Our Mission
The Fort Lauderdale Triathletes are about perpetuating a healthy lifestyle, through the collaboration of Multi-Sport athletes. We have a culture of inclusion, support, and fellowship, through training, racing, and social interaction.
Our Core Values
- We are open to all Multi-Sport Athletes that would like to join us, regardless of physical ability, level of experience, or demographic profile.
- We foster a supportive environment, encouraging athletes of all levels to be as successful as they desire to be.
- We will abide by, and promote all safety and civic rules and laws, and will be responsible citizens and members of our community.
- We are a non-profit club, all membership dues, sponsorship funds raised, and any profits made from the sales of club merchandise or events, will be used for the benefit of all members. We will create programs that allow anyone to join us, regardless of financial ability.
- The club will be run and grow, based on a continued collaboration between the leadership and general membership of the club while constantly striving to meet the needs and requirements of all members.
Leadership
(Click on photo for bio)
Sandy Lechner President
After losing 140 lbs at Ellen’s Ultimate Workout and Orange Theory Fitness, Sandy crossed his first triathlon finish line at the South Beach Triathlon in 2012. He has gone on in less than 2 years to cross many more finish lines and became an Ironman at IMFL 2014, IMLOU 2015 & IMNC 2016.
Sandy loves to lead group trainings and continues to inspire other “Old, Fat, Slow” triathlon competitors. Be sure to join him for the post-training meal since the self-proclaimed foodie works out hard so he can eat more!
Sandy has been married to his better half, Robin for over 31 years and they have 2 daughters (Rachel – 26 and Aimee – 24) both FSU Nole graduates. Professionally, he is the chief operating officer of Lifestyle Media Group, publisher of 14 regional and national lifestyle-in-business magazines.
Tacy Rupp, Past President
Tacy Rupp began her journey toward becoming an endurance athlete in 2010 by joining the Runner’s Depot Training Team in preparation for that year’s local Weston Half Marathon. She has since completed numerous road racing events of every distance, including seven full marathons to date.
When a friend introduced Tacy to the Fort Lauderdale Triathletes’ Women For Tri program in 2018, Tacy went for it. It wasn’t long before she was hooked on the sport of triathlon, racing regularly from Sprints to a 70.3 Ironman, and often earning podium positions. She was FLT’s Athlete Of The Year for 2019, and was voted club President in 2021.
Tacy’s personal life has a full plate as well, with an active family, several pets, and as the owner of her veterinary cardiology practice in Pompano.
Doug Barkley – Technology Chairman
Doug got into the triathlete lifestyle via a challenge from his friend Helen. His first tri was the Turkey Triathlon in 2014 and the hook was cast. 12 Sprints, 9 Olympics and 1 Half-Iron distance tri later, Doug is still going strong with plans in 2017 for 2 more Half-Iron tris, and in 2018 plans to do his first full IronMan race.
A swimmer all his life and a cross-country runner in high-school, Doug’s passion for outdoor sports led him down many paths, from rock climbing, hiking, caving and snow skiing in North Carolina, to SCUBA diving and Obstacle Course Racing in Florida. Triathlons seemed like just another challenge to overcome and see how far he could push his body to go.
Doug currently runs his own video production company, Video Dude Productions, and is an independent SCUBA instructor. He is also a partner in Clifton Design Group, where he is a website content creation manager.
Steve Fales, Social Chair
Steve Fales ran his first ever 5K in 2008 and got hooked right away. When an overuse injury threatened to sideline him in 2012, Steve started to swim as cross training. He soon decided to buy a bike and get into triathlon.
To date, Steve has run 15 full marathons, and more half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, Sprint Tris and Olympic Tris than he can recall. His largest achievement so far was the Augusta 70.3 Half Ironman in 2019.
When he’s not in the water, in the saddle, or on the road, Steve likes to play chess, write, and hang out with friends.
