Month: February 2024

Ultimate Tri Camp Rockstar Dean Kennedy

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, ROCKSTARS, Ultimate Tri Camp

Ultimate Tri Camp Rockstar Dean Kennedy

Coach Notes:

Dean came to camp with an open mind and heart. We met on Facebook, and he and his partner Kathy decided to join us. They are both veteran triathletes, and I genuinely appreciate their curiosity, and the results for Dean speak for themselves.

Dean’s improvement day after day was inspiring to see. Participating in the training and all the recovery sessions we do at camp is essential to leaving camp feeling great! Check out all his great feedback and successes below. Way to show up for yourself, Dean! The results on race day will be there!

Age:

53

Profession:

VP of Plastic Injection Tooling

Why did you choose Ultimate Tri Camp for help in your journey as a triathlete?

I had come across Full Circle on FB over a year ago and loved Coach Erinne’s ideology and approach to training. After speaking with her and listening to some of her videos, I signed up for camp with my partner Kathy.

Please share your BIG goals and how Ultimate Tri Camp supported you:

Goal #1 was to learn how to swim. In the past few years, I’ve spent lots of money and time on private lessons and frustrations in the pool and open water, all to little avail.

I got just enough to push through my two full Ironman races.

UTC was nothing short of transformative for me!

There was so much comprehensive instruction, drills, video analysis, and proper technique/mechanics teaching that it nearly made my head pop.

It was almost too much to take in all in one day, but the lessons and Coach’s voice are etched into my mind so that I can now work with everything I learned. Coach Erinne also took extra time after the group lesson to give me 10-15 minutes of personal coaching, which I learned more than in months of prior lessons.

At the OWS, I took my first successful breaths to the left side, which was like a miracle! I’m so proud and grateful for this seemingly small detail, so I chose this picture. I know now that I AM a swimmer and will only continue to improve from here. Who knew?!! 🙌🏼

Tell me about your successes so far:

Going from not owning a bike or knowing how to swim (as of Fall 2018) to completing two 70.3 and two 140.6 Ironman races by 2022.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance at Ultimate Tri Camp?

Swim: EVERYTHING- Left side breathing, balance, feeling the water, relaxing, rotation, etc., etc.
Bike: maintaining low heart rate on climbs
Run: proper cadence and arm position
Nutrition/Health: reinforcing what Kathy has already instilled in me: eat real, nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats, remove inflammatory foods, and nothing processed.
Mindset: I AM A SWIMMER (did I say this already?!)

Did you achieve any Personal Records or Goals?

Did I already mention left-side breathing?! 😂

Name 2 or 3 things you feel will make the biggest difference in your triathlon performance after participating in Ultimate Tri Camp:

  1. Proper swimming techniques
  2. Triathlon-specific strength training
  3. Mobility exercises

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

The challenge to push my limits and “dare to fail greatly.” Also, the sport’s camaraderie and “pageantry” (who doesn’t like their bike gear and kit!)

What was your favorite part of Ultimate Tri Camp?

The incredible depth/breadth of the holistic training. It was truly the yin & yang, just like the Full Circle logo represents!

What would you say to someone on the fence about attending Ultimate Tri Camp?

Straddling a fence is painful! Get your ass to UTC, and you’ll never regret it.

CURIOUS ABOUT FULL CIRCLE’S TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM?
YOU, TOO, CAN BECOME THE TRIATHLETE YOU ALWAYS DREAMED OF!
APPLY HERE!

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

Sexy in Spandex, Ultimate Tri Camp Rockstar Triathlete: John Dodds

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS, Ultimate Tri Camp

Sexy in Spandex, Ultimate Tri Camp Rockstar Triathlete: John Dodds

Coach Notes:

John loves the triathlon lifestyle and exemplifies someone committed to the long term. Just as with any athlete in any sport, there is always something to improve upon, and I am so proud of how John has kept triathlon in his life even as he overcame prostate cancer and fear in the open water. We were with him every step of the way. So proud of you, John; let’s keep the momentum going. See you soon at the Ride on Ryan Triathlon!

