Gina Tran & Kenny Walker have fully immersed themselves into the sport of triathlon. They are very green to the sport with Gina’s first race coming in 2015 and Ken starting in 2016. It is always exciting to see people new to the sport. There isn’t much better than seeing their face when they cross the finish line and realize what they have just accomplished. And seeing these two attending the local races and monthly meetings has been a pleasure. They are not only soaking in all the knowledge they can, but they are also glad to share what they know with others. They are very involved in all of the triathlon club events and we hope that they have found a sport to enjoy for the rest of their lives. Read on to learn more about these newly minted triathletes.
Gina Tran
Age: 46
Current occupation: Mom
Previous occupation: Registered Nurse, with current License; Worked in Cardiac Progressive Care, Endoscopy, & Pulmonary; Counselor at residential adolescent facility.
Dream occupation: I dream of becoming a travel agent or tour guide. I also wish to write a book of โWhat NOT to do: an athletes guide to survival, written by a tenacious mom/novice triathlete.โ
If money were no object, what would you do: I would spend a year traveling the world with my family, enjoying every adventure along the way. I would also hire a live in cook.
Favorite non-triathlon hobby: Traveling with my family.
Favorite indulgence: Chocolate and Naps
How long have you been doing triathlon: Newbie! My first race was Rocketman Florida Triathlon at Kennedy Space Center in November 2015. I aqua-jogged the entire swim, with a snorkel in my hand and never even put my head in the water. New Years 2016 I gave up the snorkel and learned to put my head in the water.
Why do you participate in triathlon: I love the people and the challenge of multiple sports put together into one race. I have seen parts of Tallahassee that I didnโt even know existed. I love the training, the group rides, and the competition. I guess I love it all! Wellโฆ Iโm learning to love swimming.
Share something others donโt know about you: I couldnโt swim freestyle before signing up for my first triathlon and didnโt put my face in the water. I had to practice blowing bubbles. I finally learned to talk to the fishes and listen to fishes.
What events/distances do you train for: All Distances, and marathons.
What are your current goals: London Marathon, Chattanooga 70.3, Augusta 70.3, Ironman Louisville 140.6, and hearing Mike Reilly say โGina you are an Ironman.โ My biggest goal is to stay healthy and injury free so I can work towards these goals while enjoying the journey! 2017 is going to be a busy year!!
Bucket List: To qualify for Boston and see the Northern Lights.
What is your favorite race and why: My favorite race was Ironman North Carolina 70.3 in 2016. I finished the race feeling strong and proud!
What hydration and nutrition products do you use: Gatorade Endurance, Salt Sticks, Clif gels, and PB&J.
What is some of your favorite gear (wetsuit, goggles, bike, hydration system, shoes, etc.): I love any goggles that donโt leak, my Swork Shiv, Quarq powermeter, Garmin 920 watch, Brooks running shoes, and neon yellow Rudy helmet.
What training resources do you recommend: Train with Gulf Winds Training groups, Masters Swimming at Club Nole, and read and watch videos from the experts. I recommend following a plan based on your current fitness level and hiring a coach. Members of the Gulf Winds Triathlon are invaluable; Annie, Stephanie, Ron and many more helped this Newbie.
What advice do you have for anyone beginning triathlons: You can do it!! It takes time, dedication, and training. It you canโt swim, take some lessons to learn technique. Join in on group rides and local running groups. Ask experienced triathletes questions. Practice open water swimming and riding with a group before race day. When you have setbacks, get backup and โtriโ again. Be prepared for all your free time and money to be gone, but trust me when I say that it is 100% worth it in the end!
What is your proudest triathlon or competitive moment: I donโt have one. I feel like every time I complete a swim in a triathlon I have won the race!!
What, in triathlon, do you wish you could improve the most: Obviously Swimming. I would love to be fast and graceful in the water. I need to work on bilateral breathing and rotating at the waters surface while kicking from the hips, all while being 30 sec/100 faster. A girl can dream and practice!!
What is your idea of a perfect day: To wakeup well rested and go on a long bike ride with friends, followed by a short nap. Then Iโd spend the rest of the day with my family and a few friends eating yummy food that I didnโt cook.
Kenny Walker
My name is Kenny Walker. Iโm a 66 year old retired software engineer. I live in Tallahassee with my wonderful wife of 43 years Linda. We have a son, Neil, who lives in Plantation, Fl and is going to make us grandparents in July of this year. When Iโm not training I spend my days mostly at my computer working on projects for the iPhone and small electronics. We both love to travel and are heading to London, Paris, and Lisbon for the month of May. When I first challenged myself to compete in and finish a triathlon I was not aware of the support that was available thru the club. The beginner sessions on biking, running, transition, and open water swimming were so much help. I highly recommend the club to anyone just starting out. Also the beer at Momoโs is great!
Name: Kenny Walker
Age: 67
Current occupation: Retired
Previous occupation: Software Engineer
Dream occupation: Sharing retirement with my wife.
If money were no object, what would you do: Travel more.
Favorite non-triathlon hobby: Maker electronics/programming
Favorite indulgence: PBJโs
Favorite book, TV show or movie:
Book: The Education of Little Tree
Broadway Show: A Chorus Line
Movie: In Harmโs Way and Silverado
How long have you been doing triathlon: 1 year
Why do you participate in triathlon?: Iโve always enjoyed watching triathlon events on tv and had wished I could do that. Then when I learned there were Sprint distances, I challenged myself to do one as a means of trying to stay fit.
Share something others donโt know about you: I used to do lots of musical theatre. I played Frank Butler, Henry Higgins, Daddy Warbucks, and others.
What events/distances do you train for: Sprint
What are your current goals: Get more fit – stay alive
What is your favorite race and why: Red Hills. It was my first triathlon and there are many great memories of the race and all the helpful folks from the club that worked to give beginners like me the confidence to โtake the plungeโ.
What hydration and nutrition products do you use: Gu
What is some of your favorite gear (wetsuit, goggles, bike, hydration system, shoes, etc.): Nothing special.
What advice do you have for anyone beginning triathlons: Join the club. Make use of the resources and people provided there. Stay with it. Set your own goals, donโt worry about where you finish – just finish.
What is your proudest triathlon or competitive moment: When I finished the Red Hills triathlon, my first.
What, in triathlon, do you wish you could improve the most: My running
What is your idea of a perfect day: A cool day hiking in the mountains with Linda my wife of 43 years.