Mary Beth Begley, Treasurer
Mary Beth competed in her first triathlon in 2006 in Salem, Massachusetts, aptly named the Witch City Triathlon. In 2007 she joined the Boston Triathlon Team (BTT) where she was a teammate of FLT’s own Ed Galante. During her time with BTT, Mary Beth served as Treasurer for four years and President for two years. She has competed in numerous triathlons of all distances and is especially proud of her three Ironman finishes and competing in the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To be closer to family, Mary Beth moved to Fort Lauderdale from Boston in 2018. She lives in Oakland Park with her dog, Jane, and is employed as Treasurer of Broward Health.
Terri Simpson Treasurer
After kicking a 30-year smoking habit, Terri Simpson started her endurance athletic career with 3 years of obstacle course races. On a dare by her tri-partner, Doug and a free entry to a local race, she did her first sprint triathlon in 2015 (although she admits no had no intention of actually showing up).
Terri believed that she would never do a half marathon. In fact, she thought people who run those distances are nuts! She went on to complete the Publix half marathon in February of 2016.
Professionally, Terri is VP of Finance of MJ Simpson Corporation, a general contractor & commercial builder in Florida since 1992.
Terri has a full race card of sprint and Olympic triathlons and is bringing her “podium smile” to the Miami Man Half Iron in November.
Todd Menahem – President
Todd was born in Valley Stream, New York, and moved to South Florida in 1997. In high school he was the captain of the wrestling team, and always emphasized the importance of physical conditioning because he felt that outlasting the opponent was as equally important as developing technique.
Though only a recreational runner and a lackluster swimmer in the past, Todd was determined to do battle with his rising cholesterol level and his growing waist measurement. Introduced to Triathlon mania, his passion blossomed. Todd completed 7 sprint triathlons and 1 Olympic triathlon during his first year of training. He is signed up to complete his first 70.3 in Augusta, Georgia, in September.
A natural group organizer and social extrovert, he helps organize both the training schedules and the social events, making Triathlon a perfect match for physical goals and his vivacious personality.
Todd has been married to Monica Apolinario Menahem for five years, and recently celebrated the birth of their future triathlete, Harper Peri, in May of 2016. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Todd became a CPA and currently practices in Sunrise, Florida, handling financial reporting and tax preparation for businesses and individuals.
Megan Broderick Social Chairman
Megan is a former Division I dual-sport athlete in Tennis and Track & Field at the University of Kentucky. After college she moved to NYC where she ran the New York City Marathon– finishing with a Boston qualifying time. With a career move to sunny Florida (and knowing that training for marathons wasn’t sustainable long-term), she couldn’t wait to try triathlon.
Megan’s first triathlon came through Fort Lauderdale Triathlete’s ‘Women For Tri’ program; a three month initiative to coach, mentor and empower women to participate in triathlon. At the end of 2016 she complete the program-end triathlon at Tradewinds Park with a 1st place finish in her age group and 3rd overall. Feeling encouraged and inspired by her experience, she quickly joined the FLT board to help grow the social aspect of the group in an effort to make others feel as welcomed as she did.
“The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable joining a training session or showing up to a happy hour. Fort Lauderdale Triathletes is more than a club. It’s a community of like-minded individuals who strive to be the best triathlete possible, and push others to do the same. Not only have I gained exposure to great coaches, mentors and world class triathletes, but I have made life-long friendships along the way.”
Randi Milner
Randi is an age group triathlete navigating life’s ups and downs, trying to find the balance of it all. She has been lucky enough to find her passion through triathlon. Since 2007, she has completed over 70 races including 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, marathons, bike events, obstacle course races, duathlons, and triathlons and is working towards her first 70.3 in September 2017.
Randi is a proud member of Tri Team LC spearheaded by professional triathlete, Leanda Cave. A group that empowers women through the sport of triathlon. She is also an A Team Athlete for Aliisport. The A-Team is a community of Women Athletes, from beginners to pros, supported by Alii Sport as they accomplish their goals and compete in the sports that they love.
Currently Randi Chairs the clubs’ Women for Tri grant program and team kits.
