Jeanette has been a Duathlete for a few years but always wanted to add the swim and do an actual Triathlon. We started with a swim video evaluation, bike fit, and run video analysis to identify a few things to work on.
She has a busy work schedule, but she fit the necessary training, and then Ultimate Tri Camp helped her improve drastically. So proud that now she can call herself a triathlete, and we are working on getting faster before going longer in the fall. Way to go, Jeanette! You are a Rockstar Triathlete- I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Age: 58
Profession: Firefighter
Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
The knowledge, experience, and techniques for fine-tuning and improving all aspects of the triathlon world.
What is your “A” race for this season?
My A races for this year were Miami Half Marathon and Clash Miami, my first triathlon ever.
Please share your BIG goals: My big goal is to complete a 70.3 in 2023
Tell me about your successes:
My biggest successhas been completing my first sprint triathlon at Clash Miami. I also attended Ultimate Tri Camp a few weeks ago and improved my swim, or should I say, it made me more confident in the water to complete the swim at Clash, which I was worried about.
Learning all those breathing techniques and remaining calm in the water was huge for me, as that was my biggest concern. Also, being able to average 19 MPH on the bike was great too.
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. Swim – I achieved my goal by completing the Clash Miami and getting through the swim portion of this event. Being at Ultimate Tri Camp the week before really helped me accomplish this goal.
2. Bike – I still have much to improve on the bike, but I was happy that I could maintain my average for Clash Miami at 19 MPH.
3. Run – my cadence has improved tremendously. My average rpms is now in the 180s, which is way better than when I first started. However, I still have a lot of work to improve my form and get faster.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
What excites me most about being involved with triathlon is the camaraderie that is felt amongst the athletes that share the same passion as we cheer each other on and see how much you can push your body to accomplish all this.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our training program?
Do It. Everything is possible with the right coaching. The knowledge and assistance that has been given to me by Full Circle are tremendous, and I recommend the program to anyone who is serious about wanting to accomplish their goal.
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
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:
Motivation, Intensity
Commitment, Focus, and knowing my “pain point” in my training
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?
This is the best offer you will see.
Pay a $250 refundable deposit by March 31st to secure your savings of 1/2 OFF the total price of Ultimate Tri Camp.
This refundable deposit is valid (through Aug 31, 2023), giving you plenty of time to plan and decide if Ultimate Tri camp is for you! Learn details about attending camp HERE!!
Tentative 2024 Dates February 26-March 3rd.
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.
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:
Proper swimming techniques
Triathlon-specific strength training
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.
They can be a time of feeling overwhelmed and frazzled.
And they can – surprise! – also be a time to focus and get important things done.
How to succeed during this time of year? Here are five tips to keep you merry and happy into 2023.
Assess what’s important to you. And I don’t mean shopping! Count your blessings – literally. Write down all the good stuff – what makes you happy and smile. Write a long list as fast as you can without pausing to think. Then go back and edit it down to the top five or six items you hope to pursue in 2023. I promise it’ll bring you clarity.
Consider where you need help. Here again, write it all out. In the brainstorming round, you’re not judging yourself or your ideas. That comes next. Do you need a mentor at work? A Triathlon Coach? Should you take a night-school course on personal finance? Take a nutrition and lifestyle course? These items should connect at least generally to the list of what’s important to you.
Love the ones you’re with. If you’re with the people you love the most, that’s great. Be sure to let them know in word and deed how important they are. But it’s more than OK, too, if you’re with other people; be sure to show them the affection and respect they deserve, as well. Fully embrace your circumstances.
Give of yourself. Whether you’re just super-present for people in your life or whether you volunteer at a local food bank… you’ll uplift yourself and others by volunteering your time, talents, and maybe even money. Giving freely with love and no expectations really is a gift that pays huge dividends to the giver.
Take advantage of the time. Conventional wisdom says we don’t have any free time during the holidays. But for many, we have holiday-related pockets that we can put to good use. Read that big novel. Get your taxes together. Meet a friend for a workout. It’s your free time, so you decide!
The key to having a successful holiday season is mindfulness. Remember to be grateful, aware, loving, generous, and engaged.
