Tag: triathlon

Virtual Training Helped Him Smash His Goals – Rockstar Joseph Brittain

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS

Rockstar Triathlete: Joseph Brittain

Coaches Notes:

Joseph’s transformation from a newcomer to a standout performer with Full Circle Coaching is a testament to his grit and determination.  Our journey began at the Ride on Ryan Sprint Tri in Savannah in 2023, where he enrolled in my 8-week Beginner Tri program. His hard work paid off when he secured a podium finish in his first Olympic Distance Tri.

Joseph’s achievements are not just a result of his physical training, but also his active participation in the coaching process.  He consistently followed the plan, Completed the workouts, and took the necessary rest during recovery weeks. His dedication was further evident in his regular attendance at our group calls, where he actively asked questions and sought ways to push his limits. He submitted videos so we could work on his technique, and he performed his testing so no junk miles were trained. Every workout had a purpose, and the results speak for themselves.

Way to go, Joseph. You are a true Rockstar Triathlete! Thanks so much for choosing Full Circle Coaching to guide you on the journey. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!  

—

Age: 30

Profession: Civil Engineer

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I met Coach Erinne at the Ride of Ryan Sprint Triathlon in Savannah in May 2023. I had done a couple of sprint races but knew that I wanted to start doing longer races and to be prepared to perform my best at those races. 

What is your “A” race for this season?
Gulf Coast 70.3 last week. I am about to put together a race plan for the second half of 2024.

What are your BIG goals?
My BIG goals for 2024 were to run my first marathon and half-ironman. Both went well, and I outperformed my initial expectations. I will run the Classic City Marathon (3 hrs 25 mins) in January 2024 and the Gulf Coast 70.3 (5 hrs 8 mins) in May 2024. I have some potential new goals in mind, but I am still letting them marinate in my brain.

What were some of your most significant improvements in performance for each of the following? Swim, Bike, Run, and Nutrition/Health. Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved.


Swim: My CSS improved from 1:34/100yds (May 2023) to 1:22/100yds (November 2023)(PR).

Bike: In my first Olympic race in July 2023, I averaged 21.0 mph. In my first half-ironman in May 2024, I averaged 21.3 mph. I recently got a power meter, so racing and training by power have helped a lot.

Run: 1-mile run test improved from 6:03 (May 2023) to 5:42 (February 2024)

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the most significant difference in your journey
(1) Swim drills. My swimming technique has definitely improved. I had previously assumed that my fitness level was my biggest limiter, and I never did drills at the pool. I would swim long freestyle sets.
(2) Group Training / Accountability. I can push myself harder during group training. I used to only do solo bike rides, but I have gotten to really enjoy group rides. Also, I had my fastest one-mile run test at the Ultimate Tri Camp. Every other run test I had done solo. 

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
I am excited about continuing to connect with people with similar goals or taking on similar challenges. I’m also enthusiastic about continuing to progress in my fitness journey and hopefully continuing to be surprised by what I can accomplish.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Coach Erinne listened to my goals, gave me challenging workouts, and helped me dial in my nutrition plan for the race. Knowing that I was prepared on race day gave me a lot of confidence.

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 more.

It’s All In The Details

by fullcircle, posted in Blogs, Swim, Testing

We are in the thick of tri season, and races are happening every weekend.

Are you keeping up with your training?

Have you had setbacks with illness? Are you feeling tired? Has life happened?

This is all a normal part of the journey, it is happening to everyone, but can all be prevented by paying attention to the details in your training plan.

The details:

Nutrition: If you are not fueling to support your training, you will burn out or get sick. Your body will ensure that happens because it cannot trust you to get the nutritional support and rest that it needs to keep going.

You can avoid this if you fuel properly before, during, and after training.

It’s simpler than it seems. Eat to fuel your training with unprocessed, one-ingredient carbohydrates, fats and proteins – examples would be sweet potato, avocado and any animal protein you enjoy.  Time your nutrition before and after with real food and use clean sports nutrition while training.

Now is not the time to try to eat carnivore or fast. Your body needs fuel to perform!

