Tag: Swimming

From Heart Condition to Sprint Triathlon PR – Mark Fajet

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS, Run, Swim

Rockstar Triathlete: Mark Fajet

Coaches Notes:

I was definitely a little concerned with Mark’s prior heart condition when we started training, so I was extremely conservative about his progression through the training program. Prioritizing technique over tons of volume and gradually adding speed work in all three sports has proved effective. His results below are amazing! I am so proud of you, Mark. You are a Rockstar Triathlete with a lot of potential in the sport. Thanks for trusting the process and being open to learning a better way to train!

—

Age: 27

Profession: Software Engineer

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I wanted to do triathlons, but then I was diagnosed with pericarditis after going to the ER with heart pains. I managed to get through it with no training for months. Then I did a triathlon on my own, but my training for it was very calm as I was worried to push myself. I joined full circle because Erinne was very supportive of easing me into higher loads of training and safely pushing myself.

What is your “A” race for this season?
Ironman 70.3 Haines City, December 2024

What are your BIG goals?
Complete an Ironman 70.3 this year and a Full Ironman next year.

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.our biggest improvements:
In the beginning, I was setting goals of running a 5k in under 30 minutes. Five months later, after joining the Triathlon Transformation Program, I ran a 5k in 24:45 and a 5k at the end of a sprint tri in 27:25

Before the program, my average bike pace at a sprint triathlon was 15.3mph. In the latest triathlon, my average pace was 19.96 mph.

Beyond the timing numbers, the biggest improvement was in my ability to run while keeping my heart rate low and stay in zone 2. Before the program, I would be running like a 16 minute mile in zone 2. Now, I am around 12 minute miles while in zone 2.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey.
Consistency and pushing my limits. Prior to joining full circle, all my workouts were too easy and I wasn’t really making as much progress.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? 
The fact that there is always room for improvement and that I can see what I’m able to achieve when I put in the work.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
The coaches are very knowledgeable. They are able to provide lots of general information, specific information for you, and even specific information about race courses.

Do you want results like these?

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Triathlon Transformation Session 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 much more.

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.

So you had a terrible race, now what?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Mindset, Race Specific

So Your Race Sucked…Now What?

This situation can be even more painful for a half or full marathon/ Ironman due to the amount of time and money invested to even just get to the starting line.

When the results turn out terrible, it’s time to take a real hard look at your training log over the previous 5-6 months leading up to the race. Now sometimes there are situations that are out of your control, like tacks on the road, bad weather etc. But you can usually prevent most of your races from going south.

You need to look and be honest with yourself. Did you really put in the volume and intensity that your training program called for?

Did you do those hard intervals that your coach had in your Training Peaks?

Did you hit the minimums for long course racing that include 3 swims, 3 bikes, 4 runs and 2 strength sessions per week?

Did you train on similar terrain and conditions to your race?  Long course racing is no joke, and it’s hard for me to see my own athletes struggle on course as I watch my IM Tracker.

Did you Dial in your nutrition for success on the day no matter what the conditions are?

My goal as a coach is to actually make  training  a little bit  harder than the race will be so that you can handle all the race day stress and logistics; saying to yourself, “So that’s why she made me do all those bridge repeats, etc.”

It takes a lot of mental and physical fortitude to toe the line at a triathlon (long course and short course)  believe it or not.

You hear people talk about it like its no big deal. But, not everyone comes out of the womb swimming, biking and running!

If you have not been challenged and had to work hard to overcome set backs in your training, success on race day is unlikely.

It’s really all about the journey and race day is the test. Did you do your homework? Most of the time all the reasons why your race sucked are right there in the training log, where you skipped that swim, bike, or run. Decided to take 10 days off instead of two, eat pizza and drink beer.

If you made the commitment to sign up for the marathon or triathlon race, you might as well do everything you can to get it right! Listen to your coach, follow your individual training plan designed to help you progress safely and confidently to the distance of your race. It takes time, not just a few weeks!

So now, I know you are super motivated to get it right next time!

Recover well, write out the whole painful experience, so you can look back before your next race and remember not to let that happen again!!!!

If you are looking for help avoiding another terrible race result, Let’s Talk about how I can design a plan specific to you to dial in your best performance on the day!

Use tis link to set up a call with me now!

Happy Training and Racing!!!

Wishing you well,
Coach Erinne

If you can relate in any way, I invite you to schedule a Triathlon Breakthrough session with me where you get 30 minutes to ask me anything about triathlons, nutrition, and training!

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, Mom and much much more.

Rockstar Swimmer Christine Baldwin Focuses on Progress over Perfection

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Rockstar Swimmer: Christine Baldwin

Coaches Notes: Christine participated in the open water session for swim essentials and our Ransom Everglades weekly pool sessions and has dramatically improved in the last month. She has already improved in just 2 months.

From telling me, “No” I can’t do that, to; “I’m working on it,” to “I can feel the difference”

Yes, this is called progress!

She just completed the Swim Miami Mile and has now signed on to train for the 8-mile Alligator Lighthouse open water as part of a 3-person relay.

