) & UW-Madison (MBA) graduate, Worked 15 years in Corporate America in Engineering, Project Management and Operations Management, Passionate Triathlete and Director for IM 70.3 San Juan. Driven by challenges and good friendships....READ MORE
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August 2010August - Rajesh DurbalRajesh knows what it is like to be challenged. He was born without legs and only one arm…As a young boy growing up he was constantly teased and ridiculed: an outcast amongst his own peers.
As a result he tried to hide himself in baggy loose fitted clothing in the hopes to blend in.
The pressure was so great that Rajesh remembers being suicidal.
At the age of 12, Rajesh found the athlete that was waiting to emerge. He became involved with downhill slalom skiing and started his journey into finding himself: the real person that was inside the body…
Rajesh will be in South Carolina doing a 70.3. end of August and then in Hawaii finishing off his training for his biggest goal this year, Ford Ironman World Championship.
...READ MORE
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July 2010July - Angel MateosBorn in Barcelona Spain and with over 40 years in the Freight Forwarding business. I lived a large part of my life in Venezuela where my children Khristian and Melissa were born. I moved to Miami on 2000. Throughout my life I've played sports such as soccer, scuba diving, water skiing, racket ball, aerobics, trial and of course running. Having ran over 40 Halfs and 8 Full Marathons including Caracas, NYC, Chicago, Barcelona, West Palm and Miami. For me there is no "can I do it?" only one "I will do it!" ...READ MORE
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June 2010June - Sharif KakoozaI started racing in 2003 as a swimmer. I started triathlons in 2008, in my country (Uganda) at the Lake Victory Triathlon.
I always wanted to do my best in every thing I've done so in my first Triathlon race, I came second place! In 2009 I did the same race in my Country & still I came second over all but with an improvement in my time. This motivated me to make it to the next level and always looked for opportunities just to race.
I came to Miami to compete at the Miami International Triathlon and it was through that event that I was able to get my Visa to the US. Every event I participate in, I take it as if it was the last opportunity to race and my last main event to do because I don't know what tomorrow might bring....READ MORE
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May 2010May - Zoe PlacenciaMy name is Zoe Plasencia, during the day I work as a producer for Local 10 News, in the early mornings and late evenings -- I’m a TRIATHLETE.
Back in the fall of 2008, a doctor’s visit informed me that I had high cholesterol and needed to get serious about losing weight and eating right. Even though I had always been a “gordita” and have battled my weight on and off through the years, it was never a health concern. Now, things were different so I decided to join a local running group and train for my first half marathon in order to lose weight. At 217lbs that scary decision changed my life! Almost 1 year and a 1/2 later I have dropped over 70lbs, and have completed 5 half marathons, and one full marathon. I also learned to swim last year and have finished countless sprints and Olympic distance triathlons. To my surprise the most rewarding thing hasn’t been the finish lines, the medals, or even the weight loss—but the amazing people I have become friends with through my Footworks, Body Zen and Miami Pace training. The support and motivation I get from my TRI buddies is the daily fuel that inspires me to exercise when I’m looking for an excuse to take time off....READ MORE
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April 2010April - Maggie RezendeMy name is Maggie Rezende, I am 34 years old and from the Miami area. I have always been very active (swimming, cheerleading, gymnastics) but got into running several years back then transitioned into triathlons. I have competed in sprints, olympic distances, several half ironman, and Ironman. I have been sponsored by Bear Naked granola for the last 2 triathlon seasons. I am also a health coach and have my own company, Healthy Solutions by Maggie, being a health coach allows me to help individuals who need support and motivation to achieve the lifelong goals they need to reach, whether to reduce stress, increase energy, deconstruct cravings, learn to read labels, shop for healthier options or simply improve overall wellness....READ MORE
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March 2010March - David PlešeMy name is David Pleše, I'm 26 years old and an ITU professional triathlete from Slovenia. I've studied Sports Nutrition at the University of Sports in Slovenia. I've also obtained my Fitness Instructor Certification for individual and group training because I've always wanted to motivate others to achieve their goals and promote healthy lifestyles through sports activities and balanced nutrition.