I believe we need good whole-food organic supplements to help with the added stress that triathlon puts on our bodies and lifestyles. By this I mean not synthetic vitamins but vitamins made from organic foods that your body recognizes and can use to support any deficiency’s that you are not getting from your food.

Sleep: it is the best recovery tool. DO NOT neglect your sleep.

If you do, you will pay. It’s not a question of IF, but WHEN your body forces you to recover because you have not gotten enough sleep. 7-9 hours/night is ideal. If you get a 6 or less, make up for it with a nap or longer sleep the next night. Please do not give me the excuse of not having enough time- stop scrolling on social and go to bed earlier!

Strength Training: it is sometimes more important than swimming, biking, or running.

If your body lacks the structural/muscular strength it needs, the repetitive movements of swimming, biking, and running can cause overuse injuries.

On those days when you simply cannot get out the door for your swim, bike, or run, make sure you get 20 minutes of strength training.

Buy your equipment and have a set of dumbbells right next to your desk.

Have a mat set up and a pull-up bar in the doorway.

Do some squats, lunges, rows, and push-ups every day.

You will be amazed at how much your tri performance will improve by not neglecting your strength training!

All of these details are an intergral part of my Triathlon Transformation Training Program. This is how I’ve helped 1000’s of athletes over the past 27 years acheive their triathlon dreams.

Will you be next?

Are you ready to take your triathlon training to the next level? Don’t let setbacks hold you back any longer. It’s time to prioritize your nutrition, sleep, and strength training to unlock your full potential.
Let’s get to know each other better – fill out this form and let’s work together to achieve your goals.

Your journey to success starts now!

From Swim Essentials to Ultimate Tri Camp – Meet Rockstar Pat Draper

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS, Ultimate Tri Camp

From Swim Essentials to Ultimate Tri Camp – Meet Rockstar Pat Draper

Coaches Notes: Pat reached out a few years ago about her swimming, so she took my swim essentials course, which includes video analysis and swim training to correct your technique. Her swimming started to improve! She then joined my signature Triathlon Transformation program to tackle the big goal of a 70.3 in 2024. We performed all the rest of her evaluations- Swim, Bike, Run, Strength and Mobility, and Nutrition.

Since she lives in Vero Beach, Florida, and we don’t get to train face-to-face very often, I knew Ultimate Tri Camp was the best opportunity for us to train together.

Pat kicked butt at camp! She participated in everything, learning how to unlock chronic hip pain and strengthen her whole body specific to each sport.
She enjoyed the guest speakers, meditation and Kihara and Eldoa – Longitudinal Osteo-Articular Decoaptation Stretching, is a revolutionary technique created by World renowned Osteopath Dr. Guy Voyer.

She got stronger on the swim, bike, and run day by day! She did her 1st Sprint Triathlon this past weekend after a 5-year break! So proud of you, Pat. You truly are a Rockstar Triathlete. I’m super excited you already signed up for UTC 2025!

Will you be joining her? We are extending our post-camp sale until the end of April. Don’t miss out on the 30% savings!

—

Age: 68

Profession: Semi-retired nurse-practitioner.

Why did you choose UTC?
Because of the coach, Erinne Guthrie. I have worked with Erinne a few times in the past and knew right away she was not only expert in all things related to triathlon, but she could help me fix my swim. And, boy, did it need fixing. I’m not where I want to be, but my mindset is changing now; I look forward to swimming rather than dreading it. Back when I was competing regularly, I had qualified for Nationals twice. Now, I’m anxious to see what I can do this year, after a five-year hiatus.

Big goals accomplished?
UTC helped me realize I could run again. I am slow but my goals now are different than when I started competing in 2012. I am focusing on form and most of the time, trying to do what the coaches recommend.

Successes?
Doing an open water swim again and feeling like I’m in charge of my breathing, instead of the other way around. And, running a sub-12 minute mile at camp. Meant a lot after not running continuously for five years.
Swim: Now able to average 2:49/100 m, open water
Run: Switching to minimalist shoes was a game-changer. Hip pain I’ve struggled with for years is almost gone.
Bike: Not monitoring power yet, but averaging better than 17 mph.
Nutrition: Being gently reminded of the toxicity of processed foods along with the necessity of magnesium supplements.

