Tag: coach Erinne Guthrie

Have you been told this lie about your swimming?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim

Have you been told this lie about your swimming?

Have you heard these lies before?

“I’m not supposed to kick as a triathlete.”
“I need to save my legs for the bike and run.”

These lies are simply not true!

Your kick is an essential part of your freestyle swim that you cannot and must not leave out.

The secret is that you need to develop your kick 🦵 and make it efficient, so you don’t waste so much energy doing it!

Most triathletes have terrible balance in the water. 
Are you one of them?

This means you are swimming with your head up and your legs dragging. 

No wonder you are tired!

But it’s NOT from kicking; it’s from a lack of balance in the water and an inefficient kick. 

A good kick improves your balance, so you are not dragging your legs thru the water.

Three things to look and feel for in your freestyle kick.

1) Are you bending your knees too much instead of kicking from your hips?

Most triathletes often run and bike, so they are strong with their knees bent. However, to flutter kick well, you need to kick from your hips, keeping your knees mostly straight, with a whip-like motion from the hips. Ankles need to be supple and flexible too!

2) Are your heels breaking the surface of the water?
If not, then you are dragging your legs…

I use the analogy of a motor boat with the engine on but without enough power to get it up on a plane so it has less resistance and can glide through the water.

When flutter kicking correctly, your heels and ankles should lightly break the water’s surface- like a gentle boil. There should not be big huge splashes or your whole foot kicking the air. Instead, you need to keep your feet in the water kicking the water.

3) Are your ankles flexible and floppy so your foot can provide up-and-down propulsion in the water?

Getting a swim video analysis is the best way to witness your kick inefficiencies and learn to correct them.

Come learn how to kick correctly at my upcoming Swim Essentials Clinic for video analysis and 12 hours of coached swim training in the pool, open water, and online.

ARE YOU JOINING US FOR SWIM ESSENTIALS?
Want to learn more of my best swim tips…

If you are ready to start swimming the right way, now is the time to take charge of your swimming and learn my step-by-step process of learning how to swim the right way.

  • Swim-specific strength and mobility
  • The exact things you need to do with your head, hands, arms, legs
  • Stop swallowing a mouth full of water with every head turn to breathe.
  • No more anxiety and panic while you swim
  • How to conserve your energy

With my step-by-step program, you can guarantee improved swim performance and reach your desired swim goals. Assessing your current skills and setting clear performance goals will provide a roadmap for your training.

Click for complete details & registration!

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

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 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 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.
swimming fins to improve speed

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 my video here

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 my video here

3- Dryland 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 my video here

Our Swim Essentials Program starts March 25th; come join us!

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 sign up… please link HERE for all the details.


Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session: WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

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.

How’s your head?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim

How’s your head?

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 in 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? My Swim Essentials Program starts March 25th.

Click HERE for complete details & registration!

Do you have other questions? Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU 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.

Daily Habits Lead to Big Outcomes

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Daily Habits Lead to Big Outcomes

We’ve all heard the old saying, “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.”

But why is it so hard to remember when pursuing positive health changes, big goals, and outcomes?

Maybe because marketers brainwash us to believe in quick, miracle fixes for everything – instant weight loss, spot reductions, and more.

Sorry, but ancient sayings persist for a good reason: This one is true!

So, the secret to making big, positive changes isn’t instant gratification.

It’s making small changes to create new daily habits.

The philosophy made a huge best-seller in the book “Atomic Habits,” which suggests we make a molecular change at first, then add to it more and more, and repeat this until a new, positive behavior becomes ingrained in our life.

It’s the age old idea of delayed gratification: If I make this small sacrifice today, I will be really, really happy about it later.

  • If I save 10 percent of my paycheck, I’ll have money when it’s time to retire.
  • If I reduce my number of junk snacks by, say, one for the first week, then I’ll have cut them all in no time.
  • If I lift a small weight to start out and then keep lifting it until I’m stronger, I can add more weight later… and repeat the process until I’m as strong and lean as I like.
  • If I get in the water and swim 15 minutes today, it will be easier if I do it again in 2 days, and so on!

So, as 2023 continues, keep in mind this super-wise advice to start small, make progress one step at a time… be consistent… be patient… and you will BE SUCCESSFUL in whatever you pursue.

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session, and let’s do it together!

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.

