Complete Strangers

A coach asks her athletes a question and answers it herself.

This season, Team Training New England ran a contest that encouraged our athletes to answer the question “Why I Tri?”  The prizes were  a brand new road bike, a triathlon suit and a new pair of running shoes (courtesy of national and local companies). Our goal was to learn a little more about our athletes, challenge them creatively and do some research, all at the same time.   Surprisingly, as I read the entries for “Why I Tri” I discovered why I coach.

After five years of coaching groups of women to train for and complete their first sprint distance triathlon, it seemed that I had lost sight of why I coached. As a professional organizer, I had become very efficient at organizing the marketing, the training and the race preparation I needed to make TTNE successful. It had all become automatic and somewhat predictable. Every season, there was a new group of women filled with fears, hesitations, and excitement.  A new group of women with obstacles and challenges that would stand in their way of getting to that starting line.  A new group of women whose lives would be forever changed by this experience.  A new group of women that had no idea what new challenges awaited them once they crossed that finish line.  And this year was no different.  I expected the athlete’s lives to change.  I was no longer surprised by it.

Then, as our training session was coming to an end, I received a note from one of my athletes that changed my perspective.. She wrote, “You are an incredible [person]…to take complete strangers and infuse them with your love of sport and empowerment is truly amazing. These past eight weeks have totally changed me in so many ways.”

Complete strangers.  These two words immediately jumped out at me.  While that is a factual statement, it just seemed to be so far from the truth.  Complete Strangers.  Yes, it’s true I didn’t know any of the women until the first day or training.  But something about this training program and this physical challenge spoke to them.  All of these women are choosing to take this challenge and try something new.  I had never met these women before, yet they were willing to put their trust in me and let me show them the way.  They were willing to let me guide them to the race day starting line.  They were not complete strangers, they were kindred spirits.  I had become so focused in making sure the athletes met their personal goal, whether it was to finish a race, try for a personal best or just have fun, that I had forgotten to share in it.    Every season, these complete strangers enrich my life because through their achievements I renew my own love and passion for this sport.

During these past few years of training, I have learned so much about my athletes.  I have learned what motivates them, what inspires them, and what scares them. I have learned about the challenges they face to accomplish their goals and how they overcome them, stay focused and ultimately persevere. But this season, as I read their contest entries, I had the opportunity to really hear their stories.  I was educated, moved and inspired by their challenges. They used music and videos and words to express their joy in this sport, joy that each year I rediscover and share.  I realized that the question I posed to them was also to me.  Why do I TRI? Why do I coach?

I coach so more women will be fit and empowered.  I coach so more women will challenge themselves in ways they could never have imagined.  I coach so a woman will be a better daughter, a better mother, a better wife, a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher, a better human being.

I coach because there is nothing more rewarding than turning a group of complete strangers into training partners, into athletes and into friends, all facing challenges and reaching goals together.

And I coach so every spring, I can renew my love and passion for the sport of triathlon; a sport that gives me so much joy in every way, season after season!

Just (Foam) Roll with it baby

Are you sore after a long workout or a challenging race?  Does your significant other run for the hills when you ask them to rub your [insert random body part here]?  Is it too hard to find time to meet with your favorite massage therapist?  Perhaps, it’s late and you just…need…to…reach…that…spot.

But seriously, the foam roller should be your best friend.  I have two, one for each floor of my home just so I can literally have one at my fingertips.  I even travel with it (only when I’m driving somewhere).  I haven’t tried to check it through baggage yet, but don’t tempt me.

Many personal trainers have tossed around phrases like “myofascial release”, “breaking up muscular adhesions” and “self-massage”.  And while I do know what those phrases mean, I also know that if you are in training, you need to have one of these in your home.

Personally, after a grueling workout, I use the foam roller to massage my quads, calves, ITB, upper and lower back as well as my glutes (butt!).  I am even able to get at my really tight hip flexors too!  I am able to control the duration and intensity of the massage by adjusting my position and weight balance.  It’s a nice way to loosen up after a workout or even before bed.

Click the foam roller photo below to place your order from Perform Better!  Find a few friends that might want one too and save on shipping.

Roll your heart out!

TRI-al by Coach: Spinervals

Since it’s been too cold to bike until recently, I spent the winter inside taking spinning classes and using an indoor spin bike I have at home.  I was curious to compare the workout I get in a spinning class versus a home workout.  Plus, I had always wanted to try out a Spinerval DVD.  Here are the results of my very unscientific survey.

Spinning Classes:
Pro:  Under the guidance of a talented instructor, a spinning class can be a great workout and a great time.  Between the music and the spin buddies, I have no issues with spinning classes.

Con:  Those poor spin bikes!  No matter how much my club maintains the bikes (maintenance which might be open to debate), the spin bikes take a major beating.  Between the constant adjustments and all the sweat, most of the bikes are showing signs of age.  Toss in having to get there early to grab a bike, and a spin class could be a major bummer if your bike is a lemon.

Spinervals:
Pro: There is nothing like picking your own time for your workout.  The coach on the Spinverals DVD is very motivating, tells you exactly what cadence/RPM you should shoot for and there are no annoying or sweaty people riding next to you.  The workouts are very efficient and if you don’t cheat, highly effective!  You don’t need a spin bike, you can purchase a bike trainer and use your own road bike.  Most of the people in the DVD are using road bikes on trainers.

Con: I won’t lie to you, it can be tough to motivate yourself.  You’re biking all alone in your home and if you don’t push yourself or heck, if you even quit early, no one will know.  But you will know!  And that’s what keeps me going.

Yesterday (April 9), I went for my first ride outside!  I road 25 miles on flats and hills and I could tell that my winter indoor riding had made a difference.  So, whatever you decide; spin class at the gym or Spinevals at home…do something and come racing season, you’ll be happy that you did!

If you’d like to try a Spinerval DVD, click the photo below to purchase one.  This one has three 30-minute workouts; beginner, intermediate and advanced.  If you like this one, there are more Spinervals to purchase based on what you want to get out of your workouts.

« Previous Page