ALL▴TRI

ALL▴TRI: Welcome

2020-05-16T12:30:00.004-05:00

ALL▴TRI is a non-profit organization that trains you to complete a triathlon or marathon while helping you raise money for the cause of your choice.

That's right. We train you to complete an endurance athletic event and coach you to use that training program to help a charity close to your heart.

Literacy. Global warming. AIDS. Breast cancer. The arts. Women's shelters. You name it. You cab raise funds for any 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States that you choose.

Your fitness. Your cause.

ALL▴TRI was founded in 2008 by a handful of people who met through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program and saw an opportunity to expand the philanthropy+fitness model.

In our first outing, ALL▴TRI inspired and prepared 22 novices and experienced atheletes to complete a endurance event while raising more than $70,000 for 17 different charities.

OVER $23,000 TO HELP LATINO YOUTH ENTREPEURSHIP INITIATIVE

2012-03-02T13:23:00.000-06:00

Athlete’s Love of Sport Helps Support United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

DALLAS, Texas – Local athlete Nina Vaca gives heart, mind and body to raise over $23,000 for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative.

According to data from the USHCC, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the Hispanic school-age population will increase by 166% by 2050. The Latino youth population will play an integral role in the future success of business. Nina Vaca recognized this and combined her goals with her passion to help educate young entrepreneurs.

Nina discovered All Tri at a local 5K event and became interested in the opportunity to train for that triathlon on her bucket list and also fundraise for the charity of her choice. This timesaving idea sparked her interest, and she soon had 23,000 reasons to wake up in the morning to train. She thought about all the people who had donated and the importance of finishing. “I was inspired by the future entrepreneurs I would help and enjoyed giving back to the community.”

Her advice to other potential athletes is to remember that it is 90% mental. She advises to, “pick something that you are passionate about.” The more confidence you have in the charity of your choice, the more passion you will have to approach people to help. “Passion for charity and sport is a great combination for success. Actually giving your body and mind completely to charity takes it to a different level. [It takes] perseverance, tenacity, heart, grit – everything I have that is who I am.”

Casey's Story

2011-10-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

On a bright summer morning in July 2010, Casey decided to go for a run in Riverside Park; little did she know this run would ultimately lead to a new passion in her life. As she was running, she noticed a group of people climbing out of the Hudson River. Just as she was overcoming her initial dismay that people would actually swim in the Hudson, she saw everyone leaping onto their bikes and racing away toward the Westside Highway. The energy around the area was frenetic and Casey was completely mesmerized. She knew the athletes would be finishing in Central Park and she just had to be there. After sitting at the finish line for over an hour cheering on strangers on their way to completing the Nautica NYC Triathlon… she knew right then and there that she had to do a triathlon.

In April 2011, Casey moved to Dallas and started running in various races to see new places around the area and to meet new people. After a 5K, she was walking around the vendor tents and someone asked her if she had ever considered doing a triathlon. That person was a representative of All Tri. Casey learned that All Tri was a local non-profit organization that helps participants train for a triathlon while raising funds for the charity of their choice. The previous December, Casey’s aunt had been diagnosed with a Stage IV Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Through All Tri, Casey saw a chance to do something to show her aunt support and make a difference. Casey had the opportunity to train for a triathlon and raise money for brain cancer research in honor of her aunt.

Casey began training for the Toyota U.S. Open with the All Tri Tribe and Coach Aaron in June 2011. She has since become completely enthralled with triathlon. This experience has not only made Casey a stronger athlete, but it has made her a stronger person.

During the season, Casey’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that moment training was about more than just becoming a better athlete. It also became her release.

“I found out about my mom’s diagnosis on the way to swim practice and as I sat in the parking lot sobbing, I considered skipping practice. I am not sure what happened, but I convinced myself to get out of the car and once I was there with my All Tri team members and Coach Aaron I instantly felt better. The support and camaraderie amongst the triathlon community is truly extraordinary.”

