Jason Polletta

Name: Jason Polletta

Couch potato to big cyclist, over 6,500 miles on the bike in 2011 (6,495 miles in 2010). Been interested in doing an Ironman for years, and after my crash in August 2011, I decided it was time to quit talking about it and go do it. So I’m entering the world of triathlons with the goal of an Ironman in 2013. Two Half Ironmans planned this year (Wildflower/Orangeman). I guess the ultimate goal is Kona, but I’m not sure that’s even close to realistic, so maybe that shouldn’t be mentioned? But it’s my goal, and some of my good friends in life would say it’s my obsession.

Why do I do this? I want to prove something to myself. Prove that anyone can do it. I used to be over 200 pounds and had unhealthy habits, etc. Plus I’m very competitive. What’s the Ironman quote? 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, run a marathon, and brag for the rest of your life.

And I have all sorts of training quotes to keep my motivated, and this one I thought summed it up for me pretty well: “You know that thing in your head that says ‘You really shouldn’t be doing this?’ Well, I don’t have that.” – Mark C.

Brenda Gustin

Name: Brenda Gustin

Former Competitive Roller Figure Skater Regional and National Champion 13-18 years old. Took a break for approximately 10 years and then developed an interest in Group Exercise Classes. Became an Instructor in 1995 and Taught Step Aerobics, Hi Low Impact, BodyPump, Kickboxing, Senior Fitness and settled into my favorite, Indoor Cycle. During that fifteen year period, I went back to School at Orange Coast College and also received my ACE Certification for Personal Training, which I also enjoyed doing. I have been and continue to be involved in the Fitness Community. I also volunteer with some Adaptive PE Students from OCC, who have become my friends more than students.I also enjoy volunteering and Participating at CAF Events. I have been a Certified Scuba Diver since 1988 and hold a Rescue Dive Cert as well as a Dive Buddy Cert for Handicapped Scuba Association(finished in 2010)

So why did I get involved with IronDistance Triathlon? I experienced a couple of life changes. One, I lost my brother to Prostate Cancer. In some ways, I guess that woke me up to my own mortality. Two, that same year, I turned Fifty. I felt I need to experience something way bigger than myself. I had the desire to see what I could endure. My brother had to endure so much pain and suffering and was far braver than I could ever be doing an IM, but, I just felt the need to have that goal. My experience in my first Iron Distance race was Vineman 2010. It was not only the most satisfying physical challenge, it was an emotional release like I have never experienced. Even though my brother lost his battle with cancer, I felt his spirit with me to the end of that day. The countryside seemed more vibrant. I enjoyed the occasional chat with other participants. And never once thought I would quit.

Now I want to do another with the mantra of NEGU….And needed an Awesome Coach to get me prepared for it. Maybe I can be a little more competitive this time:)

And….BTW…I am Happily Married to Roy Gustin, with whom I enjoy doing some of my training rides.

Michael Hattan

Name: Mike Hattan
Race: Ironman Arizona

In the late eighties, I was in high school competing competitively in triathlons, thanks to my mother, a veteran triathlete. In 1990, I joined the military and served my country as a Special Operations Medic in the Navy. During that time, I did not do any triathlons. After my military service, I was accepted into Podiatry School and started a family. The next eight years of my life were dedicated to changing diapers, studying, working endless hours in my surgical residency and getting fat!

In January 2010, I met Sherry Rennard. I joined the YMCA triathlon club in Newport Beach. I started casually working out and doing local Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. I did this under the direction of Sherry. As I continued my quest toward the eventual goal of an IronMan finish, the weight started to come off and the performance/mileage gradually increased. Last November, I made the huge leap and signed up for IronMan Arizona! Over the last year, I competed in the California 70.3 Half IronMan (6:10:52) and also the Vineman 70.3 (5:56:51). Since that time, I have ramped up my training for the Arizona Ironman on November 20th 2011! I am putting in 20+ hours weekly training, I am 75 pound lighter, have been injury free through this whole experience and can say I am READY for IronMan!

Coach Sherry came into my life as a spin instructor and friend and now is SERIOUSLY my coach. She is unlike any other coach I have ever had. She is invested in seeing that I do well, knows how my legs feel, knows if I need a rest day and keeps my diet in check “feed the machine” she says. She seriously has taught me the true meaning of training with purpose! I cannot wait until November 20th to hug and kiss my family at the finish line at IronMan knowing I DID IT RIGHT! Thanks Coach Sherry!

Taro Ando

Name: Taro
Year of Birth: 1980
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Race History:
• 2008 Orange County Triathlon
• 2009 Orange County Triathlon
• 2010 Orange County Triathlon
• 2010 Los Angeles Marathon
• 2011 Orange County Duathlon
Race Goals:
• 2012 Ironman 70.3 California
• 2012 Ironman Arizona
Background:
I would not consider myself an athlete. I was never really into sports. I was never on any sports teams in high school or college. Then one day in 2008 a co-worker casually mentioned the Orange County Triathlon and the race sounded so exciting to me I just had to register for it. I was biking 20 miles to work and back every day at that point so I figured I had one of the three legs of the race covered. I used to be a decent runner during physical education (P.E.) classes in high school so that was another leg of the race I was comfortable with. That left just swimming. I went swimming every day for a month to prepare for the race. I had no expectation for my first race. I just wanted to complete it. I had a blast and finished the race in a little over three hours. After the race I thought to myself, “I wonder if I had tried a little harder I could have finished the race in less than three hours”. That’s when the concept of personal record (PR) was planted in my brain and when I officially drank the triathlon Kool-Aid. I’ve been doing at least one race a year every since trying to improve my PR. I finally did get under three hours in 2010 so now I have to shoot for bigger goals. I’m hoping to use the 2012 Ironman 70.3 California as a gateway to the Ironman world and planning on registering for my first full Ironman in 2012. With Coach Sherry Rennard by my side, I’m sure I’ll get there.

Maureen Haske-Palomino

Name: Maureen Haske-Palomino
Race: Vineman 70.3 & IM Canada

I first met Coach Sherry when I joined a triathlon team. I recall being VERY intimidated by how fit everybody including Sherry was! However, it did not take long to learn that Sherry has an interest in every person no matter what their goals are or how fit they are.

When I started training with Coach Sherry it was with her performance cycling classes. Now let me tell you, I taught spin classes and learned under “Johnny G” many years ago before indoor cycling was at every gym. I also have taken spin at Revolution, Bodies in Motion, 24 hour fitness, The Sports Club LA in Orange County and Bally’s. None of these classes compare to Sherry’s in terms of translating the work you do in class to the road. My cycling improved dramatically once I started taking her classes. I went from a B group rider to an A group rider within one season. The transformation really was remarkable!

Recently, Sherry has been coaching me for Ironman Canada. I have completed 3 Ironman races in my past, but never have I been as enthusiastic about training. Sherry is so detailed and has helped me learn how to read my own body signs. She also has helped me with the technical equipment which helps me to organize the detailed week-by-week training schedule she provides me. Most importantly, she must be a psychic because often times she knows when I might be questioning my performance. She is quick to reinforce the positives and help me to not only physically evolve, but also and more importantly mentally evolve.

I look forward to reaping the labors of our hard work at Vineman 70.3 this month and IM Canada in August!