Happy Holidays, for sure!
Join Me December 29th, for my 90-minute Vision Planning Workshop, where I will walk you through the steps above to set yourself up for an amazing 2023!
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.
Willy has been a triathlete for seven years, and his big goal is to qualify for the Long Course World Championships. He knows how to swim, bike, and run and does well.
But, to get to this next level, he needs to make some changes.
We have only worked together for three weeks, but he was able to achieve a personal record just by implementing a better nutrition and pacing plan along with focusing on technique. We planned for a 4:40 at the Daytona middle distance, and he came across the line at 4:38; now that is some precision timing! I am super excited for the next five months’ journey to Ironman Texas and Willy’s Qualification for the Big Show at the World Championships.
Way to go, WIlly; thank you so much for trusting the process with me and the Full Circle Coaching Process. Let’s DO THIS!!!!!
Age:
38
Profession:
Civil Engineer
Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
Erinne is a very experienced coach, willing to help me with my crazy goals.
What is your “A” race for this season?
Ironman Texas
Please share your BIG goals:
My main goal is to qualify for the World Championship at Ironman Texas in 2023
Tell me about your successes so far:
I joined the team 3 weeks ago, and on Sunday, I got a PR in the 70.3 distance.
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:
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
Nutrition, I think the nutrition made a big difference in the performance.
Swim, I was focused on technique the whole way.
The pacing was key to having a strong performance.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
The challenge, we are trying to master three sports at the same time.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our training program?
Trust the process, it may be different from how you were doing before, but I can assure you that it works.
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.
The 80/20 rule will help you maintain through the holidays
Have you heard of the 80/20 Rule?
It’s a helpful idea to manage stress and time. It’s SUPER-helpful during the holidays when lots of us need help remembering what’s important, managing resources, and improving how we get things done.
Here’s what it says, in a nutshell: 80 percent of the outcomes in life come from 20 percent of the causes.
Put another way; we get the most results from a fraction of our efforts.
Put another way, don’t run around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to do everything! It’s really not productive.
And I’m pointing this out during this hectic time of year because – it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and stressed by the holidays that we do run around like that unfortunate bird.
Because we accept as “URGENT” all those demands put on us by other people.
Because we have FOMO.
Because we don’t want to let people down.
So, take a moment… Breathe… And remember to focus your energy on the few things that will bring you the most happiness. Like exercising and training for triathlon! 😉
And might I remind you I live by this rule all year round!
READY TO FIND OUT IF MY PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU? FILL OUT MY FREE TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION APPLICATION 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.
What are your daily minimum requirements of yourself? What are the two or three essential action steps you need to take no matter what occurs – because you’re committed to consistency in your efforts to have the healthy life you desire?
I’m not talking about your big, audacious goals for the year or your dream situation coming to life.
I want you to write down what you can do each day – EVEN WHEN YOU TRULY CAN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE — and feel like you accomplished at least something to take you closer to your goal.
Here are some ideas to get you going.
“Meditate for 5-10 minutes each morning after five deep belly breaths and gentle stretching.”
“Move my body with a purpose for 20 minutes a day.”
“Eat right for my metabolic type – with healthy non-processed protein, fat, and carbohydrates daily.”
“Sleep 8+ hours 4-5 nights/ week.”
You can always do more. Well – you can almost always do more. But sometimes you can’t, right? Sometimes life gets in the way with unexpected events.
And on those days, having already checked the minimum items off your daily to-do list, you can go to sleep still feeling proud of yourself – and still on track.
READY TO FIND OUT IF MY PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU? FILL OUT MY FREE TRIATHLON TRANSFORMATION APPLICATION 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.
Eat a live frog first thing every morning; then, you can face the day knowing the worst is behind you.
So goes a theory about how to stop procrastinating made popular by author Brian Tracy.
He says “eating a frog” is like tackling your most difficult task first thing each day – which is also the one that can do the most for you.
Now, no one is actually suggesting you eat a frog – live or otherwise!
But I bet you have an unpleasant chore you’ve been putting off… and putting off…
That’s been bugging you, distracting you, and making you feel like an irresponsible procrastinator.