Even though the All Tri season has officially ended, Casey has continued to work with Coach Aaron. Recently, she raced in the Galveston 5150 and qualified for the HyVee National Championships next September! All Tri will be there supporting Casey along the way.

“I can’t wait for next season; hope to see you out there!”
- Casey Poe

Josh's Story

2011-10-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

In 2009, Josh moved to Washington DC for work. He left his wife in Dallas and went on a search for a new home and a slight change in his career. He was there for a very brief 6 months, but his takeaway from the experience was life changing After some events that brought him home, he realized that he had grown to an astonishing 280 pounds! Josh’s doctor told him that he needed some serious change and his health was definitely on the wrong track. This news inspired Josh to make changes in my lifestyle and overall health.

While working in DC, Josh met a co-worker named Brad. On Brad's desk he had a white board with the Iron Man logo drawn on it. Josh asked what it was and Brad told him about the details of his training and his multiple Iron Man races. At the time, Josh told his coworkers that he was absolutely crazy and that Josh would never dream of doing something like that to himself.

Little did he realize that he would someday eat those words. Brad had planted the seed, and Iron Man soon became Josh’s dream.

From January of 2010 to January of 2011, Josh built up his endurance and managed to run a handful of 5k races including the Dallas Turkey Trott (8 mile run). During that time, he lost 60 pounds and felt that his health was much better overall. He began to feel confident that he could expand from running to biking and swimming. Biking came very easy to Josh and he felt he was ready for two-thirds of a triathlon. He quickly realized, however, that swimming was both difficult and scary to him. Until the age of 31, Josh had never realized that he had a fear of swimming in open water. He had panic attacks when trying to freestyle swim and breath properly. In Josh’s words, he needed help ASAP.

After running a 5k in McKinney TX, Josh and his wife (and biggest supporter) walked by the All Tri tent. They stopped to chat with past participants and current board members, Brian and Andrew. By coincidence, Josh had read about All Tri just days before. The concept of raising money was extremely appealing. Josh’s grandmother had just passed of cancer a couple years earlier, and his cousin had just passed away from cancer earlier in the year. Josh’s charity was an easy choice. The American Cancer Society represented something near and dear to his heart.

Josh’s All Tri experience would have been nothing if it wasn't for the incredible team and more importantly, coach Aaron Patel. When Josh started training, he could barely swim 25 meters. Aaron stripped Josh’s fear of water away and ultimately made him enjoy swimming in pools and in the dreaded open water! He learned more about running and cycling as well. Aaron prepared Josh for his races mentally and physically. About Aaron, Josh says

“It is hard to pick one individual reason why people should choose to join All Tri. If I was forced to pick just one, it would be the amazing coaching from Aaron.”

During Josh’s first season with All Tri, he completed 3 Sprint Triathlons, 1 Olympic Triathlon, 3 5k races, and the Wichita Falls Hotter n' Hell 100 mile bike race. His favorite memory is when he was struggling through the swim in the Toyota Cup.

“I turned over and just thought about who I was racing for. The thought that I was racing for my grandmother and my cousin just kept driving me through the race. I crossed the finish line blowing a kiss up to them with tears of joy. 2011 has been the best year of my life. My daughter Addison was born, I improved my health, and became a Triathlete. I can't wait for future seasons and the time I will spend with all my new friends I have made at All Tri. Up next, Iron Man.”

Michel's Story

2011-10-19T17:27:00.000-05:00

Swimming, Biking and Running in Memory of my mother, Donna Michel

My mom is awesome! She is the most courageous and caring person I have ever known. Always determined and optimistic, she worked hard and overcame a lot of difficulty in her own life while making the best life she could for her children. She is an absolutely amazing person. I am blessed to be her son.

