Assault on Mt Rainier

Tilghman Carroll (on the right in pic below) is a rising star in my training program. She participates in Navy Seals and Tri L2. Besides training for a marathon, she has used her training to climb to a lofty goal: Mt. Rainier. Below are excerpts written by her friend Meghan (left in pic below).


Most of you know I have prepping to climb Rainier on August 20th with one of my best friends, Tilghman, her great friend Amy from Nashville and Amy's marathon running buddy, Joy. We were quite the motley crew and crammed all of our gear in my car and headed down to Ashford, WA on Monday afternoon for our four day RMI trip up to the top. . . that afternoon we had a four hour orientation with the other climbers and our senior guide, John Lucia. John kicks arse, and has climbed Rainier over 200 times. Needless to say, we adored him!


We got to Muir around 3pm, freezing, a bit freaked out, but safe. We all crammed in, and went through an orientation with our guides about the summit attempt. They were not optimistic, and told us the weather had to really turn around to attempt it. I must admit, it was crazy sleeping at 10,000 feet during a blizzard/whiteout, but definitely a life experience. We got up at 2am on Thursday morning, prepped for a hour, and the first team went out on the glacier, only to turnaround within 25 minutes . . .John decided that it wasn't safe and aborted the summit climb. Thus, the climb down from Muir around 9am on Thursday was just as tricky/scary as the way up. . . . .and we were all a bit let-down from not making the summit, but it was an experience I will never forget.

This experience definitely makes you re-evaluate life - and what really counts when things get tough. The courage, heart and faith was inspiring of everyone on the trip and I am that much more excited to make another attempt in the future. Maybe this year, but definitely next year. I also plan to spend as much time as possible in the mountains, because I have never felt more alive. I have been a bit emotional today about it all, but really it was a life-changing trip.

David Weil at Cleveland Triathlon

Cleveland Triathlon
August 3, 2008
Olympic Distance
Finish Time: 2:57:43

David Weil trains with STtrainer groups and co-coach Triswami.

Navy Seals Endorsements

Jamie M writes:

I have been involved in three 10 week sessions of Navy Seals. In that 30 weeks I have lost 30 lbs. This is not a class for beginners You are not coddled. I was in decent shape prior to beginning the class. However if you wish to take your fitness to another level, I would recommend it without hesitation. I have developed some great friendships through this class. Stephen does a great job of mixing it up. I truly look forward to Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

James G. McDowell MD, FACS

Todd writes:
After taking Stephen's Navy Seals class twice I lost 6% body fat, 2 inches from my waist and came to realize there actually was a 5:30 am. Stephen changed my attitude towards endurance sports and really lit a fire under me about staying healthy. Even though I haven't taken a Seals class in 8 months, I still workout 4 days a week and try to do 2 days of cardio in addition thanks to Stephens inspiration and constant threats of beatings...
Todd Smith

New York Triathlon (Olympic Distance)
Jul 20th, 2008 - New York, NY

Tim Warnock did the race and even got stung by jellyfish! He is doing Chicago this weekend and Music City Triathlon after that.

Amber Lai conquers Half Marathon

Chicago Distance Classic (Half Marathon)
August 10^th
Finish Time: 1:59:50

Amber gets extra credit for wearing her STtrainer shirt!

Murfreesboro HOT 100

Murfreesboro, TN
8/23/08

As someone who usually does races, I don't normally do organized social ride events. Well Triswami talked me into this event and I needed the 100 miler to get ready for Ironman AZ.

Of course I got there late and missed the start by 5 minutes. Then I started running into STtrainer clients!

I saw Ben Whittam and Sarah West, who are training for olympic and half iron tri this year. Then I ran into consummate endurance addict Jessika Poirier. Being able to meet people, talk to friends, and enjoy the scenery reminded me why I like non-races.

My next client I ran into was Lindsey Chance. This almost blew me away, because less than 2 months ago Lindsey was scared to death of clipping in, so she avoided the bike. 10 minutes of expert coaching by Triswami one day, and she was riding confidently. On this day she rode 30 miles.

At the first aid stop I met up with Triswami and his client David Weil. David Weil is about as enthusiastic as any triathlete I have ever met. Triswami had him taper this week and coached him to be ready for the ride.

We slogged through 100 miles and I will say that David really rose the the occasion. He was even pulling me for several miles of the ride. When all was said and done, 6 STtrainer peeps finished a 100-mile ride. Wow.


David Weil at Cedars of Lebanon


Triswami's Mug

Fall Creek Falls Triathlon

Fall Creek Falls Triathlon
8/17/08

STtrainer Racers:
Stephanie Knight
Brian Reid
Bill Polk
Maddie Polk
Juli Watson



Bill and Maddie Polk (father and daughter) finish their first olympic distance triathlon together. They train together in Navy Seals Tues and Thurs am.

Other STtrainer Mountain lakes results forthcoming...

Mountain Lakes Triathlon

Mt. Lakes Triathlon, 8/9/2008
Guntersville, AL

Richard Baker M 45-49, 7th (aka Triswami)
Andy Bryn M 40-44, 16th (Triswami Client)
Catherine Dewberry W 25-29, 2nd
Sarah West W 25-29, 10th
Lisa Kirkham, W40-44, 12th (pictured)
Ben Whittam, M25-29, 2nd
Christian Manascalco, M25-29, 11th (Triswami Client)
Josh Bowling, M30-34, 26th
Todd Heifner M35-39, 15th
Christina Leo F 35-39, 30th
Philip Theodore M40-44, 25th
David Turner M45-49, 8th (Triswami Client)

Kathy Mead Races the Tomato 5K

Kathy Mead 20th out of 46 in F30-34 , 30:37



I prepared for my first organized race in several years. After a long break from any kind of running races, I signed up for East Nashville's Tomato 5K with my wonderful friend and training partner, Stephanie Clayton.

As a participant in several of Stephen’s training groups (Ab lab, Fun Swim, and, most recently, Navy Seals), I wasn’t at all concerned about covering 3.1 miles. As I move into my 30’s and realize that not only have I still got “it,” but I’m willing to guess there’s more where that came from!

And so it begins (again!) with a toe-in-the-water 5K; a 10K in September; and another 5K (I Run For the Party) in October. Next year, I’ll drop the hammer with my induction into tri’s and the Country Music Half (I can’t believe I’m even writing this!). And absolutely loving every minute of it!

My Crazy Friends....

These are a couple of my good friends from Missoui. They are running a race called the Bix 7 which has tens of thousands of runners. This is a reminder that endurance sports don't have to be serious all the time...have fun, wear a costume.