So, why not do it today? Right now.
Just imagine how much clearer your mind will be when “It” is finally off your plate. Imagine the brain power you can now devote to other things you’ll enjoy more.
It’s just a matter of making priorities and decisions and then having the determination and discipline to follow through on them. Like everything that’s hard at first, it gets easier each time you do it – and experience the reward.
If you are getting started on your nutrition and triathlon training, my 21-day get Faster Challenge starts on December 1st Thursday. Today is the last day to join.
I will teach you how to eat that frog of putting your health and lifestyle first for 21 days!
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.
Jesse’s story is truly amazing. You will read below how he is extremely modest about his successes, but I am here to shout to the world.
He is a massive inspiration to all of us at Full Circle Coaching, and he doesn’t even know it.
Jesse did his first International distance triathlon the day after we met at a race clinic. He was the very last person on the course and he finished.
When we started training together, Jesse had already lost 300 lbs, and with my program, he lost an additional 40 lbs.
He trusts every step of my process and keeps getting faster and stronger with every race.
Since training with Full Circle Coaching, he has been on the podium in every single race except for 2.
Last year at Ironman Florida he finished in 17:01 according to the Ironman Time clock- so that means a DNF- DO NOT FINISH. He completed the full distance but missed the cut-off time and rules are rules!
So what did Jesse do? He signed up again for Ironman Florida 2022.
He went back this year and blew last year’s away with a 16:25. Freakin’ Amazing Jesse. And he only ran 13 miles as his long run because he sprained his ankle. You see it’s not the big giant workouts that allow you to PR in this way, it’s about consistency and Jesse is consistent year-round with of course regular rest and recovery!
I could not be more proud of you, Jesse; a total Rockstar Triathlete and Inspiration to all. Guess what the next goal is? Sub 15 hours, baby! Let’s do it! Love you, Jess!
Age:
66
Profession:
Electrical Contractor, owner of Electric Service & Repair Inc.
Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I met coach Erinne after my first triathlon during a race clinic, and I knew I wanted to train with Full Circle!
What is your “A” race for this season?
Ironman Florida is my “A” race.
Please share your BIG goals:
To complete a full Ironman.
Tell me about your successes so far:
I just finished my second Ironman.
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:
My swim and bike have improved. I did this race after recovering from an ankle injury, so I didn’t get as much run training as I should have but I managed it.
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. Being Consistent 2. Putting in the time needed to train 3. Listening to my coach
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
The most exciting thing is how inspiring the triathlon community is. There are so many beautiful achievements and epic life accomplishments for so many. I am also super excited about new challenges and goals for myself.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our training program?
Do 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.
Busy Dad becomes first time Ironman in 12:10 with only 14 weeks of training; Rockstar Triathlete Carlos Guadamuz
Coach’s Notes:
Thank you, Carlos, for trusting the process of my 16-week Triathlon Transformation training program. You are proof that it works and achieved the goal in 14 weeks instead of 16. I truly appreciate your dedication to your goals and how you managed all the training while working full-time, getting to the kid’s soccer games, and balancing life with your supportive wife! You, indeed, are a Rockstar Triathlete!
Congratulations!
Age:
46
Profession:
Product Management – I create, build, and market products. Mainly techy ones 🙂
Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I wanted to compete in my first Ironman, and I felt I needed coaching for a race as big and complex as the Ironman.
I did my first 70.3 last December 2021 with zero coaching, and although I didn’t have a bad time, I didn’t feel I was at my full potential and the experience was a bit painful.
So, rather than a feeling of accomplishment when I finish it, I had a lot of doubts and “what ifs” in my head. In my own view, the best way to prove myself that I am better than that was to finish a full Ironman. However, this time around I was going to do it with a coach.
I saw coach Erinne giving the pre-race clinic at Miami-Man 2021 and liked everything she said. I also saw her on race day surrounded by her team, all wearing the same colors, which made me appreciate from afar the team spirit and the confidence of having a coach. That positive image stayed in my mind when it was time to choose a coach.
What is your “A” race for this season?