The Importance of Having a Coach at this Time of Year

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

The Importance of Having a Coach at This Time of Year 

Have you ever used a coach?

Some people use them in work to get to the next level (and we sometimes call those “mentors”).

Some use them in relationships to strengthen bonds.

Some use them in diet and exercise to guide them through challenging periods of change.

Some use them to learn a new sport or help them get faster in running or triathlon

And right now, at the start of the year, it is a challenging period of change for many people. 

Face it, even if life is going along well, you can’t help but wonder how it can get better in the new year… or worry about where you might get tripped up.

If you want to be stronger and more effective – at anything – then you should consider hiring a coach to increase your odds of success.

Why? Here are just three reasons.

  1. January and February always bring a ton of sheer pressure and hype that can trip you up. Resolutions, parties, projections… It can be so overwhelming! A coach helps you clear the nonsense and focus on what matters to you.
  2. A coach brings a somewhat dispassionate voice that friends and family can’t. Sure, a coach “likes” you, and maybe you’re even friendly. But a good coach stays at a respectable distance so she can see what others can’t and say what others won’t.
  3. A coach knows tricks you don’t know… like an accountant can do your taxes, and a mechanic can fix your car, right? A good coach uses her expertise to bring solutions and tactics to the table – resources YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT or, at least, how to use most effectively.

Don’t let the distractions and emotions of the season cloud your judgment. Use a coach to help you see clearly and act decisively.

You’ll be SO glad you did.

Do you know about my 16-week (virtual) training program to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time?

You’ll show up confidently at the start of your next race, swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it.

Here’s how it works
You get the ideal blueprint that makes you faster and stronger inside the 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training program

Here’s why it’s different
With 26 years of coaching 1000’s triathletes, I discovered the biggest struggles are:

  • You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to learning the exact skills to be successful in the sport of triathlon.
  • Improving strength and increasing energy are the secrets to preventing injury and burnout.
  • Other programs push athletes beyond their ability with wasted junk miles and excess volume leading to disappointment and failure.
  • With my 16-week Triathlon Transformation Program, the focus is on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

So please use this link to fill out the application.

I’m only accepting five new members, so space is limited. Don’t delay your dreams another day!

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Coach Erinne Guthrie

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session, and let’s do it together!

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.

Is This The Hardest Part for You Too?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

 Is This the Hardest Part for You Too?

Starting something – ANYTHING – is often the most challenging part.

But if you can take action, one little first step, it gets easier.

This isn’t a self-help platitude. IT’S SCIENCE!

Remember Sir Isaac Newton? He said a body at rest tends to stay that way, and a body in motion will stay that way, too. 

The point is, don’t feel bad about yourself because it’s sometimes hard to leave the house and go to the gym,……. or get on the bike……… or out the door for a run… start building a new healthy habit… or start doing anything you REALLY want to do but can’t seem to get motivated about.

I have been struggling with this myself this year.

The solution is often to take one small step. Just one. If you want to go work out, then please, start by putting on your gym clothes and your sneakers.

Tell yourself that’s all you must do: Just get dressed for the run, gym, etc.

Then what?

Well, shoot. Now you’re dressed; you might as well go out the door, right? And then what are you going to do except start running… See what I’m doing here?

Seriously! It’s a simple mind trick that works wonders. It’s like how a recovering alcoholic tells herself she just has to go one day at a time without drinking – even though she knows full well that she can’t ever do it again.

I started this year with walks and weights. Then walk/run and a bike ride.

I went from training 1x/ week to now up to 4-5x, and I can tell you it feels so good to be back, and my body wants more!

Little bites are so much more digestible than giant ones!

One action leads to another… causing momentum… and so on…

And if you need support getting started, I’m here for it…

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session, and let’s do it together!

Do you know about my 16-week (virtual) training program to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time?

You’ll show up confidently at the start of your next race, swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it.

Here’s how it works
You get the ideal blueprint that makes you faster and stronger inside the 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training program

Here’s why it’s different
With 26 years of coaching 1000’s triathletes, I discovered the biggest struggles are:

  • You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to learning the exact skills to be successful in the sport of triathlon.
  • Improving strength and increasing energy are the secrets to preventing injury and burnout.
  • Other programs push athletes beyond their actual ability with wasted junk miles and excess volume leading to disappointment and failure.
  • With my 16-week Triathlon Transformation Program, the focus is on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

So please use this link to fill out the application.