Roy Feifer
Dr. Roy Feifer has been racing and training since the 6th grade. Now, well into his seventh decade of life, he has accomplished many of his goals. He has finished 30 plus marathons including Boston, Alaska and NYC. Also finishing 30 plus triathlons of all lengths from Sprint to Full Ironman distances. Century rides and tennis continue to be a life long passion.
Roy’s greatest accomplishments though, has been his ability to encourage, train and raise over a million dollars for blood cancer research while coaching athletes for endurance events. Roy is a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Certified Running Coach as well as a Team In Training (TNT) Advanced Certified Cycle and Marathon Coach.
Professionally, Roy is a dental consultant and examiner for the National Dental Boards. He is a family man and athlete. He enjoys training, racing and spending time with his wife Barbara and their children and grandchildren. They split their time between South Florida, Boulder Colorado and New York City.
Roy served as president of the Fort Lauderdale Triathletes for 2 years. He desires to bring his energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to its members. Roy sees the club as a meeting place for like-minded folks to learn, grow, get fit and have fun in a safe environment.
Catherine Shapiro – Membership Chairman
Catherine was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Yes, she speaks French!)
Always in love with the sunshine, sand and sea, she moved to South Florida in November 2011 to escape the Canadian winters and begin a new life in the Sunshine State.
Shortly after her move, she was fortunate enough to join a group of runners in a local run club. Never having run a day in her life, she started with a run/walk and eventually worked up to a 5K race. There was nothing like the thrill of crossing the finish line!
On July 4th, 2015, on the 5th year anniversary of her father’s passing, she celebrated his life with her first Sprint Triathlon in Tradewinds Park. The rest…is history!
She has since completed 9 triathlons and one half marathon. She continues to enjoy the Tri life and everything it does for the mind, body and soul!
She has recently joined the Board as the Membership Chair and looks forward to bringing our members closer together and engaging new ones.
Marius Popovici Technology Chair
Marius signed up for his first triathlon in 2011 after spectating and crewing for his brother at Ironman Florida. Although reluctant at the start he became hooked after crossing that first finish line at the South Beach Triathlon in April 2012.
Since then he has competed in all three sports and distances including half and full iron, earned USAT “All American” and represented USA at the ITU Long Distance World Championships in Penticton, Canada. His dream is to one day qualify and compete at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
Marius joined Fort Lauderdale Triathletes in 2016 as a way to stay engaged with the local triathlon community, make new friends and find challenging training partners. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of training, racing and nutrition as the FLT resident tri-geek.
As a software engineer by day he also knows a thing or two about computers and volunteers his time to maintaining the FLT website.
Marius lives in Hollywood, FL together with his wife Mirela and their 7 year old daughter Sonia who are the biggest supporters of his crazy triathlon goals.
Paul Clark – Secretary
Originally from Media, PA Paul has called South Florida home since 2012 following stints in Baltimore, Washington DC, and San Diego. Prior to 2013, Paul mainly participated in 5k and obstacle course races until an ACL injury caused him to rethink his workout routine.
During long hours of physical therapy, he passed the time by thinking of ways to keep himself in shape while also reducing the impact frequent running would have on his knees. The injury and a love of swimming brought Paul into the world of triathlon, completing his first Sprint distance at Escape to Miami in 2014. Two months later, Paul found himself back on the operating table for a second ACL surgery in just over a year. Determined to rebound, Paul completed his first Olympic distance at Escape to Miami in 2015 followed by multiple Sprint and International distance races in between. Paul recently completed the Half Marathon at Rock n Roll San Diego in 2017.
Although naturally modest, Paul has a vast knowledge of multisport, bicycles, equipment, and races. He has been supporting The Fort Lauderdale Triathletes in all capacities since joining the club.
Marcos Oyola – Treasurer
Marcos was born in Lima, Peru and moved to South Florida in 1999. He played soccer and volleyball in both Peru and the US. After a period of little physical activity and growing girth, Marcos borrowed an old bicycle and began exercising. Then, he started running: 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons on a regular basis. Achieving some of his goals and regaining his physical stamina, multisport came calling. Marcos has since completed dozens of triathlons, including sprints, Olympic & 70.3 distances. He is progressing full speed ahead to his ultimate goal of completing a marathon in 2018 and a full Ironman in 2019. Marcos continues to train hard, and at the same time, works tirelessly and successfully to help our club. His quiet and humble manner belies a strategic and methodical club executive.
