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In the early days of triathlon when good training information was scarce, athletes would
read the training schedules of top pros and try to mimic their workloads. Those were the
days of “more is better,” and many fine athletes fell flat at their races or got
injured.
As I became successful in triathlon, at each race I was singled out to entertain questions
from eager athletes hungry for training and racing information. Armed with an outgoing
personality, reasonable intelligence, and a degree in exercise physiology, I seemed to know
a bit more than the average Joe triathlete. So, I would help as best I could, while
acknowledging that adequate coaching was sorely lacking in this new sport.
Eight years ago I organized and coached a group of 15 women who wanted to train for the
Danskin women’s triathlon in San Jose, California. These
women became my first heroes. Some of them didn’t know how to swim. Some
didn’t have bikes. Some had never run a step. After eight weeks of training, all 15
crossed the finish line at the race with smiles on their faces that could challenge the
vitality of a Matisse painting.
Some of them told me that the experience had changed their lives—that for the first
time they had given themselves a gift worth coveting. The race opened doors inside these
women that they didn’t even know existed. I admired them for stepping beyond the unknown
to find more of themselves, in such a demanding sport. I, in turn, learned to more fully
appreciate my talents and to share them with others.
Everyday heroes
As we get caught up in our individual worlds and steadily try to “one-up” life,
we sometimes forget to stop and gain perspective on how fortunate we are to have the means
and wisdom to take on personal, grand, and novel challenges. I embrace these challenges and
have the privilege of working with many athletes who do the same. Why live vicariously
through the pros when we can create a life that is fabulous to view in our own mirror?
My clients often negate their own races when they see the huge athletic challenges I take
on. But what I choose is not necessary for everyone’s growth. We each opt for events
that will satisfy us. These are all-important to each of us. And what my clients choose is
important to me because it’s theirs.
I’ve always felt that the heroes in life are everyday folks who fall on their faces
time and again, pick themselves up, learn from their falls, and heed the opportunities of
these difficult lessons. Our heroes should be ourselves. Mine are often my clients.
Since that first Danskin race, I have coached hundreds of triathletes, runners, cyclists,
and adventure racers. Each has given back to me tenfold by sharing their passion for whatever
sport they choose. I have seen countless worlds being rocked when athletes accomplish new
goals. They all don’t fully realize what a gift this is to me.
As a coach I realize the importance of acknowledging the uniqueness of each athlete’s
own goals and dreams, and of realizing that their training is the most important thing to
them. This attention helps an athlete believe in himself. As an athlete I know that
belief in self is most of the battle.
I coach because I realize that using my knowledge and energy to help others is a special
gift to me. If I can touch one life per season in that way, my job is worthwhile. I
coach because it brings me closer each day to my heroes, the people I admire and
support. I also coach because, as an athlete, I believe in the need for information
and support in the sometimes confusing and impersonal world of training and racing.
And I coach to see those Matisse-quality smiles on the never-ending finish lines of
life.
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