Syndicate Friday Features--July 25, 2025

Name: Tiffanie C. -- “It’ll be fun they said”

Where are you from and what activities did you do growing up?    

I’m originally from Seattle and have been in MD for 3 years. I classify myself as a casual athlete. As a kid, I grew up doing summer swim league (I was there for vibes), ballet (never got to pointe), and did a season trying out track and field in middle school because my friends were there. My dad was a big cyclist and I rode with him off and on throughout college. I use “rode together” loosely here. It was more common for us to start at the same time and he would wait for me to catch up. As with many kids, I’ve always wanted to be faster than him.

What is your life like outside of endurance sports?   

I take my “recovery” time seriously. You can often find me playing a dead Blizzard MOBA game or hanging out with my cat and husband on the couch binging Love Island.

Tell us about your endurance sport background; do you have a favorite discipline or event? 

When the pandemic hit and stay-at-home orders kicked in, my gym sent out at-home workouts. Part of the workout was running a mile. I couldn’t make it a block before feeling gassed. I jumped into a couch to 5k plan and targeted a turkey trot. It’s now one of my favorite traditions and helped fuel an interest in general fitness.

I rediscovered biking and swimming in the last couple of years. After finishing a duathlon in 2023 and half marathon in 2024, I decided to string it all together this year. I’m very new to the sport and can’t say I have a favorite discipline. So far I love the newbie gains and being able to fuel for it. I sometimes joke that I am like a dog and crave companionship and am very food motivated.

Which is your S.E.T. team affiliation?   

I first heard about S.E.T. at the Columbia Association Triathlon in June. After taking things easy for the past few weeks, I joined the S.E.T adult social team. I am excited to be part of a community with similar interests and to learn a lot from other team members!

Most memorable 2024/25 endurance sport related (or other) experience? 

2024 was a big turning point for me as I completed my first half marathon and a few other events. The half marathon was in Charlotte and the crowd’s energy was nothing like I’ve experienced before. It was a super positive experience and made me feel more confident taking on new challenges.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025/26? 

For 2026, I’m excited to continue building on my experience and am targeting a repeat race with a faster time!