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Our athletes

tanelle

Tanelle Berard, 5’3”

School or team name: Northern Colorado Bears; Z3 Elite Triathlon Team

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: I am currently a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado. To help improve my run, I decided to focus on NCAA Division I running in college; however, my first love is the sport of Triathlon. I plan to continue pursuing my dreams in this sport during and beyond college. Whether I am on the track or in the middle of a tri, I love the feeling of competing. I live to perform. I am very thankful for my many talents, and I love to share them with others.

How long have you been training? I have swum competitively since I was 7. I started running at the age of 12 and added in biking when I was 15.

Do you have a “signature move or style”?  My signature style is to give it all I have and compete to the best of my abilities. I don’t do anything half way; I go after my dreams.

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport? Many people motivate me to work at my sport. The support I get from my teammates, coaches, friends, and family drives me to do my best.

What do you like about U R Driven? I love how this drink includes protein and amino acids. I feel like I get less tired in the workouts, and I can go further. It also has a great taste!

What advice do you have for other athletes that can help them? Give your best in and out of every practice session. Every little edge you can get will bring you above your competition. From nutrition to sleeping and training, many aspects factor into the perfect race, so give it all you have 100% of the time!

My name is Tanelle Berard and I am driven – tell me who UR!



Jake Jendusa UWM B&W

Jake Jendusa - University of Wisconsin Triathlon Team

I am often asked how I got into competing in triathlons.  So I decided to share my story and journeys.  I first got into the sport as a dare from a co-worker. After both of us training tirelessly for a summer, we both competed in our first triathlon and managed to finish. Both of us were competitive weight lifters at the time and definitely took a “unique” approach to training.   I started out with a few duathlons, running races, and cycling road races.  Over the past three years I have learned so much about the sport and about myself. I truly enjoy sharing the knowledge and tools I have learned with others, so they do not make the same rookie mistakes that I did! I am a firm believer that Winning is great, but for me it’s more about enjoying the journey and sharing my knowledge and skills with others in the community.

I am now a Senior Marketing Undergraduate Student at The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and an elite duathlete and have two overall wins and eight overall podium finishes.  I plan on 2012 being my breakout season that includes multiple podium finishes both inside and outside the sport of triathlon. Athletically I hope to lead my team to a successful Collegiate National Championships campaign. I would like to have a stellar performance at Door County Triathlon as a last big tune up before I try to qualify for Kona at Ironman Wisconsin. Most importantly I hope to learn and grow as an athlete and an individual. 

You can learn more about me by checking out my website at: jendusatri.blogspot.com and on Twitter at: twitter.com/Jendusatri

My name is Jake Jendusa and I am driven – tell me who UR!

Michelle B&W

Michelle Mehnert 5'5" 122 lbs; age-group Elite triathlete

School or Team Name:  Fighting Illini Triathlon Alumni

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: I compete in triathlons of various distances, although the "Olympic" Distance is my favorite.  I do a continuous 1.5k Swim, 40k bike, and 10k run; all in about 2 hours.  I had swam on a club team most of my life, and swam all four years at the University of Illinois (UIUC).  I was also an all-state cross-country runner during my high school years. 

Triathlon has given me the opportunity to combine all my passions and talents into one spectacular race.  It is a grueling sport that tests both physical fitness and mental fortitude all at once, and has a fantastic community of competitors who encourage and inspire everyone they meet.

How long have you been training? I'd always been very active, and also dabbled in gymnastics and ice skating.  I joined a club swim team when I was 7 years old when my gymnastics coach told me I needed more upper body strength. I didn't start running until I was 12, and completed my first triathlon later that year.  My dad had done it the year previously, and bet me an ice cream that I couldn't complete it.  I won my first triathlon race two years later at 14, placing top 10 overall.

Do you have a "signature move or style"? I enjoy strategy and racing "smart."  Training most of my life as a swimmer has taught me to build into races and workouts.  I love to negative split when I can- finishing strong all the way to the line!

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport? I get up every morning to make myself better every day; to test my limits and go beyond them.  I started very young as just a kid with a dream, and have been amazed by just how far small steps every day can make you better.  From day one, sport has brought me to so many encouraging and inspirational people who have helped me nurture and begin to realize my dream.  The strength of those encouraging me pulls me through the difficult times.