Mom to three children, Donna or DJ to family and friends, Ms. Michel to her students, and JoeDonna Sparkle to those of us who were by her side during her first battle with cancer with sense of humor and optimism intact – no matter what name you knew her by, there is no denying that my mom loved books. She read to us constantly when we were little and encouraged us to learn as much as possible. She took her passion for knowledge to work with her, teaching sophomore English at Killeen High School. She loved teaching and she worked hard to keep her students engaged by designing the curriculum around them. Instead of simply reading literature and writing a paper on it, she had them create raps as poetry to describe the themes of what they had read. She showed reinterpretations of Shakespeare that her students could relate to. Instead of just handing in homework, she had them stand up and perform in class. She put in extra time with her students and gave them the attention she felt they deserved. She put in as much work with them as she had with her own children, and it showed with many of her students

On October 28th, 2010, my mother passed away after a hard fought battle with ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The disease came on suddenly in the last few months of her life and moved aggressively – but it didn’t stop her from starting the school year with her students or keep her from continuing to plan for her return to the classroom when she was hospital bound. In celebration of her strength and spirit, I trained through through All Tri, a 501(c)(3) public charity, to complete my first Olympic Distance Triathlon at the Toyota US Open in Texas this October.

With the encouragement and coaching of All Tri backing me, I chose to celebrate my mom and her passion by raising over $2000 for DonorsChoose.org. She always provided paper, pens, and materials for her students who couldn't afford their own. She didn't just focus on one or two students, but worked to help all her students achieve anything they were willing to work for. Through DonorsChoose.org I can continue her work for many classrooms in need - not just one.

I can't wait to see all of those happy photos of thankful students and teachers from across the country who are able to continue their educational efforts all because of my mom’s love for her children and for teaching.

Meet the Coach

2011-06-01T10:51:00.003-05:00

All Tri Coach: Aaron Patel

Coaching Qualifications

Playtri Certified Coach
USAT Certified Coach, Level 1
USA Cycling Certified Coach, Level 3
USA Track & Field Certified Coach, Level 1

Racing Experience

6 Time Ironman Finisher
70.3 World Championship Qualifier
Personal best of 10:48 in 2007 (Ironman Louisville)
1st overall at Longhorn Aquabike
1st overall at Prairieman Aquabike 2008
SMW Region Duathlon Elite 2007 (19th overall)
9-time marathon finisher
2-time age group winner at SunMart 50k ultra-marathon
Finished (and had FUN) in more than 70 triathlons!

Aaron's Story

I first discovered the Ironman when I was 6 or 7. I was on summer vacation and watched the NBC rebroadcast of the previous year's World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. I was in awe of what those athletes could do... over unfathomable distances and through the most inhospitable terrain. How was that possible? And why would anyone ever want to do that? The allure of the Big Island had gotten its hooks in me and it wasn't letting go. I knew I was going to do that race.

Unfortunately I took a slight detour in high school when I decided I liked cheeseburgers more than exercise. By my junior year I had topped out at 280 pounds. What turned it all around was a dare to run with the cross country team. I didn't have to be good, I just had to survive. I finished in the back of the pack in just about every meet we had that year, but by the end of it I started to enjoy running.

I ran casually through college, 30 minutes on the treadmill a few times a week. Then I met a friend who had just run his first marathon. That seemed crazy, but he managed to talk me into running a half with him. The race was almost entirely downhill and at the end I was so exhausted that I said, I could never EVER run a full." A year later I was back at the same start line but with a full marathon bib number.

A few weeks later, I learned just how little I knew about training and recovery. I ended up with a stress fracture in my right foot. I bought a bike in order to keep up my cardio fitness while letting my foot heal. After a few weeks of riding to school, I heard about a local duathlon (run-bike-run) and decided to give it a try. Putting multiple sports together was a fun change of pace, so I found a sprint tri a few weeks later and signed up.

That first triathlon was a disaster. It was a 300 yard pool swim and I walked at least half of it. I only swam if my feet couldn't touch the bottom. The bike was longer that anything I had done before (14 miles) and I was lucky I could run a single step of the 5k. But... I've never had more fun! That afternoon I turned on my TV, with cheeseburger in hand (old habits are hard to break), and NBC was airing the previous year's Ironman World Championship! It was a sign. I got on my computer and found the only Ironman race open to general entry at the time: Ironman Arizona which was just 50 weeks away.