...READ MORE
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February 2010February - Omar TinocoI'm 35 years old. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where I spent all my childhood , and adolescence surrounded by my family and great friends. I majored in Marketing and Advertising, and started to build a career as an Editor, back in my country. In 1999, I moved to Miami, and got married to my wonderful wife. I considered myself a devoted husband and a loving father to my precious 6 year-old son Fabio. My passion for competing in marathons and triathlons started on November 2008, when I decided to train for my first triathlon which took place on April 2009. ...READ MORE
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November 2009November - Isabel OlivasI'm 24 years old, born in Costa Rica and moved to Miami in 1999 at the age of 14.
I started swimming competitively at the age of 11, and did my first triathlon the following year (at 12). I was the triathlon national champion for my age group at 13, and represented Costa Rica at the Junior Panamerican Games in Cuba (I think it was 1998).
I attended Miami Sunset Sr. High, where I was on the swimming and cross country teams. I was also a member of the Club Med triathlon team during my high school years. I got a scholarship for swimming to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, so I dedicated my time to training for swimming, and did some triathlons during my summer breaks to stay in shape. I started training more seriously for triathlons this year, now that I don't spend so much time in the pool.
I graduated last year with a degree in Biology, and now I work as a laboratory technician at a fertility clinic. ...READ MORE
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October 2009October - Edmundo HerreraEdmundo "Mundy" Herrera grew up in Cuba. Always athletic, he excelled in Track and Field, where he competed with the national Cuban team in mid distance. He was a two-time Junior National Champion in the 1500, 3000 and 5000 meter distance. Concurrently he studied Physical Education and Sports Physiology.
Mundy left Cuba at the age of 25. After spending ten years in Canada, he moved to Miami six years ago. His style changed and he didn't return to sports until he turned 37, when he began training for triathlons. "This really change my life and showed me that I could be competitive again" he said.
Since then he has been very successful competing in the elite division. When not training, he studies multi-sport bio-mechanics and the essence of training. ...READ MORE
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September 2009September - Sophy EnglundAll I can say is that I have become addicted to triathlons, ohhh yeah, I love it!!! I am learning more everyday about this multisport and one day hope to Coach others. I get a joy out of motivating others and love to help my friends and people that I meet that want to learn more about triathlons... I can definitely say I have found a hidden a passion....READ MORE
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August 2009August - Miguel ReyesMiguel Reyes is a 37 year old family man, a husband, father of three girls (under the age of 5) and business owner. He started off as a weekend warrior hitting mountain bike trails throughout Florida’s State Parks as a member of the Dirt Dogs and going to a weekly spinning class to help him through the trails.
He battled hereditary high cholesterol and always knew that staying active was one way to control it. But being a weekend warrior was not enough. He always had borderline high cholesterol and his doctor wanted him on medication. This became a strong motivator in his desire to do more. He wanted to improve his health, stay off medication, be fit, set a good example for his kids, and get better at sports even if that comes a little at a time.
He is not the fastest of the pack or the best for that matter but one thing is for sure - he has a strong desire to learn and improve. ...READ MORE
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July 2009July - Celeste RamirezCeleste is a 38-year-old Computer Animator who recently switched from runner to triathlete. Never in her life did she ever think of using the word “athlete” to be self-described. As the good, warm-blooded Puertorican that she is, she enjoys the warm outdoors and dreads to train when is below 65 degrees. Still, it needs to be done!
She is by no means the fastest of the pack, but her stubbornness and perseverance keeps her going and facing these new distances and races, making her faster little by little. As a runner, she always saw the triathlons as something she would like to do someday, but it seemed so far. Well, not anymore! ...READ MORE
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June 2009June - Jonathan MederosJonathan Mederos is a 24 year-old runner and writer from Miami. After graduating from Belen Jesuit, he pursued a degree in philosophy and is currently teaching at his old alma mater. A self-described "natural-born athlete," Jonathan began playing baseball at a very young age until adopting long distance running as his preferred passion. He enjoys spending most of his time outdoors, whether it's in training or simply enjoying the warm South Florida climate. ...READ MORE
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February 2009Willy GilWilliam Gil moved to miami from Medellin, Colombia in late 2000. Having been an avid competitive cyclist in colombia the previous 4 years, he adapted himself to the flatlands and resumed his passion for cycling in south florida. Started racing criteriums but his preference for road races and stage races never faded. Continued racing them in Colombia, Nicaragua, Bahamas and North Carolina....READ MORE
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