What do you like about UR Driven? I enjoy the light flavor and the even energy I get from it.  Many drinks I've tried have been too sweet or slosh around in my stomach.  Finding a drink for one part of my race was simple enough; but finding one that worked for me during a swim-bike-run, only UR Driven has fit the bill.

What advice do you have for other athletes that can help them? The best advice anyone ever gave me was to listen to my body.  As endurance athletes, we always want to think the answer to any situation is to train more.  Paying attention to small niggles and taking care of them early, whether by a technique change or more rest, can prevent much bigger problems down the road!

My name is Michelle Mehnert and I am driven – tell me who UR!

 

Ted UWM photo

Ted petermann - University of Wisconsin Triathlon Team

What began as reluctantly signing up for Cross County in High School blossomed into a full blown obsession with the sport of running. At the time I had little ambition and was perfectly content to simply “go for a run.” Then it happened. I can still recall the moment I saw my friend run past when I was spectating the Twin Cities Marathon years back. He was smiling and waving at mile 22... running at breakneck pace. That changed everything.

Multiple marathons later I thought I had a firm grasp on the 26.2 mile distance and I began seeking something new. I recalled a sport I had witnessed my mom do ever since I was a child: Triathlon. I've always been one to test the waters, always afraid of growing complacent in any single avenue of pursuit, which would explain my need for constantly seeking out new challenges. My first triathlon was Ironman Wisconsin and since then I've had an unyielding desire to go faster and test my limits.

At first I couldn't quite grasp the fact that the human body could be on the move for that long without breaking down, but I am constantly amazed at what the body can adapt to given adequate preparation.

Often termed the fourth sport in triathlon, nutrition is something that each athlete must give individual and careful attention to in the months leading up. Think you’re tough enough to finish a 140.6 mile race on water alone? Think again. UR DRIVEN is something that travels with me on training days and races alike. It is an essential element in allowing my body to achieve its highest level of performance. Wetsuit, bike, running shoes? Check . UR DRIVEN in the water bottles? No brainer.

I have had great success over the past few seasons. I’ve completed 6 open marathons including Boston and multiple Ironman races including the World Championship race in Kona. I've hugged family and friends all sharing in euphoria, and at times been reduced to an absolute wreck out on the race course. Both of these elements are what keep me coming back time and time again. One thing’s for sure, I’ll be certain to have UR close at hand!

My name is Ted Petermann and I am driven – tell me who UR!

Joshua Witte

Joshua, 41, 6'1", 167lbs.
Ultra-runner

Team/Club:  North Texas Trail Runners

Tell us your sport and what you love about it:  I am primarily a trail runner, focusing on the ultra distances, but I still run road races every now and again.  My true passion is running on the trails, as you get a sense of freedom and almost zen-like peace when you are running thru the wilderness that you just can't find running on concrete.  Ultra trail running will teach you many things, humility, perseverance, stubbornness, tolerance, etc., but at the end of the day, your race and your performance comes down to you and you alone, your ability to endure, your physical and mental strength, your sheer bloodimindedness, and your ability to never give up.  In my view, ultrarunning teaches you about yourself, and that's why I love it so much.  There's always a new lesson to be learned at some point down the trail.

How long have you been training:  I ran my first marathon in 2006 (Chicago), but didn't start ultrarunning until 2010.  Since then I have run 15 ultra distance races, including the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run.  Prior to that, running wasn't something I thought I'd ever do.

Do you have a “signature move or style”?   Ultra-running doesn't really lend itself to "moves" or "style"; it's very much about running your own race, and enjoying the beautiful places we are privileged to run in.  I would say if there's a style to how I run, it would be that I run hard and with purpose.

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport?  I am my own biggest competitor and motivation.  I am always striving to improve, new PRs, further distances, more challenging courses.  Every workout has a purpose, and the purpose is to get a little better, every day.

What do you like about U R Driven?  First of all, it tastes great, which is always important.  The mix of carbs and protein is really perfect, in the right ratio, delivering solid carbs and calories during races that is easily digestible; the protein is an added bonus.  It also works great as a recovery drink, precisely for that reason.  Finally, no high fructose corn syrup!!!  I love that is a natural alternative to the other sports drinks on the market, which are loaded with HFCS.

