Rockstar: Mason Fruit
Coaches Notes:
Mason called me up, telling me he had three 70.3 races on the books for 2023, and I knew my 16-week Triathlon Transformation program would be perfect for getting him across the finish line faster than ever in the first one (Florida 70.3 in Panama City), and a rinse and repeat program for the next two.
If you have been following me, you know how much I encourage my athletes to get strong and fast before going long.
That is precisely what we did with Mason. First, we did all of his assessments and testing since he is not a local athlete. This is how I get to know you as an athlete and correct your technique and teach you HOW to TRAIN using your individual cardiovascular testing and training zones. We use the information from the assessments to create your training program. We also create your Map to your A Race with shorter distance races to get good at racing!.
We started first with racing a sprint triathlon, then an International, and we also included Swim Miami – both the 800 and 1-mile races, in which he swam the mile faster than the 800 after getting a good warm-up in on the 800!
Racing in these shorter distance races is essential to practice the skills and drills and pacing he was doing in training in race settings.
The result for the first 70.3 is a 6:09
So proud of your success so far, Mason! Let’s get even faster and stronger for the next two!
What is your age?
26
What is your profession?:
Electrical Engineer
Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I wanted results faster than I was seeing training on my own. I am new to the sport, don’t know too many people in the community, and was looking for a coach. At the right time, I went to Coach Errine’s clinic before Miami Man last year. I liked her holistic approach to training and triathlon.
What is your “A” race for this season?
I have 3 “A” races – IM 70.3 in Gulf Coast, 70.3 in Santa Cruz, and 70.3 Arizona
What are your BIG goals?
I would love to start finishing in the top 10% in my age group at 70.3s. Still, a long way to go – but I’m having a lot of fun and making progress. Now want to keep it going!
Tell me about your successes so far!
IM 70.3 Gulf Coast went great for me. I was very happy with both my time and how I felt.
What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved.
Swim – I learned how. I really didn’t know proper technique, body position, stroke mechanics, breathing, head position, hip rotation. If you don’t believe me, ask Coach Errine I’m sure she can attest I truly was at the beginner level 😉
Bike – I gained a lot of confidence riding outside and fueling without stopping. Before training with FC, I would stop every 10ish miles to drink and fuel.
Run – I cut ~1min/mile off of my 10k pace/13.1 pace over Olympic and 70.3 distances (and have the race numbers to prove it!)
Nutrition – I added some calories to my water bottle and made a nutrition plan that I trained with. This worked wonders – no “ick” during the races!
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. Learning how to swim properly
2. Knowing I’m able to improve at a fast rate
3. Staying consistent
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
Having a competitive outlet that is healthy, on my own time, builds character, and allows me to travel around going to events.
What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
You’ll surprise yourself with how quickly it will help you get the results you are capable of! And you will get 100% of the support you need from a great group!
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.
