This year marks my fifth year as a USA Triathlon coach. It is my favorite job I've ever had. I don't know what's better, watching newcomers finish their first race or veterans of the sport beat their best. I love the little victories that my athletes experience in training and the big ones when they reach a racing milestone. I can tell I was born for this when I get off the phone with an athlete and say, out loud while clapping, I love doing this! Every. Single. Time.
I started with two volunteer athletes on my personal roster. After I took the USAT Level I certification and passed the test, I promised I would coach them for free to gain experience in planning and practice. That year, both of them finished an iron distance race. The next year, they both PR'd their race - one by 30 minutes (on the marathon) and finished in the top ten of her age group and the other bested her previous time by almost two hours. Although I realize that their talent and determination counted for 96% of their success, I am proud of the 4G% that I contributed to their training and race experience.
This year, I have grown to 12 triathletes. Plus, I am the run and bike coach for our YWCA tri club (which is 10-20 athletes strong). I love them all. I want them to grow and succeed and learn. I like to see them gain confidence, connect to their professional or personal life and have fun.
In the past, I haven't written much about my coaching or my athletes, but through the end of this year and in 2018, I'll be able to feature the stories of first-time athletes from sprints to IRONMAN, swimbikerun comebacks and more!
Plus, stay tuned for some exciting news about my coaching career.........
With my YDUBTRICLUB coaches: Lance Tate and Alan Sandrin
With my YDUBTRICLUB girls! Cassie, Maria and Tonya rocked out on the Azalea Tri in March 2017.