What advice do you have for other athletes that can help them?  It's simple really...believe in yourself.  Forget what everyone tells you about what is or isn't possible.  The human body is an incredible machine, capable of amazing feats of athleticism and endurance, you just have to let go of everything you have been programmed to believe, and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.  In other words, Do Epic Sh#!...

My name is Joshua and I am driven – tell me who UR!

chuck

Chuck Feerick, Tampa, FL.

My name is Chuck Feerick and I am a competitive age group triathlete, member of the Wattie Ink Elite Triathlon team, Team USA Competitor, and a dedicated UR athlete.

I began doing triathlons after my freshman year of college when I no longer had a varsity sport to play and wanted more of a purpose behind my continued exercise.  Since then I have been continually doing triathlons, running, biking, and swimming races, except for one year I took off to get my health and mind toward exercise in the right order.  I race competitively at the half Ironman distance triathlon, but I also race shorter and longer distances

If you see me during a race, you'll notice that first, I'm never be going to smiling when I cross the finish line- that's when I am finishing that last push and have been in the pain cave for the last few miles... Also, if its a running only race, I'll definitely be rocking the mid-calf black Nike socks. And you will also see my signature flexing finishing line picture pose (all for fun- not vanity!)

I have a long history of battling an eating disorder and while I am much better than in my past, I still struggle at times.  But now, I use this to not only push myself to be a better athlete and to treat my body and mind in a more healthy way, but also to help others who may be going through similar issues.  One of the best ways I do this is through my blog at www.Feerlessfood.com and through Twitter @Chuckfeerick.

I love Driven because it's a perfectly clean product that matches my diet style and also keeps my feeling great in my hard training!

My name is Chuck Feerick and I am DRIVEN!  Tell me who you UR!

Suzanne2

Suzanne Ryan, 5'8, 120pounds

Tell us your sport and what you love about it:
I love to run! It is definitely a part of who I am. Each day I may ask myself, "When am I going to run?" But, "Will I run?" is never a question. While other people may watch T.V. or take a nap to escape, I run. Running is my  break from the stresses of life. It is my quiet time and it's my play-time. It's just me and the road and the freedom to see how far I can push myself on any given day.

How long have you been training: My freshman year in High School I went downstate in the 400m Relay, but the next year I gave up track. I didn't start running again until my senior year in college. I wanted to get in shape. Soon after, I got married and had four children. It wasn't until 2006, when my last baby was born, that I ran the Memphis Marathon in 3:06, after only 6 weeks of training. I knew with proper training I could reach a new level so I started to train seriously and race competitively. I've been hooked ever since and my best marathon time is now a 2:50. I'm still hoping to lower to it!

Do you have a “signature move or style”? My style - Have FUN and NEVER GIVE UP. There always has to be an element of fun. If I can't find fun in running than it becomes a chore and something I feel I have to do.  Keeping the proper perspective on running keeps the fun in it and then it remains something I want to do. Also, quitting during a bad race or workout leaves a bad feeling. It's better to finish, knowing despite a bad day, I pushed through the pain. Hard work-outs and racing aren't suppose to feel comfortable - it get's painful. But, I've learned that when my mind tells me to quit, my body can keep going. When negative thoughts come, I push them away. My mind must stay strong and my body will follow.

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport?
I'm at a point in my life when I know I'm not going to be able to train and compete at this level forever. This motivates me to work hard at getting better NOW.  Even at the age of 37 I have goals to set new PRs in every distance, as well as plans, to not let my kids out-run me! My talent as a runner is a gift. I want to use this gift to the best of my ability as long as the doors are opened. To not train, race, and push myself to be better would be a waste of the gift and talent I've been given.

What do you like about U R Driven? I like that Driven is a healthy, all-natural product. I like the smooth taste and the fact that it doesn't "sit" in my stomach. I especially like the second-wind it gives my while training and/or racing and the quick recovery it provides after hard days!

My name is Suzanne Ryan and I am driven - tell me who UR!

Staley

Chris Staley 6.1, 205lbs

I am a 34 year old Runner and Triathlete that is a part of Multisport Madness Triathlon Club and the Huddle Leader for Western Chicago FCA Team Endurance.

In 2010 I weighed close to 500lbs.  I had lived a sedentary lifestyle for many years and very quickly put on a lot of weight.  I wanted to take back my life, but unfortunately exercise was not much of an option.  To simply go to the grocery store I had to ride a motorized scooter because of the pain I would get from holding up that amount of weight.  I made the decision that my only course of action was to have Gastric Bypass Surgery.  While some people look at this as the easy way out, I can assure you, that it is far from the case.  With all that rapid weight loss comes consequences that has affected my life now as an endurance athlete.