I ended up doing 15 triathlons my first year and 3 Ironmans my second year (not my best idea). I earned a podium finish at Ironman Louisville the 3rd year. I've done 6 Ironmans and more than 70 triathlons. I've hired a coach... and now become one as well. I'm still focused on getting myself to the starting line in Kona, but now I get to help other people reach their goals as well.

Bethany's Story

2011-05-25T13:20:00.009-05:00

In 2009, Bethany completed a study at the Cooper Institute. She wanted to continue her weight loss and increase her level of health. The day after completing the study, Bethany read an article in the Health and Fitness section of the Dallas Morning News about a new program starting up in her area. She attended an information session that night and met coach Claire Oliver, and All Tri founders Randall White and Brian Brode. She felt right at home with them and loved their enthusiasm for what they were setting out to accomplish.

Bethany became a part of All Tri's inaugural season in February 2009. She had never completed a race, but in May 2009, Bethany swam, biked, and ran 32 miles in her first Olympic distance triathlon. Later that year, Bethany ran her first half marathon. Since 2009, Bethany has completed multiple triathlons, running events, and cycling events. As an elder and board member, Bethany even completed the last loop of a run with another athlete to motivate her across the line.

"I was originally afraid I wouldn't be able to raisie the required amount, but once my friends, family, and coworkers found out what I was doing, they quickly donated to help my cause. Even people I'd never met in the Aggie Alumni Association donated to my cause."

Bethany raised over $2000 for the SPCA of Texas.

Over the years, Bethany has "loved the people of All Tri and training with them so much" that when she was asked to serve on the All Tri board, she quickly said yes. Bethany currently serves as Vic Chair of All Tri and states, "I wouldn't trade my experiences and friendships for anything."

To find out how you can raise funds for the charity of YOUR CHOICE, join us June 7th for our kickoff event at REI. For more information or to RSVP, click here.

Past Charity Partners

2011-05-16T14:58:00.004-05:00

Since 2008 All Tri has helped athletes raise funds for a number of different charities. Athletes are able to choose the charity of their choice, allowing them the flexibility to find the right 501(c)(3) for their passion.

Charities Supported by All Tri athletes:

2011-05-16T13:08:00.026-05:00

Every 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is guided by the expertise and enthusiasm of an engaged board of directors. We are particularly proud of our leadership.

Laura Reed-Martin

Political Consultant

Triathlete

Chairman, Board of Directors

Brian Brode
Financial Advisor
Ironman triathlete, marathoner
Secretary, Board of Directors

Tim Corley

VP Management Consulting Firm

Triathlete, cyclist

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Bethany Larsen

Ad Tracking Consultant

Triathlete, marathoner

Ann Marie Gomez

Marketing Professional

Half marathoner, triathlete

Andrew Kohl

Accountant

Triathlete, marathoner

James Shaw

Accountant

Professional Musician

Leslie Renico-Boysen

Non-profit development director

Marathoner, triathlete

Jeffrey Smith

Accountant

Marathoner, triathlete

Lacey Hammons

MBA Candidate, Health Care Management

Triathlete, marathoner, open water swimmer

Carole Twitmyer

Architect

Triathlete

Meagan Martin

Attorney

Triathlete

Mark Minorik

Sebior Information Systems Manager

Triathlete

Sylvia's Story

2011-05-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

Sylvia participated in All Tri's 2010 triathlon season and raised $2500 for Scottish Rite Hospital. Sylvia became intrigued with All Tri because it allowed her to raise money for the charity of HER CHOICE.

Sylvia was a gymnast in college and has always enjoyed physical activity, but endurance sports were not her thing at all. She decided to take on the challenge of an Olympic distance triathlon because there was a whole lot of motivation to finish this thing... her daughter. Isabella.

Sylvia chose Scottish Rite as her charity because of the incredible care her daughter received there. Isabella was born with congenital hip dysplasia and central core disease. Dr. Rathjen and his team treated her step by step and evaluated the best measures for her. Isabella went through bracing, traction, multiple surgeries and body casts which ultimately gave her hips that work and looks pristine on an x-ray.