Age:

60 this year!

Profession:

Director of Information Technology Quality

Why did you choose Ultimate Tri Camp for help in your triathlon journey?

In 2017 I saw a triathlon on TV and thought, I want to do this. A month before my 1st race, I participated in a one-day camp in Savannah with Coach Erinne from Full Circle Coaching, which was eye-opening.

At my race a few weeks later (at the Ride On Ryan Triathlon), an 80-year-old woman beat me silly at the finish line. I then decided Full Circle Coaching would be my coach.

Full Circle made me realize that Triathlon is a sport and a lifestyle.

It’s more than swimming, biking, or running: it’s mind, it’s spirit, it’s grit, it’s heart, and nutrition, it’s what you put in is what you get out.

Full Circle coaching is a full-spectrum, holistic mindfulness program.

And they’ll make you “Sexy in Spandex.”

Please share your BIG goals and how Ultimate Tri Camp supported you:

This year will be my 5th year at camp, and every year brings a new awareness. This year was big in swimming challenge awareness. I always wonder why I could swim 2000 meters in a pool and feel I had a great workout.

But swim 50 yards in a lake only to find myself floating, gasping for air, wondering where the buoy was. I realized this year, I never knew how to sight swim. Every time I lifted my head, my legs sank, and my body stopped like a bobber, then I power swam to get going again.

So, learning to relax in the water was my big takeaway. Camp addresses every conceivable concept and potential challenge.

Tell me about your successes so far:

Where do I start? From childhood to 53, I was an average joe who did not do sports. No run, bike, or swim, more like walk, joy ride, and wade on occasion.

From 54 through today, the last 6yrs??? I’ve raced about 24 triathlons and 18 5K/10K/Bridge runs, and have enjoyed training multi-thousands of miles of running, biking, swimming, and unicycling.

And let’s not forget survived and kicked prostate cancer!

Full Circle and the Ultimate Tri Camp… Bring it on!! I’m ready for their assistance with my next big triathlon goals!

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance at Ultimate Tri Camp?

Swim: Technique and sighting
Bike: Heels down to utilize power; changing gears is my friend, and keep pedaling, limit coasting
Run: Lean forward and move the elbows
Nutrition/Health: If I eat healthy, the right foods, my mind, energy, and focus will always be there for me
Mindset: If I put my mind to it, grit it through, and be open to the experience, I am guaranteed to be smiling at the finish line. Have you ever seen a finisher of a race not smiling??? I bet you have not 😊

Did you achieve any Personal Records or Goals?

Every year with FullCircle and participating in Camp, I have achieved PRs. And every year, my PRs are different but so very satisfying.

Name 2 or 3 things you feel will make the biggest difference in your triathlon performance after participating in Ultimate Tri Camp:

  1. Motivation, Intensity
  2. Commitment, Focus, and knowing my “pain point” in my training
  3. Resetting my desire, goals, and expectations for the rest of the year

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

It’s multi-focal, I’m never bored, and it’s always active even while just breathing meditation/intention. And it makes me feel fantastic; It makes me look Hot and Sexy. In the end? It makes me happy being me 😊

What was your favorite part of Ultimate Tri Camp?

Hard to say, but I can tell you the worst part is saying goodbye and going home. Because every moment was an experience I cherish, even when I found myself sitting in my own “shit.”

I learned, I absorbed, I connected, and I experienced!

What would you say to someone on the fence about attending Ultimate Tri Camp?

When was there a time when you got 360-degree support and assistance with triathlon training? When have you had a group of people wanting you to personally succeed as much as you do for yourself? When have you taken the opportunity to learn, educate, absorb, avoid pitfalls, and identify success in action? If you haven’t, join us at camp; it will change your life!

Are you coming back next year?

Already registered, so absolutely!

Want to join us at ULTIMATE TRI CAMP 2024?

Camp is right around the corner – February 26 – March 3rd.