Shortly after having surgery I began to make lifestyle changes with the food I ate and exercise.  After getting down to 320lbs I decided to run my first 5k.  I easily fell in love with running and continued to sign up for as many as I could, all while I continued to lose more and more weight.  However I struggled being able to run anything over a 5k distance.  It was not because of my physical ability, but my need for fuel during the runs.  A result of having my surgery is that I have a sensitive GI track and can get extremely sick off of even small amounts of sugar.  After trying several products, I had given up on running any kind of distance.  Then I found UR.  The way that Driven is made makes it very safe for my GI tract, and even on the first run I noticed a consistency that I had never had in a year and a half of running.  The sugars that are in it never affected me in a negative way and has done nothing but benefit me.

I just completed my first half marathon with a few more on the way this season, as well as several triathlons and a 70.3 Ironman in July.  UR has helped me see that now my dreams of being a endurance athlete are possible, and that means more to me that anything.  I am a dedicated UR athlete!

My name is Chris Staley and I am driven - tell me who UR!

Jorie 1

Jorie, 5’7”, 128lbs

School or team name: Team Chicago Botafogo and St Charles North High School

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: I am a junior and I play soccer as a center back or during high school season on varsity as a starting outside back. I love soccer because no matter what else is going on in my life when I step on the field it is the best way to forget about all of that and just play. Going to practice isn’t a chore, but a privilege. The people that I have met through soccer are people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life, and those people are also the people who help pick me up when I’m down.

How long have you been training: I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. I started on a tri-cities team like most kids do, and when I turned 6 I got scouted out by my first travel team which was extremely exciting.

Do you have a “signature move or style”? I wouldn’t say I have a signature move, but I definitely have a signature style of playing. My signature tendency is going into every tackle to win it and just doing everything I do on the field using that mentality. There are no 50/50 balls in a game, someone is going to win it and that player is me!

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport? What motivates me to work at my sport, are my teammates. I never want to let them down. My family, I always want to make them proud. My coaches, I love gaining new information about the game from them. But what motivates me to play the most is just wanting to play, and having fun with it. I hope to move onto the next level and play Division 1 college soccer, and am looking into that now.

What do you like about U R Driven? Well I’ve always liked the taste of Gatorade, but I’ve never been able to use it when I play because it gives me awful cramps. U R Driven is perfect for me because it tastes great and it never gives me cramps! I drink it before, during and sometimes even after games.

What advise do you have for other athletes that can help them? Practice doesn’t make perfect, it only corrects the small things, but perfect practice makes awesome game play. You have to play in practice like you would in the game, like your idol is watching you all the time. When you’re having a bad day, keep your head up and just do the best that you can to refocus and bring it under control. You can’t be perfect all the time but you can always try! Oh and one last thing, “Live like you’re at the bottom, even when you’re at the top.”

My name is Jorie Clawson and I am driven - tell me who UR!

Mike Campbell

mike Campbell

Team name: Try Ozaukee MultiSport Club 

His Sotory: 2012 was my 1st Ironman event!  After nearly a year of tough training and sorting out the details, I realized the most crucial part of the day was going to be nutrition!  When deciding on what to eat/drink and how often.  You really can get stressed trying to figure out how to make it all work.  One of the most important questions is how will my system handle the food & fluids!  I realized over the summer months that I was having a problem with too much sugar and sugary drinks.  That coupled with making sure I was able to get the right amount of calories and balance of nutrition.  Then I came across UR!  I had enough time to incorporate it into my longer cycle training and longer run days.  What a breakthrough!  Not only was my stomach a lot happier, but I was able to add more UR to each bottle without any negative side effects.  I used 3 bottles of UR during Ironman Wisconsin and alternated it with 3 bottles of water.  It was perfect!  I am a huge believer in the product and have recommended it to all my Tri Club members!

My name is Mike Campbell and I am driven - tell me who UR!

Nathan 1

Nathan, 6ft, 186lbs

School or team name: Holy Angels-Trojans

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: I’m in 8th grade and I love fast pace games. I have a great height advantage and good hand-eye coronation so basketball is a great sport for me.