Thank you so much, Christine, for trusting Full Circle and our process to break through some old barriers. I’m loving your progress so far and am even more excited for the next adventure with the Alligator Lighthouse Swim.

Age: 54

Profession: Manufacturing (yes, in Miami)!

Why did you choose Swim Essentials to help with your swimming skills?

It was time to revamp my swim stroke and breathing.  I had already had a good experience with Erinne, who introduced me to OWS at a swim clinic in 2009!  I’ve been enjoying it off and on ever since (through 1 Full Ironman, about 4 halves, and countless swim Miami’s – all very slow), and a running injury later…  I figured it was finally time for more instruction😊. And Swimming is so low impact I can take it into my future decades. 


Please share your BIG swim goals:

I’m so excited about exposure to new challenges and taking on the Alligator Lighthouse Relay.  I can’t wait for the beautiful water of the Florida Keys!  

Tell me about your success at Swim Miami 2023:

After only working with Erinne for a few weeks and correcting my breathing, I could actually enjoy the swim course since I was taking on more oxygen. 

What were some of your biggest improvements:

I was far more relaxed and even paced due to breathing properly. 

This freed me up to use some new skills for sighting buoys, contributing to less bumping into others and meandering on the course.   

I still need to work on this, but I look forward to improvements from tweaking other aspects of my swim stroke.

Confession: I’m not a fan of metrics and times since I tend to chase endorphins and the expansive feel of long-course racing… but I’m curious about what using a Coach, swim watch, and training with other swimmers can newly develop.  Trying these new things is making routine training exciting again.

What would you say to someone on the fence about participating in our Swim Essentials program?

By removing the barriers to open water swimming, you can discover a sport that can keep you active into your future decades.  All while getting outside on beautiful beaches and meeting some of the most active, disciplined, AND fun-loving folks around. 

Are you interested in improving your swimming?

Click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU to schedule your FREE Swim Breakthrough Session 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 much more.

Have You Been Told These Lies About Swimming?

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim

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.

I am hosting a Swim Essentials Clinic February 17-18th…
WILL YOU BE JOINING US?

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.

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

REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK!

If you know Swim Essentials is for you, Send me an email at info@fullcirclecoaching.com to get on the waitlist!

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.

The Sky Is The Limit for Rockstar Triathlete Maria Picton

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Coaches Notes:

Maria reached out to me after she qualified to Nationals in the summer of 2023. She wanted to be sure she was ready to compete there so she flew in to Miami from North Carolina and we did all of her evaluations in person: Swim Video, Run Video, Bike Fit, Swim Bike and Run tests too. From all of this we have been able to coach her virtually through my Triathlon Transformation program.

The weekly coach calls help keep her feeling connected to the team, as well as the monthly video analysis reviews. And of course the daily training on her Training peaks specific to her needs and goals.

Some of her big wins were as follows:

Swim– She went from 40 strokes across the pool to 20 strokes in 25 yards, which equals improvement in energy and speed. She also went from a full-blown panic attack at Nationals to cool as a cucumber in her last triathlon race of the season in Key West, where she got 1st place on the podium in her age group!

Bike- With her new bike fit, she could actually push and create more speed with better pressure all the way around the pedal stroke. She zoom zoomed on the bike in Key West!

Run- with the run video analysis, we improved arm swing, foot strike, and Steps per minute (SPM) to increase speed on her 5k, even off the bike!

Way to go, Maria! I am so super proud of all of your Rockstar accomplishments in 2023.

Let’s get 2024- We got this!

What is your age?

60

What is your profession?:

Oncologist in North Carolina

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

I have been following Full Circle Coaching since I started participating in triathlons for fun. I noticed their athletes always excel at competitions. I wanted more out of my training and to reach my full potential. “The sky is the limit!” is my Mantra!

What is/ was your “A” race for this season?

April 13th- The Ride on Ryan Sprint Triathlon in Savannah, Georgia

What are your BIG goals?

I want to become a stronger (physically and mentally) triathlete.

Tell me about your successes so far! What were some of your biggest improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. 

After panicking in the water at Nationals in August of 2023, it was an accomplishment to swim through my fears. The swim video assessment and the corrective drills have made an incredible difference, cutting my pace by 30 to 45 seconds/ 100.

The bike fit was also a game changer. I felt more in control and became faster.
I have also become a faster runner from the video analysis, run drills, and speed workouts.

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

  1. Training with consistency.
  2. The Full Circle coaches are available to answer any questions, as well as the weekly coaching calls.
  3. Rest and mindfulness.

What excites you the most about being involved in running/triathlon?

It is a sport that challenges your body and mental toughness. Being surrounded by healthy individuals with a positive attitude.

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

It is a game-changer. Virtual coaching is excellent, but take advantage of in-person training, too, if possible!

Do you want results like these? My 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training Program is designed to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time than other training programs.

The Triathlon Transformation Program focuses 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.

If you want to 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 — then this program is for you.

Click here to apply for my 16-Week Triathlon Transformation Program.

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.