Participating
in sports can take a toll on one’s body.
Grant
Barron knows. A former football, basketball and professional
motocross racer, he returned to motocross racing at age 40,
when most men have abandoned the grueling side of competitive
sports. He retired three years ago when the pain and agony got
to be too much. So what’s the next step for a lifelong competitive
athlete looking for a slightly easier challenge? He takes up
triathlon!
With
the running, biking and swimming involved, many would be hard
pressed to call triathlon “easier”. Because of his previous
endeavors, Grant was confident on the bike and the run component,
but he realized he needed to become a more competent swimmer
to become a triathlete. Then he learned about MTSC Masters.
“I
wish I had been introduced to swimming much earlier. Since I
began swimming, I feel it is the best form of cardiovascular
exercise there is,” says Grant.
Grant
has discovered another reason to get up at 5:30 a.m. to swim—accountability
to his peers in the pool. He really enjoys the social aspect
of being part of the team.
“Swimming
and meeting all the folks in the Masters group has been very
fulfilling, from both the fitness and the social perspective,”
says Grant.
“Ron
(Chlasta) is the best coach I have ever had the pleasure to
perform for. He is very encouraging. He pushes you beyond your
perceived capabilities. And most importantly, he understands
how to design a workout to meet the needs of all his students.
He is by far the best coach I have ever had.”
When
he’s not in the pool, running or biking, Grant works an Operations
Manager for Western Reflections, a manufacturer/distributor
of residential building products. He also promotes activities
in boxing and mixed martial arts. Grant has two children, Molly
and Drew.
Is
triathlon easier than motocross? Maybe, but for Grant, swimming
is a new sport that he enthusiastically supports.
“Sometimes
it’s tough to make myself get out of bed at 5:30 in the morning,
but when I arrive at Sea Star and see my peers, it makes it
all worth it!” says Grant.
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A
simple twist of fate brought Carmen Dorris to MTSC Masters.
She
knew about the masters’ program because her children took swim
lessons at Sea Star Swim School, where MTSC Masters practice.
However, her husband’s job required a lot of travel, and with
two young children, she just couldn’t commit to the team.
Then
in April of 2009, it all clicked—her husband Stephen got a new
job where he didn’t have to travel, and Carmen could finally join
the team!
Carmen
grew up in Memphis, and swam for the Memphis Tigers through her
high school years, where she also started running cross country.
She both taught and coached swimming. With a swimming and running
background, she tried a few triathlons, but ultimately, she came
back to her first love, swimming.
A
graduate of UT Knoxville and UT Memphis, Carmen works as an occupational
therapist for Sumner County Schools. Her sons, Andrew, 10, and
Matthew, 8, participate in summer league swimming and the Gym
and Swim program at Sea Star Swim School.
Carmen
is happy to be swimming again, and looks forward to swimming in
a meet.
“I
enjoy distance swimming and pace work, and I’m always in for a
good challenge,” Carmen says.
“I
have always enjoyed exercising and grew up going to early morning
practices so I enjoy ‘getting it done early”,” she continued.
As
an athlete, she looks forward to the challenge each workout brings.
“I
am enjoying having a coach again and always look forward to what
Ron has planned for us!”
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