My A-race was Ironman Florida, 2022, because it was my first Ironman. However, the Key Biscayne triathlon last September (international distance) was also a good race because it gave me, entirely unexpectedly, my first podium.
Ironman Florida was a significant achievement because it gave me a lot of “firsts;” my first ever Ironman, my first ever 112-mile ride, and my first ever marathon. To me, it was also an important achievement because I am quite new to triathlons. My first ever triathlon race was MiamiMan, less than a year ago, and my longest triathlon was Ironman 70.3 FL, in December last year (11 months ago). I actually rode a road bike for the first time only 18 months ago and bought my first triathlon bike in May (less than 6 months ago). My only advantage was swimming, as I have swum since I was little, with my first open water competition at the age of 10.
Also, Ironman Florida was a big achievement for me, not only because of those new challenges but also because I only had 14 weeks to go when I started training with Full Circle.
The Key Biscayne International distance triathlon was a total surprise in terms of the result.
I had a 9hr super day the weekend before and another long brick the day before. So, the complete opposite to going into the race fresh. I was actually tired on race day.
However, the objective was exactly that, to test me under those conditions. Also, to practice before Ironman all the elements of a race, mainly building and following a race plan. My plan demanded a fast pace, which I was doubting I could follow. However, I stayed on it during the race and it delivered a category second place. It was a good lesson I was going to take to Ironman Florida.
Please share your BIG goals:
My goals were all based on Ironman FL and they were growing as I kept training. My initial goal was just to finish the Ironman because I was truly uncertain if I could do it.
Then, the goal was to finish it with zero walking during the run (which is something I did at the end of my 70.3).
Then it was the time, initially, it was based on the rule of thumb of doubling my 70.3 times and adding 1hr – I finished the 70.3 in 6:06 so the expected time was 13:12. As I was getting closer to the race I had to build a race plan, which estimated my finish time at 12:25
In the end, I finished with an Ironman time of 12:10, which beat my race plan estimate and was lower than twice my 70.3 time. Not only did I not walk but I achieved a negative split, running my fastest pace at the last 6 miles.
I felt so strong and determined that I didn’t need to stop at aid stations from mile 23rd onward.
Tell me about your successes so far:
I believe the results reflect the training. So, in my view, a key success was to be able to complete and follow all my training as was written by coach Erinne.
I never missed a single long-distance ride, run, or swim.
It was a big success not only because most of the last sessions I broke personal records in terms of distance and time – like my first ever 100-mile ride or my first 20-mile run.
But also because I was able to achieve those without injuries or extreme fatigue. That was a key success for me because it was one of my major fears. Especially after experiencing injuries in the past that made me stop training altogether.
I believe that completing successfully all the training was possible due to different elements.
First, the training plan, which had a progressive approach, included recovery sessions (stretches, foam rolling, etc.), and strength sessions and allowed for resting or down periods. Also, the focus on good technique reduced the injury risk. And then the personal guidance and experience from the coach helped alleviate specific muscle pains when they surfaced, providing tips on technique, and instructing focused strength and stretching exercises.
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:
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. The Running – based on my 70.3 experience and previous injuries, I considered it my weakest link. However, I surprised myself with my Ironman run.
2. Nutrition – It was the biggest eye-opener for me. I went from just basically drinking water and eating a couple of gels, to building a race plan with calories, carbs, and electrolytes per hour.
3. Training Capacity – I wasn’t sure I was going to complete what I saw in Training Peaks, but I did it all
4. Technique – overall improvement especially on the run but even on the swim which was my strongest sport.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
For sure the example I am giving my kids. Which I am fully convinced is the best way to lead.
The best way to explain this is through an experience with my older boy. He was nine when I finished my 70.3 and not long after that, he came to me with a website showing a triathlon race for kids and asking me to register him. We started training for two months with very little pushing from my side. He got a good result and we all felt very proud of his achievement.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our training program?
As I mentioned before it was the team spirit that caught my initial attention. Full Circle has been able to build a community of people with the same passion, where everybody can help and encourage someone with a question or moment of doubt. I also learned so many things that were crucial to finish my first Ironman, like technique, training methods, nutrition, and overall wellness.
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.
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