Finally at two and a half years old, Isabella walked. Sylvia saw a multitude of children working hard every day with a strong will to accomplish physical tasks that many people often take for granted. Sylvia wanted to put as much physical effort as these kids do everyday to help support the hospital that gives children a chance to accomplish their own physical goals.

Since completing her first Olympic Distance triathlon in 2010, Sylvia has gone on to participate in many more triathlon event including a Ironman 70.3 this past April.

Sylvia’s spirit and enthusiasm for her charity shines when she says, “I am definitely not fast, but I can call myself an endurance athlete, because I never give up - just like the kids at Scottish Rite Hospital. A good friend described an endurance athlete as not one who goes fast, but one that keeps going. I love that description because I think it also relays to life. Thank you All Tri for the friends I made, the goals I accomplished and the new love I found for triathlons.”

Sylvia's son, Jacob, is already following in her footsteps and just completed his third kids' triathlon! Who knows, maybe one day, Isabella will be strong enough to do a triathlon with the family as well!

Andrew's Story

2011-05-02T11:55:00.000-05:00

Andrew Kohl participated in the inaugural season of All Tri in 2009. Through All Tri, Andrew raised more than $8000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and completed his first triathlon.

Since completing the Capital of Texas Triathlon in 2009, Andrew has participated in multiple endurance races including River Cities Triathlon, Caveman Triathlon, and the Chicago Marathon. Andrew's involvement with All Tri continues and he is currently volunteering his time as a member of the All Tri board.

"Every early morning, every stroke in the pool, every step in the race, was just that much closer to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Without All Tri, I would have done none of this. To all of the contributors that helped me along the journey, I found out how many good, genuine people there are out there."

Meet Some of Our Athletes

2011-05-01T17:23:00.010-05:00

Bethany

Triathlete, Half-Marathoner, Cyclist

Charity of HER CHOICE: SPCA of Texas

Bethany's Story

Sylvia

Triathlete, Cyclist, Runner

Charity of HER CHOICE: Scottish Rite

Sylvia's Story

Andrew

Triathlete, Marathoner

Charity of HIS CHOICE: Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Andrew's Story

Michel

Triathlete, Half-Marathoner

Charity of HIS CHOICE: DonorsChoose.org

Michel's Story

Josh

Triathlete, Cyclist, Runner

Charity of HIS CHOICE: The American Cancer Society

Josh's Story

Casey

Triathlete, Runner

Charity of HER CHOICE: Georgetown University Hospital Foundation

Casey's Story

How It Works

2011-05-01T11:48:00.002-05:00

Philanthropy+fitness

All Tri coaches you, encourages you, and helps you reach a minimum fundraising goal which pays for most training, event entry and event travel costs.

Many national charities raise money for their own operations through running, triathlon, walking and bicycling endurance event training programs.

All of these charity fundraising events and campaigns spend money to make money.

The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance says that charities should spend no more than 35% percent of related contributions on fundraising.

All Tri keeps its cost of fundraising at 35% or less.

Meet the All Tri Board

2011-05-01T11:08:00.006-05:00

Every 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is guided by the expertise and enthusiasm of an engaged board of directors. We are particularly proud of our leadership.

Laura Reed-Martin
Political consultant
Triathlete
Board of Directors

Brian Brode
Financial advisor
Ironman triathlete, marathoner
Board of Directors

Tim Corley
VP Management Consulting Firm
Triathlete, cyclist
Board of Directors

Bethany Larsen
Ad Tracking Consultant
Triathlete, marathoner
Board of Directors

Andrew Kohl
Accountant
Triathlete, marathoner

Leslie Renico-Boysen
Non-profit development director
Marathoner, triathlete

Jeffrey Smith
Accountant
Triathlete, marathoner

Lacey Hammons
MBA Candidate, Health Care Management, Marketing
Triathlete, marathoner, open water swimmer

Carole Twitmyer
Architect
Triathlete

Meagan Martin
Attorney
Triathlete