Rockstar Triathlete: Ollie Garcia

Coach’s notes: I met Ollie in November, on a phone call telling me she wants to do a 70.3 in 4 months. After 15 minutes, we agreed to the challenge together. Normally, I do not recommend this at all. I encourage athletes to start with sprints and get faster first before going long. SO, for me I was taking a risk at Ollie (Claudia) getting injured by ramping up too fast. Learning that she was young and in shape, I decided to put her into my new Triathlon Transformation 16 week program and the results speak for themselves; 6:08 is the official race time, still waiting on her age group results, but I am so Proud of how far she’s come in such a short time. Ollie, your ultimate commitment to the training, while juggling school and work, implementing all my suggestions; like sleeping more than 1 hour before a race!!! You are a true Rockstar and this is simply just the beginning!!!! I can’t wait to see you at the end of 2021!!!

Age: 32

Profession: During this training I was a restaurant server. Now I am officially an ER nurse and Registered Nurse student. 

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey: I chose to sign up for a 70.3 with no experience and had less than 4 months to do it.  I was randomly buying running shoes a month before at the Shops at Sunset Place and this guy randomly gave me a flyer for Full Circle. He told me about Erinne and the team, if I ever got into triathlons. I told him I was thinking about it but not sure yet. When I decided to sign up for the race, I knew I needed to do it right… and not forgetting about that flyer it was a sign to call Erinne! I had kept that flyer somewhere in the car. I knew I needed help or another set of eyes to get my technique/form right and just a better plan than the free ones you can find online.

The moment I had my phone call with her… I felt good vibes and I liked the honesty behind everything that was discussed and how the Triathlon Transformation Program was not only the physical aspects of training and racing but, to maintain a balance in life and so much more. It was more about making it a lifestyle and not just an overplayed record or one time thing . 

What is your “A” race for this season? My “A” race was this past Sunday (my first 70.3) 😉 the HITS 70.3 in Sarasota, and my next “A” is Ironman Florida in Panama City in November. Maybe another 70.3, in between then to make it a triple “A.” Is that even possible?! Lol 

Please share your BIG goals: Oh gosh…so many. To break it down sport wise… I for sure want to bring down my mile time into the six-minute digits, make my longer distance race pace faster and get more experience on the bike so I can dial it in and just see where that leads. Swimming; I’d like to get  faster too, even if it’s just a few seconds. Ultimately, just go even longer with all three of them. Also, keep a healthy balance between this and finish nursing school. As long as I have good guidance, keep working hard with anything I choose to do in life and and keep having  fun, I know it’ll be a great journey. 

Tell me about your successes so far: I just finished doing a 70.3 (pretty successful), Lol! I managed to do my first Sprint, Olympic, and 70.3 distance races in 3 months? Or, was it 4? Either way, that was successful in a way that I had no injuries and managed to get even fitter than I’ve ever been. I managed to work crazy hours at the restaurant, studying like crazy for my exams and putting in the hours to get to where I am now with the Tri-life without losing my marbles. Yup, I call that a win-win situation here! 

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim: Bike: Run: Nutrition/Health: Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved: 

Swim: Being more comfortable in the open water swim. My technique or form has gotten better (I’d like to think). 

Bike: Ohhhhh the bike, hmmm… I for sure got better overall on the bike. I’ve only been riding for 4-5 months. I know my pedaling has become more efficient, I am able to ride longer with the right amount of fuel and I made it past 70 miles once. That was exciting and I just want to do more!

Run: Before Full Circle my longer run pace was past 10:30 minutes, now I can hold a pace in a longer distance in about the 9:20-9:45 range, which is great! I got my 1-mile to be 7:25. My running form is better than when I walked into this.

Nutrition/health: Just adding more quality of foods into my daily life. I’m becoming more intrigued in the holistic side of things and it’s crazy how much food can play in any aspect of life. My body feels way better than ever. One major, important thing about this sport is recovery and allowing the body to heal between sessions. My health needs to be top notch and the right foods need to be there for that to happen. Now, my body recovers much quicker than ever! 

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
 
1. All the knowledge and support Full Circle provides, from the coaches and other team members. It’s very inspirational to hear everyone’s story and an honor to be around a group of people that have a desire to better themselves no matter what the goal is. Everyone is in the same storm but driving a different boat. 

2. Being patient and smarter about how and when to defy limits. If I needed a day off, I would take it. Just learning to read my own body and listening to it.

3. Learning so much from my failures in some of my longer training sessions. It’s needed to help analyze the “what if’s” and what can be done differently next time to avoid what happened or rather adapt to it to get even better. 

4. All your breathing techniques and just ways to be less stressed. 

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? Being able to wake up in the morning and be around nature while doing what I enjoy, nothing beats that.