I’m only accepting five new members, so space is limited. Don’t delay your dreams another day!

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Coach Erinne Guthrie

Erinne Guthrie is 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 much more.

You’re Right

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

You’re Right

Henry Ford said a great many wise things.

My favorite: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

And this is never more powerful to remember at a turning point, like the start of a new year, when we look forward with hope, excitement, and – yes – sometimes even fear.

It’s OK to be afraid. Just remember that it can’t stop you from doing what you need to do. And the key to overcoming that fear isn’t to wait for it to go away.

The key is to decide on the next right thing to do, acknowledge the fear, and then do the right thing anyway.

Your self-belief must be strong enough to propel you past the doubt. Call it faith if you want to – in yourself or something more powerful.

But hold onto that belief during the tough times because this committed mindset and bravery will be tested repeatedly.

  • Can I have the healthy life I want?
  • Can I be the kind of partner/parent/friend/employee I aspire to be?
  • Can I love myself and those around me every day, even when it’s hard?
  • Can I do something as big as a triathlon or Ironman?

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t… YOU’RE RIGHT.

Resolve to make a positive choice. To believe in yourself.

Are you interested in learning how I can help you with your health, wellness, and triathlon goals?

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session, and let’s do it together!

Erinne Guthrie, 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.

Why New Year’s Plans Often Fail

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Why New Year’s Plans Often Fail

Every January, millions of people make promises to themselves in New Year’s Resolutions.

  • “This is the year I finally get in shape!”
  • “This is the year I will do a triathlon.”
  • “This is the year I lose the weight!”
  • “This is the year I start my business!”

And then, by February, the vast majority have failed already.

Let’s talk about why.

If we discuss a few common reasons why well-intentioned resolutions fail so often, then maybe we can find a better way to reach the desired end.

  1. They’re too vague. Instead of saying, “I want to get in shape,” say you’re going to spend 15 minutes walking around the neighborhood twice a week. (Don’t worry – it will lead to more.)
  2. Don’t be so demanding of yourself. Realize that the best change is gradual.
  3. Choose to do something positive that you enjoy, and then you won’t have to force yourself to do it every day.
  4. You don’t track your progress. If you want to eat better, download an app to record what you eat every day. If you want to slim down, take a photo of yourself each week so you can see that, despite how you might feel, you really are making progress.
  5. You don’t know your “why.” If you don’t have a compelling reason for doing what you’re doing, it’s bound to fail.
  6. There’s no date set to accomplish the goal. Set a date and create a mantra around it. “It is March 30th, and I completed a triathlon and feel stronger and healthier than ever” repeat it often!
  7. Follow a proven system. Surround yourself with others on the same journey, and hire a coach if you need help.

The key is to examine your desire a little more deeply, and then take little, bite-sized actions each day to get started.

As they say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” And is followed by another… and another…

As a gift, here is my 90-minute Vision Planning workshop recording.

The feedback was excellent. Please use it to help create a true vision for 2023. It will only be available this week, so don’t delay!

Need some help in creating your version of your best life? Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session and let’s do it together!

Erinne Guthrie is 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 much more.

Triathlete turned coach; Rockstar Ollie Garcia

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Triathlete turned coach; Rockstar Ollie Garcia

Coach’s Notes:

Who knew when Ollie hired me 2.5 years ago for her 1st 70.3 that I would now be calling her coach.

She had signed up and never even completed a sprint triathlon.

We only had 3 months, but we got her across the line in her first triathlon 70.3 wanting more!

Not gonna lie, she was a bit stubborn at first. She liked to stay up late and race after only 1 hour of sleep. The nutrition quality was pretty low as well.

But, when she wasn’t getting the results she desired from just training hard, she started to incorporate little changes in nutrition and lifestyle and the results started coming.

She has been on the podium a few times in short course races now and ready to go longer.

She was my team mate for RAAM, with only a few weeks of training since one of our #4cyclists4kids broke their shoulder, she joined the team late and she did an amazing job.

So happy to call her my fellow team mate and proud she is now a Full Circle Coach!

She has been through the ropes of my program just as all my athletes have and she now knows what is possible when you follow the plan and tweak it to make it your own. Way to go Ollie!

Age:

13 at heart but chronologically 34.

Profession:

USAT Level I, Triathlon Coach at Full Circle Coaching and an emergency room nurse.