But There’s still time! Sign up here!

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

Are You Swimming with Scissors?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim

Are you swimming with scissors?

Many swimmers and triathletes I work with don’t realize they are slowing themselves down while swimming due to using a scissor-style kick instead of a flutter kick.

Here are my top three corrective tips to cure your scissor kick.

A scissor kick is when your feet drift apart wider than the width of your shoulders while you swim freestyle which creates a ton of drag every time you kick,  impeding your forward movement.

The best flutter kick originates from the hips and stays within shoulder width in a vertical format.

Top 3 Tips to improve your kick

#1 FINS: Use fins for kick sets to help strengthen the ankles and hips. This is my favorite brand and model (Finis Z2 Gold Zoomers)

The flutter kick should be originating from the hips through an almost straight leg and down to a floppy ankle with a slightly pointed foot.

If you are scissor kicking, it indicates tight and weak ankles and hips.  Using fins for the following kick drills can help get rid of your scissor kick.

SAMPLE WORKOUT: Kick 100 yards with fins. – the first 25 kicks on your belly, the second 25 kicks on your side, the third 25 kicks on your back, and the last 25 kicks on the other side. 

Watch the video below:

BONUS PRACTICE: Repeat another 100 yards, all using a Dolphin Kick.

#2 VERTICAL KICKING must have a deep pool.
Start with fins and build up to 1 minute of vertical kicking time, adding rotation
1/4, 1/2, and whole turns to the right and the left while staying in one place is key.
Then, start practicing without fins and get to 1 minute of vertical kick time.

Watch the video below:

#3 DRY LAND FLUTTER KICKING – great for increasing hip and core strength
Lay on your back – palms down, tucked under your thighs. Chin to chest, head and shoulders off the ground. Lift straight legs off the ground and flutter kick with strong quads, straight knees, and pointed toes for 1 minute. Vary the speed of kicking to mix it up and challenge yourself.

Watch the video below:

WANT TO LEARN ALL THE MOST CRITICAL SKILLS FOR SWIMMING?

YOU CAN AT SWIM ESSENTIALS FEBRUARY 17 & 18!

Don’t let poor technique be the anchor that holds you back from your swimming aspirations!

Join me at the Swim Essentials Clinic on February 17 & 18, either in person or virtually. When you sign up now, you’ll also gain exclusive access to my Swim Essentials online course, brimming with expert tips and techniques to elevate your swimming prowess.

Don’t miss out—act now and take the first step toward becoming the swimmer you’ve always aspired to be!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Save $100 on registration by using promo code SWIM100! SIGN UP HERE!

Do you have other questions? Click this link: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/umg5sS to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session.

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid, and much more.

5th Place Overall Female At 8 Mile Swim Race – Rockstar Triathlete Swimmer Christine Coppola

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

5th Place Overall Female At 8 Mile Swim Race – Rockstar Triathlete Swimmer Christine Coppola

COACH’S NOTES:

Yes, you’ve heard about Christine before, but I just had to give a shout out about her awesome swimming success!

She grew up a swimmer and knows how to swim but is still thriving as an adult, working on form and technique to achieve big dreams and goals.

We do not get to train together in person because of her work and family schedule, but she follows the workouts and asks questions in our group chat with access to all the coaches and the rest of the tribe. We review her technique on the monthly video analysis zoom calls and keep her on track toward the dream goal.

So many veteran triathletes think there is nothing more they can do to get faster and stronger but nothing could be further from the truth. I KNOW every single athlete I work with can implement my systems and continue to improve race after race after race. There is no limit!

Way to trust the process Christine, your attention to the details are paying off dividends.

Let’s get that sub 5 hour 70.3; You are so Ready!

ABOUT THE ATHLETE

AGE:

45 (shhh lol)

PROFESSION:

Vice President, Human Resources at NBCUniversal 

WHY YOU CHOSE FCC TO HELP YOU ON YOUR TRIATHLON/HEALTH AND WELLNESS JOURNEY?