Biggest Personal Goal?
Knowing I could do it. I had my doubts but now I am totally psyched!

Things that will make a difference after camp:
1. Minimalist shoes
2. Foam roller and a stretching and strength routine.
3. Breath work and warmup before swimming

Favorite part? Getting to know others who are passionate about the triathlon life.

What would I say to others who are on the fence about going?
Just do it. You won’t regret it for one minute.

Ready to get your best time yet?! Here’s how you can get access to Ultimate Tri Camp!

UTC 2025 will be held February 17-23, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

As one of our valued subscribers, you can take advantage of 30% off of registration if you claim your spot before April 30, 2024.

Click here to pay in full.

Click here for the payment plan.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and more.

Even Coaches Can Benefit from UTC! – Heather’s Rockstar Story

by fullcircle, posted in ROCKSTARS, Run, Swim, Ultimate Tri Camp

Rockstar Triathlete: Heather Shrouds

Coaches Notes: Heather reached out in January, excited to be able to get such a great discount on Ultimate Tri Camp as a USAT certified USAT Coach, earn her CEUs, AND learn the “behind the scenes ” about how I coach my athletes and the Full Circle Coaching Methodology. 

I love being able to support USA Triathlon coaches in the application of their knowledge.

There are many different coaching styles, but with my 27 years of experience coaching thousands of triathletes and hosting over 20 triathlon camps, I believe that including training in more than just swimming, biking, and running is imperative to keeping a triathlete doing the sport they love for a lifetime. 

At Camp, Heather saw firsthand how to coach the campers on the importance of technique in the swim, bike and running can prevent injuries from overusing the repetitive motion of a triathlon with the use of video analysis and metabolic field testing. Learning breath work, Kihara stretching, Eldoa spine strength, foot strength, and so much more can impact her triathlon performance and help her coach the athletes she is coaching. 

Thanks, Heather, for coming in with an open mind and participating fully at Ultimate Tri Camp. You have so many new tools to implement into your coaching practice! You are a true Rockstar Coach/ and Camper!

—

Age: 48

Profession: Personal Trainer and Triathlon Coach

Why did you choose Ultimate Tri Camp for help in your triathlon journey?
I was at this triathlon camp to earn my CECs for my USAT Certification and improve my form in my swim and run. I knew something was off, but I was still determining what to expect. This was my first triathlon camp ever!

Please share your BIG goals and how Ultimate Tri Camp supported you:
My big goals are to swim 750m under 15 minutes, bike 20+mph, and run a 20-minute 5k
I started my weight loss journey in the fall of 2009. I have lost 100 lbs so far. I fell in love with Triathlon after my first swim, even though I was terrified of the open water. Triathlon and Duathlon Worlds and I have qualified for and competed in Age Group Nationals.

Tell me about your successes so far:

Swim – being more efficient and converting to breathing every 2 strokes instead of 3
Bike – getting my love back for riding outside.  I had been riding on the trainer a lot because of life schedule.   Riding in Clermont during Ultimate Tri Camp was beautiful, and riding in traffic was challenging, but I overcame my fear with the group’s safety.
Run – seeing my form on video during the video analysis and the corrections we made.

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance at Ultimate Tri Camp?
I learned even more about my gut health. I love the ELDOA, meditation, and yoga. Honestly, it all was excellent.
1) Getting my love back for riding outside
2) Recovery strategies 
3) The Magnesium cream and Perfect Aminos are a game changer

What was your favorite part of Ultimate Tri Camp?
The camaraderie and the edge of competing with everyone—all of it, honestly. If I had to pick the ELDOAs, I have never done them before, but they’re a game changer for sure.

Are you coming back next year?
Yes, I plan on it!

Ready to get your best time yet?! Here’s how you can get access to Ultimate Tri Camp!

UTC 2025 will be held February 17-23, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

As one of our valued subscribers, you can take advantage of 30% off of registration if you claim your spot before April 15, 2024.

Click here to pay in full.

Click here for the payment plan.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. She has been training, racing, and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.