What is your “A” race for this season?

Daytona Half Ironman

Please share your BIG goals: Tell me about your successes so far: 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:

Woah…. Badassery… Undeniably EPIC so far. Lol

Sooooo, I just finished RAAM! Race Across America, “The World’s Toughest Bike Race.” When I started this sport 1.5 years ago, little did I know I’d be cycling across America. “F*ck! Did I just do that… Yesssss!!

To be honest, I signed up to be support crew but manifested my way into being a cyclists for #4cyclists4kids pedaling to the finish line, and boy did I cross the finish line along with 3 of my peeps, all from @FullCircleCoaching who share the same passion as mine.

I was so excited but TERRIFIED when I got the official word I would be riding.

The what if’s… the I’m not good enough compared to others who’ve been doing this for years; Fudge monkeys I don’t know how to climb a damn mountain or descend one either… the doubts and fear of the unknown popped up in my mind.

However, throughout the time I’ve been part of Full Circle, I learned that it’s the norm for fears to pop up, but more importantly that there are so many ways and tools to fight or rather manage through them.

I couldn’t allow the fears to destroy my love for cycling and sight seeing the USA at its best!

Plus, I got to be part of something bigger; helping kiddos be placed in safe and loving homes with family.

It’s an opportunity for them to learn to manage trauma and any fear of abandonment or, just loss of self worth. I mean if I could help a kid gain a chance to find a way to love themselves and become who they want to become with the proper support, that to me is worth everything in this world.

That’s the thought that encouraged and helped me get through my training and the race itself.

Training for this race was completely different than the 70.3’s, Sprints, and Olympics I had competed in over the last year.

Yes, it was so epic being able to ride 100 miles, 7 days straight and just do over 70 miles every other day or so, before that.

I felt so much stronger and my body could handle the volume.

Time outside of training was minimal so I had to choose wisely how I spent it.

I made sure my nutrition was on point in order to do all of this and I had to invest in myself by eating as organically and clean as I could.

I had to make sure my on bike nutrition was flawless (Vitargo, Bodyhealth electrolytes, endless supply of organic baby food, salt tablets- no gels or bars.

Thank you Endurance Tap for the boost up the mountains and rolling hills in the middle of the night with the fireflies).

I had to find the proper rest when I could between training and work. When it was race time, my body was able to be on the go, go.

It wasn’t easy and the logistics of the race had its flaws that were beyond my control but I got to experience cycling and mother nature at its best while gaining so much confidence in my future.

This race has taught me that being WISE is way better than trying to hit the pedals to the max every damn time.

I was able to keep going when it was rough because I knew when I could push and when I had to pull back to be ready for the next challenge. Just like any race, the more you teach yourself that it’s OKAY to not be hitting your max full throttle THE WHOLE DAMN TIME and waiting to press the trigger, the more likely you’ll be able to PR, survive longer than your competitors and eventually pass them.

Endurance training is not like a SPRINT, but you can incorporate the sprint in the right moments with the proper fuel.

After the race, and a few weeks of recovery, I did my bike test and increased my FTP (Functional Threshold Power) from 176 to 188 and my new goal is to get over 200.

Funny thing is, I didn’t even train for speed or threshold for this race. All I did was ride mostly zone 2/3 over the weeks before the race and during, yet I still improved my watts.

Lets be real for a second, who doesn’t want to go 24 plus mph ALL THE DAMN TIME!? But I have learned that doesn’t equate to higher power numbers or better race results.

A few other things I have learned:

Riding in a group and drafting does not develop my own cycling power and skills. It’s a great addition to my training but it can’t be the only thing.

My other success is that I learned how to ride into the wind by holding higher RPMS with easier gears to produce more power and hold it (damn right) rather than struggling with my legs with a harder gear and lower RPMS

What I’ve noticed is that most people are scared when they see the WINDS MPH written on the weather channel app. They won’t go swim or bike, f*ck that, DIVE RIGHT IN! It actually isn’t as bad as it seems when you’re into the workout. If it is, there are tricks. I’ve learned to be mentally okay with cutting my session short because my MPH was lower than the normal but fuck… I’m faster than before with more confidence.

Also, I learned how to cope with the fear of being blown away or feeling the bike move under me. Deep breathing, reminding myself I am safe and in control. I know how to sit and where to add pressure to the bike if needed but never stop breathing deep! You too can do that guys (and girls), it’s not comfortable in the moment, but practice will make it so worth it.

