Rockstar Triathlete: Mark Testoni
Coaches Notes:
Mark and I met a year ago and almost started coaching when he was hit by a car on his bike. We had to postpone training until he recovered, and camp was the perfect kickstart to his training program. He could swim, bike, and run again, so I invited him to join us.
Since we have three different coaching levels at Ultimate Tri Camp, he started on day one in the C group and had enough fitness to enter the B group on day 2.
I’m super proud of Mark for putting aside his hesitation at being a newbie and simply embracing his own process and learning each day.
His progress has been impressive, and I’m super excited about his 2024 Tri Season. We will start with a few sprints, move to International Distance, and end the year with a 70.3.
Let’s Do this, Mark! You are a Rockstar Ultimate Tri Camper!
Age: 68
Profession: I am a semi-retired military and tech industry executive. I am currently Chairman of cBEYONData, a software and tech services firm.
Why did you choose Ultimate Tri Camp for help in your triathlon journey?
As an older athlete new to the sport, I wanted to learn and hear the experiences of others in the sport. I am pretty much a novice, but I have experience as a modestly successful distance runner from many years ago.
Avid Peloton rider in recent years. Nowhere near a lap pool in 50 years.
Coach Erinne articulated how the camp could help—and it did!
Please share your BIG goals and how Ultimate Tri Camp supported you:
1. Understand how to approach training and recovery. Discussions and listening to the experiences of athletes and coaches are all amazingly helpful.
2. Become an effective swimmer at a distance. I arrived at camp with the ability of your average rock—floating was a challenge 😂 . I learned a number of swim drills. I watched and was very much inspired by the rest of the group and their great abilities. I am very motivated to improve—I will soon.
3. Want to complete a 70.3 when ready—so inspired beyond watching and listening to everyone at camp. I’m a determined person, and everyone was so encouraging—I have no doubt I will get there.
Tell me about your successes so far:
I spent my past year recovering from a cycling accident and some secondary physical challenges. Camp timing was perfect as I am starting to ramp up.
1. More confident in the water.
2. Improved running and biking technique.
3. Signed up with FCC for the complete Triathlon Transformation training program!
What were some of your most considerable Improvements in performance at Ultimate Tri Camp?
Swim: Arrived: swimming like a ‘listing ship.’ Departed: drilling properly and more focused.
Bike: Better technique with riding in groups and climbing
Run: Improved body and arm position
Nutrition/Health: Comprehend the purpose of supplements and their use.
Mindset: inspired and highly motivated.
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the most significant difference in your triathlon performance after participating in Ultimate Tri Camp:
1. Inspiration—from the athletes and coaches. Each gave me ideas, lessons, and shared experiences that genuinely moved and motivated me—even more than I could have ever expected.
2. Network—knowing so many others with FCC is a resource, help, and encouragement.
3. Knowledge—learned so much.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
It’s the ultimate sport, where you work and compete primarily against yourself to achieve goals, yet collaborate with coaches and other athletes to pursue goals. It transcends specific abilities and drives focus, preparation, and determination. I am very excited to drive toward objectives in parallel with a great team.
What was your favorite part of Ultimate Tri Camp?
I’d be lying if I said it was the ‘ice plunge’ 🧊 😂. The people and camaraderie were second to none. I’ve used the word ‘inspired’ a ton at camp and after. I owe so much to everyone who attended; it boosted my journey.
What would you say to someone on the fence about attending Ultimate Tri Camp?
Go! It’s a safe environment for interested athletes at any level or point in their journey.
Are you coming back next year?
Absolutely
Do you want results like these?
Join us at Ultimate Tri Camp 2025 and learn cutting-edge swim, bike, run, and strength training skills to improve your speed and efficiency.
Ultimate Tri Camp is a 7-day event guaranteed to improve physical and mental performance.
The Ultimate Tri Camp experience touches your soul and empowers your performance like nothing you’ve ever tried. It’s the perfect venue to fine-tune your training and get you RACE READY!
All level triathletes are welcome. Our triathlon camp programs are specifically designed to zone in and strengthen skills based on your athletic level.
Register before April 15, 2024, and get 30% off the registration fee (payment plans available). Click here to register today!
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 more.