To stay focused and organized and tap into expertise. 

WHAT IS YOUR “A” RACE FOR THIS SEASON?

Alligator Lighthouse Swim, maybe one more before the end of 2022 – TBD!

PLEASE SHARE YOUR BIG GOALS: 

I would love to keep doing long, open water swims and get faster swimming, I would love to do another full ironman in 2023.  

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SUCCESSES SO FAR:

This year I did two 70.3s and felt really good getting back to racing more.  Last weekend’s 8 mile Alligator Lighthouse open water Swim was a big accomplishment for me – I went in just wanting to finish strong but really wanting to finish top 10. 

I was really happy with my performance and the execution went really well. 

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS IN PERFORMANCE FOR THE EACH OF THE FOLLOWING? SWIM, BIKE, RUN, AND NUTRITION/HEALTH. PLEASE INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL RECORDS AND GOALS ACHIEVED: 

Swim – able to do an 8M swim in open water and get 5th place; Bike – had a great bike split in Eagleman; Run – felt so great on the run for Eagleman as well.  Nutrition – participated in the Nutrition Reset and Nutrition Essentials this year which I think had a huge impact on my ability to perform but also just feel so much better.  I’ve cleaned up my diet, but also have taken the time to do things like meditate as a result and it helps me in all areas of my life – athletics, professional and personal. 

NAME 2 OR 3 THINGS THAT HAVE MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN YOUR JOURNEY:

  1. Nutrition and holistic approach to cleaning up lifestyle
  2. Race preparation:  taking the time to visualize, prepare and plan makes a huge difference in execution on race day
  3. Giving up control a bit and listening – doing things differently than perhaps I was used to in the past. 

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED IN TRIATHLON?

Feeling good and being active; racing

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ANOTHER PERSON WHO WAS ON THE FENCE ABOUT JOINING OUR TRAINING PROGRAM?

What do you have to lose?  It is so helpful to have the counsel and input of coaches who have the experience and expertise. 

JOIN US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS CLINIC – February 17th & 18th!

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our expert coaches getting hands on instruction to power up your swim!

READY TO REGISTER? CLICK HERE!

USE PROMO CODE SWIM100 TO SAVE $100 ON REGISTRATION!

Or, click this link: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/umg5sS to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session to see if this program is for you!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997. She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.

Swimmers: How’s Your Head?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim

Proper head position while swimming freestyle is probably the most common thing that needs correction when I work with swimmers.

99% of swimmers look forward instead of straight down in a neutral head and neck position.

Can you imagine walking around looking up all day?
Your neck would hurt, and you would miss out on a lot right in front of you!

When you look forward in the water, your forehead breaks the surface of the water (creating drag), and then your hips and legs drop low, also creating drag.

Then when you turn your head to breathe, your mouth is underwater, so you lift your head even higher to get air, and guess what? More drag, more resistance as you swim through the water! NOT FUN!

This is one of the reasons head-up swimmers are slower in the water- too much resistance slowing them down.

But there is a good explanation: swimming with your head up is where most new swimmers start.

We are land mammals and need air to live, and being in water can cause stress in our brains, we could die if we don’t know what we are doing, so the fear is real!

In addition, your fight-or-flight hormones can get triggered simply by being in the water unless you have adequately trained and built your confidence so you feel safe in the water.

The brain will tell the body, “the air is up, so you must lift your head to breathe.” But, as mentioned above, this causes drag and makes slipping through the water in your streamline difficult.

We must reprogram the brain, so it feels safe to face down in the water. Teach yourself to roll on your side rather than lift your head to breathe (look for my other swim technique videos on how to breathe properly while swimming in the water).

The Paddle Lead Drill:

This video will help you gain awareness of the perfect place for your head while swimming. With this drill, you can perfect your head position for less drag and still get all the air you need.