Ed Galante, Sponsorship
Ed Galante first caught the triathlon bug in the late ‘90s when on a dare he signed up last minute for a Sprint triathlon on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He raced that day on his friend’s oversized mountain bike, wearing baggy swim trunks and a cotton T-shirt. Twenty-two years, four bikes and countless spandex later, Ed is still loving the triathlon addiction.
Prior to moving to Florida, Ed was an active member of the Boston Triathlon Team for many years including serving on the team’s Executive Board with fellow FLTer Mary Beth Begley. Throughout the years Ed has competed in many races of all distances and types, including four Ironman and a couple Boston Marathons. He relocated to South Florida from Boston in 2016.
Ed is married to Susan Galante, owner of So Flo Well Body, a sponsor of FLT and fellow FLTer. They live in Fort Lauderdale with their toddler and future triathlete Benjamin and dog Henry. Ed is a corporate attorney practicing as a senior in-house counsel for UKG in Weston, Florida.
Heidi Keller, President
Heidi Keller began her endurance journey with obstacle course racing and rucking events. She completed multiple Tough Mudders, a Battlefrog, and a 12-hour overnight Go Ruck Tough in the mid-2010s, before entering the triathlon world. She has since completed multiple triathlons of all distances, including Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and a Full-Ironman in 2019. She continues to train for long course triathlons throughout the year.
Heidi believes in athletics as a way of life, a way for us to connect more deeply to ourselves and the greater whole through discipline, camaraderie, self-awareness, nutrition optimization, overcoming of challenges, and continuous self-improvement. Heidi also enjoys hiking, scuba diving, free diving, and any other outdoor adventures.
Greg Van Dell, Vice President
Greg did his first triathlon in Long Island, New York in 2003. Since then he’s completed many short distance tris, duathlons, and runs including the NYC Marathon in 2010. In 2017 Greg pushed into the longer distance tris, from Olympic and International to Half Ironman to completing his first Full Ironman in 2019. His next goal is to complete both Celtman and Norseman by 2023, while keeping up with regular Half and Full distance tris.
He’s regularly out on A1A nearly every weekend coordinating bike rides with FLT team members both new and old, and is always happy to help newbies navigate the world of multisports.
George Hagstoz, President
George Hagstoz completed his first Sprint triathlon in 1989. Although he didn’t get the triathlon bug at that point, he stayed active, as he always has, with soccer, Taekwondo, CrossFit, yoga, golf, and many other forms of exercise. He came back to triathlons in 2012 in a big way, completing dozens of Sprint and Olympic distance events, and the Atlantic City Half Ironman in 2019. He is currently training for another Half Ironman and a Full Ironman.
New Jersey was George’s home his entire life until 2018 when he decided to escape the winters and spend them in Fort Lauderdale. He quickly joined the Fort Lauderdale Triathletes and has made many great friends. Today, George splits his time between Brielle, near the Jersey shore, and Fort Lauderdale while continuing to do remote software consulting. He is married with three daughters who are all gainfully employed in the northeast.
Carina Roberts – Social Chairman
Carina was born and raised in Bremerhaven Germany, moved to the USA in 1991. Sports has been always a big deal in her Family which are complete Soccer crazies!
In School she was involved with Artistic Bicycling, Handball and Horseback Riding.
She entered the World of Duathlon 15 years ago when a friend made her a proposal, the recipe for her German Potato Salad in exchange for a bike and entry to a Duathlon! From Duathlon to Triathlon, Sprint to Olympic and finally the Mother of all Triathlon, The Ironman.
Since than she has completed two full and 7 half Ironman and other Triathlon Events.
She loves the Sport and is very excited to be part of a group who share the same passion.
Professionally Carina works as a Project Manager for Memorial Healthcare Systems.
She is married to Paul, also a Tri-addict and lives in Pompano with her 3 Fur babies.