Staff

Lance has traded in the long hours of training for triathlons for the long hours of running Sole Sports. He raced as a professional triathlete specializing in the Ironman distance. Lance has never finished an Ironman north of 10 hours (he's at 20 and counting) and boasts a PR of 8:45 at Ironman Australia in 2002. He's also raced Ironman Hawaii 11 consecutive years and has had a hat trick in claiming podium spots when he was an age grouper. Prior to getting into the running business back in 2002, Lance worked as an engineer in the semiconductor industry. Ever the engineer, Lance is constantly working to refine Sole's operations. Sometimes he wonders if he's more of a computer scientist than a shoe salesman. Nevertheless, Lance is passionate about fitting customers into their ideal shoes and offering up his wealth of knowledge and wisdom for all things running and triathlon on a daily basis.

Katie Ellis
Need triathlon advice? Ask the pro! A newly signed professional triathlete, Katie is a dominating presence on the tri stage. She swims, she cycles but mostly, she runs, and fast. In 2007, Katie competed at the Olympic Distance World Triathlon Championship in Germany, placing 3rd overall. She also won Best of the US in 2007 in Florida. Katie has competed at the World Championship Ironman in Kona, and recently won the 2007 Soma Half Ironman. A recent graduate from ASU with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, she knows how to apply the science of running and performance to everybody. Katie is always smiling and really has a passion for endurance sports. She is an incredible resource for things that swim, bike and run.

Caitlin Rooney
The lone (and brave) Wild Cat in the shop, Caitlin is the newest runner to join the Sole Sports team. At University of Arizona Caitlin received a Bachelor of Health Science, with concentrations in human physiology and chemistry. She is an experienced personal trainer with a CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Caitlin plans to return to U of A to complete a Master's degree in Nutrition to join the fight against childhood obesity. Caitlin has a refreshing enthusiasm for health and fitness and makes sure to get everyone running through any goals they may have.

Dylan Barr
As part of the Tucson Racing Junior Elite, Dylan has a tremendous devotion and spark for endurance sport. He received USA All American Honorable Mention in 2006 for junior triathlon, just missing rank in the top ten junior triathletes, and capturing 11th in the nation for his age group. Dylan was invited to train at the USA Olympic Training Center for a week this last summer and represented the USA Junior Developmental Team at the 2007 Carlsbad Triathlon. Dylan will tell you that the best way to compete in triathlon is with a powerful run. He has been a member of the Cheetah Track Club and he boasts that he has never been passed on a running leg of a triathlon. As Dylan tears it up on the local stage, he does take a break from triathlon to qualify for 5A State High School cross-country meets in the fall.

Luke Samuels
Former junior baseball star, Luke now races around a different shape, and twice around is his specialty. He runs middle distance at Corona High School and the 800 meter distance is his favorite. He also participates in drum line, marching on with the snare. Luke loves to try out every shoe he can get his feet in. It keeps him in the know on all the new shoe styles and models. He is just flaunting his youthful resilience; he knows it's not going to last forever.

Rhet Stinson
Rhet is an avid runner with marathon experience, a triathlete and one great guy. Off-road tri's are his game; on the trail is where you can find him. Rhet offers his excitement and running knowledge when he is not putting in time as an Electrical Engineer.