  • Start by kicking with fins on, arms by your side, and placing the paddle on the top of your head. 
  • Your forward movement will keep the paddle in place. Next, start face down, blow your bubbles, and flip onto your back to breathe, keeping the paddle in place.
  • The next progression is to kick on your side with the paddle on your head. Start by looking straight down and blowing bubbles out of your nose, then turn your head to the side to breathe without lifting the head and losing the paddle.
  • Turn the head so that one goggle and your mouth are clear of the water to breathe in, then look back down to the bottom of the pool and repeat the process. Be sure to practice both sides.

When you have mastered the above, add your arm movement and swim freestyle, still keeping the paddle in place, breathing, and stroking.

When the paddle stays in place the whole time, and you are not swallowing water, you know your head is in the correct position!

Finally, remove the fins and start the whole process over again.

Happy Swimming.

WANT TO LEARN ALL THE MOST CRITICAL SKILLS FOR SWIMMING?

You CAN at Swim Essentials February 17 & 18!

Don’t let poor technique be the anchor that holds you back from your swimming aspirations!

Join me at the Swim Essentials Clinic on February 17 & 18, either in person or virtually. When you sign up now, you’ll also gain exclusive access to my Swim Essentials online course, brimming with expert tips and techniques to elevate your swimming prowess.

Don’t miss out—act now and take the first step toward becoming the swimmer you’ve always aspired to be!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Do you have other questions? Click this link: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/umg5sS to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and much more.

I’m shocked at how I feel in the water: Rockstar Swimmer Frantz Dunel

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

I’m shocked at how I feel in the water: Swim Testimonial, Frantz Dunel

Coach’s Notes:
Frantz has come a very long way in the swim. Already a very strong runner, we started training for a sprint triathlon.

The swim was definitely his limiter. Being so strong, it can sometimes be difficult to learn that in the swim its all about being SMOOTH, and not pushing hard. After joining my Swim Essentials program and learning the step by step progression of learning how to swim freestyle for triathlon, Frantz has learned how to glide and relax more in the water so he can save energy to then be able to bike and run strong.

Congratulations Frantz, you are officially a SWIMMER!

Why did you want to learn to swim?
1) Well I never knew that I didn’t know how to swim SWIM until FC asked me to swim a few laps in the pool. Jumping off a boat and waddling around for a few minutes or a few strokes to the edge of the pool is not real swimming is what I realized. I wanted to learn the proper technique to further challenge myself, be able to compete in triathlons and to continue being as well rounded as possible for my kids. We live in Miami, we are always traveling to beach destinations or in a pool. Swimming is critical.

What was the hardest part in the process?
2) The hardest part was overcoming the mindset that it was impossible for me to become a swimmer because I had not been doing it for 10+ years like the rest of the group or swimmers at the pool. Swimming I have found to be one of the most challenging sports because it is extremely technical. I found and still find it difficult to put all the pieces together in order to swim “effortlessly”…balance, proper pull, full rotation on the side for breathing, long reach, straight legs and kicking from the hips etc etc.

How does it feel different in the water vs 6 months ago?
3) I am proud and somewhat shocked at how I feel in the water today vs 6 months ago. Aside from the exhausting swim workouts, I genuinely look forward to getting in the water as I feel much more comfortable and confident. As I swim my laps I can hear Coach Erinne in my head and I use that to correct my form, slow down and try and glide vs a frantic gasping for my next breath.

I look forward to moving up to the Olympic distance in May!

JOIN US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS CLINIC – February 17th & 18th!

Day 1: February 17th. Meet us at Miami Dade College South Campus Pool (9:00 am – 2:00 pm).

Day 2: February 18th. Meet us at our Full Circle Training Spot on Key Biscayne (8:30 am – 12:00 pm)

It’s an amazing opportunity to be in the water with our expert coaches getting hands on instruction to power up your swim!

Ready to Register? Click Here!

Use promo code SWIM100 to save $100 on registration until 2/7/24!


Or, click this link: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/umg5sS to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session to see if this program is for you!

Erinne Guthrie is a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of the 16 week Triathlon Transformation. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, Mermaid and much much more.