Coaches

Tenacious Coaches have over 25 years of training and racing in multi-sports events. They have podium finishes at all distances and are ready to bring that experience to you. Whether you’re a single sport athlete trying to increase your fitness, P.R., qualify for the Holy Grail of your sport or you are a long time multi-sport athlete looking for new ways to explore your capabilities, we have the experience and understanding to get you there.

Ken McLarty

Primary coach and founder, Ken McLarty, completed his first triathlon in 1985 at Portland’s own Blue Lake on a borrowed bike and a dare from his dad.

“I was a participant of the first USAT Coaches Certification that was open to the public in 1998. I have coached athletes at the highest level of the sport and was one of the first in the country to group train triathletes. Join me and become tenacious as you ride, swim or bike your way to good health.” 

Contact Ken at ken@ubtenacious.com

Kristen Marlo Warren has competed in more than a dozen triathlons, cycling and running events earning both age-group wins and podium positions. She is a State of Oregon licensed Health and PE teacher at the middle and high school levels and currently teaches middle school Health. Kristen is also a certified fitness instructor with a national health club chain where she teaches spin, body sculpting and boot camp classes.

Pain in the Park is an hour-long opportunity for off-season training. Enjoy camaraderie, fun, hard work and a little absurdity. We meet once per week for 6 weeks at locations around the Portland Metro area. Play time starts promptly at 6 – rain, snow sleet, whatever – we’ll do it. So come dressed for fun – layers, headlamp (sometimes helpful but not necessary), clothes that can get a little dirty.

Giovanna
I’ve had a unique path getting to where I am now. When you think of Tri athletes you think of someone that has been training for years, but not in my case.  I was never considered an athlete growing up and had no experience at all with swimming , biking or running. I knew that I wanted to do something else in my life where hard work yields rewards.  I found that the more I trained the faster and stronger I got – it was something I was craving at my deepest level. After finishing my first Sprint Triathlon at Blue Lake I realized that this was my passion. Since Blue Lake I have participated in 4 Sprint, 4 Olympic distance triathlons along with STP and several half marathons. 2011 will be my 3rd year racing triathlon, and it’s definitely more of a challenge than I expected. I always knew that the racing would be so competitive, but I think I originally underestimated how the entire female tri athlete field would continue to get faster and deeper. I look at this as a positive because it forces all of us to either up our games or get left behind. My biggest improvement this year was taking a step back and re-learning that the only number that matters is my position to make it to the finish line.