Adirondack Sports May 2024

MAY 2024 29
▲ ATHLETE MEETING AT
THE CASSADAGAMAN.
MIKE FRAME IMAGES
KICKING OFF THE 20TH
YEAR OF HVTC SUMMER
TRI SERIES. PAUL SUTTON
PHOTOGRAPHY
▼ CASSADAGA KIDS RACE,
MARK CHEERING ON ALL
OF THE FINISHERS.
MIKE FRAME IMAGES
they can go on gentle walks and enjoy
the seasons. They also enjoy visiting historical
sites, going to concerts, and riding
bikes. They are huge Buffalo Bills fans and
go to games whenever possible. Since they
just love being together, they pretty much
do everything together. Tonia says that
one of her favorite things is listening to
Mark play the guitar and sing for me. Most
people may not know that Mark loves to
split wood and sit by the campfire.
Tonia’s role in the business is handling
the administrative side. “My background
in front office management and service
allows me to deliver an excellent experience.
We emphasize the no cut-off times
for our races, and so anyone who starts
can finish. The triathlon community is
like none other; encouraging, celebratory,
generous and genuine. I’m a beginner triathlete.
I enjoy swimming and biking, but
not running,” she said. Most importantly,
what drives her is getting new people
involved, “I really want them to make triathlon
a part of their life.”
For Mark, he recognizes that triathlon
is a very social sport. He encourages
people to meet other triathletes at their
weekly training sessions in Cassadaga. He
believes in welcoming everyone to their
events. “When I was a kid, I was always
inviting the not-so-talented kids to play
sports, because I hated seeing people
being left out,” he said.
They both have future goals. Tonia
loves riding her e-bike with Mark. She’s
done an 88-mile ride, but would like to
do a century ride of 100 miles. However,
she said their first priority is growing the
business. “We are not seeking to have bigger
crowds, since we like the 350-person
capacity. Our goal is to grow the sport, be
grassroots, and be so dialed-in to the athlete-centered,
friendly racing experience
that participants leave having a fabulous
time – and a sense of accomplishment.”
Mark added, “I’m not competing right
now; however, I may get into shape for my
60th birthday in three years.”
Tonia is really good with people and
customer service, but you may be surprised
to learn is that she’s actually an
introvert. She is also super sentimental
and it’s hard for her let go of things,
“However, after moving eight times in six
years I learned to part with most of it.”
Mark is a lover of animals and trees. He
is also a very emotional person and deeply
grateful for his life and gifts. His best
teacher and where he finds the most
peace is in nature. “I’ll sit and look at our
lake for hours just thinking about our life,
and how to proceed into the future.” He
added, “If I hadn’t discovered triathlon, I
could have been a lumberjack. I love chain
sawing, splitting, stacking, and burning
wood in our campfires.”
Tonia’s father was ill or injured most
of her life, and the family spent years
with a hospital bed in their living room.
“He never quit. During the last decade of
his life, he gave back to others in a very
small, meaningful way that touched thousands
of lives around the world. Giving
is powerful. Loving even more so,” she
recalled. Tonia’s grandparents taught
her what was important and gave her the
courage to make the right decisions.
Mark recalled that he didn’t have an
easy childhood. “I could have chosen
other paths that would have been expected,
but I found joy in life at every turn, and
constantly learn from those around me,”
he reflected.
They’re content and at peace with
their lives. Tonia spent most of her youth
and adult life wanting to change places
with just about anyone. She now admits,
“I would not change places with anyone. In
2015, my life changed completely when I
reconnected with Mark. I love my life, my
husband, my home and my sons. Each day,
I tell myself how completely blessed I am.”
Mark said that he wouldn’t want to
be anyone else either. “My life has been
incredibly beautiful and challenging,
and it’s not over. I have so many goals to
accomplish; business, relationship, and
personal,” he stated.
Having competed for years now, I
can say that their races are truly athlete
focused. If I do well in a triathlon, I always
leap into Mark’s arms and give him a big
hug before I step up on the podium. If it
▲ COACH MARK
COMPETING AT
STTC SUMMER TRI
SERIES IN 2022.
MIKE FRAME IMAGES
weren’t for Wilson Endurance Sports, I’d
have to travel a lot farther to participate in
triathlons. Many of us in the community
are very grateful for their help in living our
passion. Finally, Tonia and Mark, are two
of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. They
would give you the shirt off their back,
even if you registered at the last minute,
and they ran out of race shirts.
Dr. Tom Denham (careersintransition@
yahoo.com) is a career counselor in private
practice. He loves to share his enthusiasm
for mountaineering, kayaking, curling,
and ice/rock climbing, but only when he’s
not trying to win his age group in running,
duathlons and triathlons. He enjoys spend
time with his fiancée Lisa, and their two
dogs, living in their converted van down
by the river.