How long have you been training: I first picked up a basketball when I was in 6th grade and worked hard to get to where I’m at now.

Do you have a “signature move or style”? I've been working a lot on my low-post ball handling. I'm usually one of the bigger kids on my team or in a game, so I try to use my size to get as close the basket as I can. I like to fight for rebounds and get an easy layup.

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport? I love to play and it keeps me in shape. It’s a fun game to play with your team competitively or something fun to do on a hot summer day with your friends.

What do you like about U R Driven? I like the taste. When I’m hot it really cools me down and it gives me energy right before I play. I use it on the sidelines and half time during games, and I seem to stay hydrated longer than the other guys.

What advise do you have for other athletes that can help them? Take thousands of shots in and out of the post. Keep tour eye on the ball until you have it. Stay in-between your man and the basket. Don’t ever give up.

My name is Nathan Hastert and I am driven – tell me who UR!
 Sue 1

Susan, 48 years old, 5’7”, 125 lbs

School or team name: Multisport Madness Triathlon Club

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: I’m a runner at heart, but got into triathlons a few years ago for the challenge and cross training benefits.  I’m still the most comfortable running, but as an adult I guess we are all looking at ways to challenge ourselves.  Being water phobic, I never knew how to swim a stroke eight years ago, but now I have done Ironman distance races which definitely challenges me.  I enjoy training.  It is a social outlet.  I am lucky enough to train with a group that makes my workouts fun and challenging.  

How long have you been training: I started running about 20 years ago while living in California.  The weather was too good not to be running!  I started doing triathlons eight years ago.

Do you have a “signature move or style”?  My “style” is to enjoy whatever you are doing. 

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport?  I love to train with friends.  I also love seeing how continuing to be active allows me to improve even though I’m aging fast. 

What do you like about U R Driven? I love the taste.  It isn’t sweet.  It has a bit of vanilla flavor and those two things help my ability to consume the amount of calories I need to distance races like Ironman.  Prior to using UR Driven, my nutrition on distance races failed.  I just couldn’t take in more calories later in the race and basically hit a wall.  UR Driven not only has a flavor that allows you to take in other sweet things like gels; it gives you a second wind later in events.  I actually feel this burst hit and look at my power readings on the bike and can’t believe I can do that later in an event.  

What advice do you have for other athletes that can help them? Set achievable goals that you have control over, not race times because you can’t control those.  Big Waves, winds, flat tires, weather and other factors effect race times and you can’t change that.  I’ve had races that were way off from the start, if I would let that effect the rest of my day, I’d probably quit.  Instead, I just try to do what I can for the conditions, more times than not, other people let it get into their heads and they give up.  So I believe my ability to keep going when others give up is a secret weapon.

My name is Sue Dziuban and I am driven – tell me who UR!

Kyle

Kyle, 10 years old, 5th grade, 77 lbs

School or team name: Holy Angels and Ninja Skate Club

Tell us your sport and what you love about it: My sport is skate boarding. I love it because it teaches me not to be afraid of stuff I didn’t think I could do before. I especially like grinding; I am working on my half pipe fly outs. I fall a few times but I keep getting a little higher each time I practice. I also like long boarding on my classic board and the rip-stick is fun too.

How long have you been training: I have been skate boarding since I was 5. I could balance on a skateboard before I could even ride a bike. I started to get more serious a couple of years ago when my parents signed me up for lessons at our park district. I try to ride a little at least every day.

Do you have a “signature move or style”?  I started this trick where I drop in and then come up the other side of the half-pipe and at the top I come off of the board and cartwheel out.

What is it that motivates you to work at your sport?  I see a lot of other people do cool stuff that inspires me to practice harder. I really admire some of the older kids that are really good at advanced tricks. Someday I would like to try a competition, and maybe even try a Luge board.

What do you like about U R Driven? I like the taste. It tastes like lemonade to me. It gives me a lot of energy, which is good because I burn a lot of energy when I am practicing. Especially when it’s hot.

What advice do you have for other athletes that can help them? Well if you’re just getting into skate boarding, take off the trucks and put the board on your floor and jump on it to figure out if you are a left-footed or right-footed rider, so you know which is the best way to face when you ride. When you fall keep on trying. Until you don’t fall.

My name is Kyle  and I am driven – tell me who UR!