Currently, I’m getting ready for Cozumel 70.3 and Daytona 70.3.

For Cozumel my main focus will be swim and bike.

Daytona will be a test for how I adapt in all 3 sports. I’ve been healing from a foot injury and have learned how to manage the stress it can take with the training.

I was hesitant in doing the races post RAAM, but the more I work on my strength and mobility (sometimes I’ll shorten my workout to do so) the more I realize it is possible.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:

  1. Clean Nutrition and SLEEP!
  2. Working on my self worth/ confidence.
  3. DRILLS! Holy crap, if it weren’t for them I think I wouldn’t have improved my swimming in such a short time. Running; the drills and form is what got me back to running with no issue on top of the strength work. That’s why I can run more effectively and still be pretty fast with the lack of training I had. For Cycling; those one legged drills (I’VE SLACKED ON THEM and I tried it out this week and I already see a difference. Kind of excited to see how much stronger I can get doing the drills for not too long during my workouts)!

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

Being able to defy limits.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?

I’m a coach at Full Circle, but I started off as a beginner triathlete.

I loved it so much I wanted more.

I have learned and now teach that at Full Circle Coaching it’s more than just getting a workout plan.

It’s pretty cool to have others who share the same passion as you, surround you and help keep you accountable.

We focus on technique and form, and science based training.

Most of our athletes PR consistently and that’s the key, getting better and better and continuing to grow and improve.

We actually care as coaches and we always want to see you improve across every finish line, not just crossing ONE FINISH LINE.

We coach our athletes, but we also train and race, so we teach what we learn ourselves and include that with more education and personal experience for you.

That’s more important than just a certification and teaching you stuff because it’s in a book. We keep it real for you.

So YEAH! If you’re wanting to push through your doubts and fears, gain confidence, cross a finish line or 5, PR at your next race or just chill with the Tribe and have funskiez… JOIN US!

CURIOUS ABOUT FULL CIRCLE’S TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMS?

You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of!
Schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session NOW!

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.

Unravel The Limiting Beliefs That Are Holding You Back

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset

Unravel The Limiting Beliefs That Are Holding You Back

Beliefs are just thoughts repeated, right? We’ve all heard that before or read it on a coffee mug or Pinterest board.

And it’s true. If you think you’re a smart, hard-working, good person – and then repeat that thought over and over — then you’re going to face the world with a positive attitude about yourself.

Unfortunately, it works the other way around too, as so many of us know. Have you ever thought any of these about yourself? And then repeated them, like, a million times until the thoughts become your beliefs?

I’ll always be too fat.

I’ll never make it.

Nothing ever goes my way.

I’m always injured

I’ll never be fast

I’ll never be good enough

These are highly common self-limiting beliefs. We all have some like them. Maybe they came from a childhood trauma or insult – and the wound caused us to repeat a thought so many times that now it seems like undisputed truth.

But it’s not. It’s just what you’ve been telling yourself about yourself.

The good news is this: You can change your self-beliefs by changing what you say about yourself!

  1. Stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone who seems to have more … or be more … or do more. Just be YOU.
  2. Notice what thoughts about yourself pop into your head. What are the circumstances? Are there any common threads? 
  3. Dig into your past to think about where they might’ve come from? I personally had a 3rd grade teacher bring me to the front of the class and show everyone how terrible my cutting skills with scissors were. Believe it or not that has stayed with me for decades! Despite all the many successes I have had in school and business. I keep a list of all my successes when I think I cannot do something I have the desire to do
  4. Next, try to turn around a negative thought. When you tell yourself that you’re not successful in life, think of something that you’ve done well – a new job, a relationship, good relationships with your family, etc. 
  5. Then say it out loud and repeat the thought over and over: “I’m smart and successful and often achieve my goals.”

This doesn’t have to take a long time to bring lasting change. It’s a form of self-care to grant yourself the empathy and support you would a friend.

We’re here to help you build new habits to turn those negative self-beliefs into empowering tales of your fabulousness. Let’s do it – together!

Curious about Full Circle’s Triathlon Transformation program?
You too can become the triathlete you always dreamed of! Use this link to schedule your FREE Triathlon Breakthrough Session Now! WWW.SCHEDULEYOU.IN/5ZISVAU

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.