About Us
Founder and Head Coach Martha Szufnarowski (Age Group: 45-49!)
I am a formerly deconditioned athlete (code: I was overweight and out-of-shape!). I was convinced to do triathlons by a crazy friend when I moved to California 10 years ago. My first race was a mini-triathlon on spin bikes and in a pool!! Since then, triathlon and multi-sports training has enriched my life tremendously. I know that focused, balanced training with a supportive team of women can enhance life beyond measure. I have done all distances of triathlon including Ironman and enjoy running races, swim meets, bike competitions and duathlons. In addition to being an experienced USAT triathlon coach, I am the Head Coach of a Masters Swim Team, a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor for indoor cycling and lift. I coach kids running groups and I conduct fitness programs for the Girl Scouts. Most importantly, I am the CEO of my family which includes my husband and two daughters ages 12 and 13! Love life and love triathlon: Tri La Vie! Contact Coach Martha at martha@trilavie.com
Coach Linda Kessman
Linda Kessman is a life-long multi-sport enthusiast. On her way to becoming a 3x Ironman finisher, she has competed in hundreds of races including marathons, ultra-marathons, trail race series and all distances of triathlons. Linda often places in the top 10 of her races, and has countless podium finishes to her credit! She is an active member of the Orange County Triathlon Club and was honored with the Member of the Year Award along the way. She has mentored numerous friends and others to the starting line of their first triathlon, ½ Ironman, Ironman, marathon, trail race and mud runs! She has also mentored many to the big blue ocean for the first time knowing first-hand the fear that can arise for taking this plunge. Linda enjoys the consistency, time management, enthusiasm, pride, great friends and training partners that triathlon training brings. The variety of scenic places she has trained and raced have all greatly contributed to the personal success that has come to her since she has been an athlete. She will continue to take these attributes and experiences and share them with others as they aspire to take on the sport of triathlon.
Ironman Coach: Cherie Gruenfeld
Planning an Ironman race in 2011? TriLaVie Ironman Coach Cherie Gruenfeld is one of the sports top coaches providing exceptional personal coaching. Cherie will craft a comprehensive training plan, provide unlimited follow-up via e-mail and phone, and keep you on target through life's little challenges. From Cherie, "Twenty-four Ironman races (17 at the World Championships in Kona) give me enough experience to understand the Critical Success Factors to doing a great IM. Fourteen IM wins (10 in Kona) give me the experience of knowing how to train to meet personal goals and, most importantly, how to take what you've got and do the very best with it."
cherie@cheriegruenfeld.com
Phone: (951) 314-4119
Cherie is a distinguished triathlon coach and athlete. Some of her accomplishments include:
Ten-time age group winner, Ironman World Championships, Kona, Hawaii
Fifteen Ironman Age Group Wins Worldwide
Author, “Become an Ironman”
Eight-time World #1-ranked Amateur Ironman Triathlete
2001, 2007 USA Triathlon Female Grandmaster of the Year
Multiple-time USAT All-American Team (#1 Rank)
Founder, Exceeding Expectation Foundation, bringing life success to youth through triathlon and sports. "Everyday Champion" featured on Wheaties Energy Crunch cereal box
Find the full list of Cherie’s accomplishments at www.cheriegruenfeld.com
Coach David Light
David Light has competed in triathlons for over 20 years at the elite level. He hails from Bristol, England as a former nationally ranked swimmer. David has been coaching for 10 years, specializing in triathlon training and owns a private workout facility in Corona del Mar. David can be contacted at (949) 633-6114 or www.DavidLightFitness.com.
Swim Coach Courtney Alexander
Courtney Alexander coaches the adult swim programs at Swim Velocity and TriLaVie. She provides lifeguard support and supervision at the open water swim clinics. Currently attending Cal State University Long Beach, Courtney is studying Kinesiology-Exercise Science, with a goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. She has worked as a Physical Therapy Aide at Prosport Physical Therapy for 6 years.
For the past 9 years Courtney has also been a Lifeguard Supervisor at Lake Mission Viejo and heading the Junior Lifeguard Program. Courtney has an impressive set of safety qualifications, is EMT certified, advanced CPR certified, CPR instructor certified, First Aid certified, USLA certified, Open Water certified, and Scuba certified.
Courtney's athletic experience includes: Junior Lifeguards for 8 years, College athlete apart of swim team for 2 years, High School/Club soccer player for 15 years, Cross Country and Track and Field athlete throughout High School. Courtney continues to be an active runner, has run 27 Marathons, thus far. Other activities and hobbies Courtney enjoys are Open Water Swims, Surfing, Traveling, Working on her '68 VW bug, Extreme Sports, Hiking, the Beach, Camping, and volunteering.