Triathlon involves three sports instead of one. There will always be something to improve on whether it’s physical or mental. To be honest, we can all show up at a race physically fit but the mind needs to be set too.  I see it as we all truly have inner beasts within us. My inner beast is stubborn and likes to defy limits to an extreme. My coach is there to help tame it to continue to thrive and to guide me with the knowledge that is given. I need to feed it with the right amount/quality of nutrition, gotta give it experience while also trying to make it master patience. With all that, it’ll be ready to dominate and demolish those inner demons that will attempt to come out and play and try to spiral me down into the darkest of places when it gets tough out there. To pass that finish line or even finish a training session, there’s no better feeling knowing I didn’t spiral down to that dark hole. I took control no matter the obstacle and just kept going. Yup, that feeling is what excites me and makes me want more and it influences me to rock it out harder than before.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? At first, I didn’t think I needed a program. I thought I could do it myself.  I like being in my own hermit shell but, I was grateful I joined FCC and I know so many people can benefit from being part of this. I keep thanking the coaches everyday because they really do care and know what they are doing. No matter what your goal is, this program adapts to your wants and needs! It becomes a lifestyle that is healthy. Plus, the support you get from everyone is amazing and genuine. There is so much room for growth and so many options.

I say go for it! You’ll never know unless you experience it. “Small steps are always better than no steps.” It becomes a journey you do not want to miss out on!

My new 16 week Triathlon Transformation program could be just the help you are looking for. Find out by calling/texting me at 786-586-6057 today or better yet, click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU 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. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom and much much more.

Rockstar Triathlete: Martin Pombo

Coach’s Notes: Martin has made some huge improvements across the board since starting with FC. He is a busy family man but has committed to his training time and rarely misses a group session, and the benefits are evident. Adjusting his bike and transitioning from a road bike to a tri bike was one of the big changes and his swim is drastically improved! So proud of all the huge accomplishments achieved and looking forward to an even better 2021!!! Way to go Martin!

Age: 45

Profession: LATAM Sr Marketing Manager in HMD Global (The Home of Nokia Phones)

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

After running my fifth full marathon in Chicago in 2019, I felt that I needed a new challenge, not only as a motivation, but also needed a real change physically. Involving a change in my nutrition, which I knew it was my biggest weakness to be better as an athlete and healthier as a person.

My good friend Romain, who convinced me to buy my first bike, also mentioned about FCC and how good the training program was, and the good people around it, so I said, WHY NOT? Because for me, the training program is a big part but also the environment around it.

Please share your BIG goals:

· Becoming a great swimmer, even in the ocean.
· Half Ironman in 2021
· Get a podium in an Olympic distance
· Becoming healthier and injury free
Not necessarily in that order 😊

Tell me about your successes so far:
· Have been committed to training, workouts and the team
· Look better physically and stronger mentally
· Reach longer distances swimming and biking
· Change small “big” things in my nutrition

What were some of your biggest Improvements in performance for the each of the following? Swim: Bike: Run: Nutrition/Health: Please include any Personal Records and Goals achieved:

Swim: improve in my form. Be able to swim +2300yr with fuel in the tank. Swimming below 2min pace (Sprint in 1:43/100yr).

Bike: Reached 56 miles based on training AND better nutrition/hydration while biking. From 16m/h avg. when I started the training program to 20.5m/h in the last race!

Run: better form, faster pace, bottom line: I’m a more efficient runner.

Nutrition/Health: I’ve changed almost all my nutrition habits, from breakfast to pre and post training nutrition routines. My body have responded well so far, I feel lighter but also stronger than before.

I think my body is in a journey “from Publix to Whole Foods body”.

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

1. Nutrition
2. Pre and post workouts (warm up, breath, stretch, etc)
3. To be surrounded by crazy people, sharing objectives, struggles and achievements every day in person or WA.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?

To be a more complete athlete, to be healthier but also don’t get bored with the same workout every day.

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

I’d say about the great people in the group from coaches to athletes, about all the fun and hard work around the training workouts. I’d say how FCC is changing me for good. But first, what convinced me to take the first step. Call Erinne and tell her about you, she will do the rest.

Rockstar Triathlete: Romain Ritter

Coach’s Notes: Romain is a dedicated triathlete. Coming to me with 2 years of experience, we needed to evaluate what his limiters might be to get him to the next level and reaching his new bigger triathlon dreams. The camera doesn’t lie and identifying where he can swim, bike and run better with improved technique was and will allow continued success. Testing and retesting every 6-8 weeks, keeps us on track to train to his current fitness level and energy systems. I’m super proud of the immediate successes we’ve had. Now, let’s get to work on an amazing 2021 and getting those Dreams to Reality!

Age: 39 and counting

Profession: Wine & Spirits

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey? I started doing triathlons three years ago and quickly reached a peak. You can only go so far relying on internet searches as a training tool.

I then decided to join another Miami-based team which proved to me that a structured training program makes a world of difference. However, I was clearly looking for more than just structure. I was on the hunt for a more holistic approach (body/nutrition/mind) and a real team atmosphere which after meeting Erinne I quickly noticed I would have in joining FCC.

What is your “A” race for this season? My “A” Race was last Saturday, December 6, 2020 Challenge Daytona 70.3 (Middle Distance). Now that it has passed, I am already looking ahead to Challenge Miami 70.3 in March, 2021. Being a big racing (car) fan, racing on two world renowned tracks in special. More importantly, Challenge Miami falls on the day of my 40th birthday (and my son’s 7th). This makes it even more of an exciting goal to hit a PR in company of family and friends on an important turning point in my life. Having goals is great but making them even more personal and sharing them with those you are close to is just so much better. Hoping other FCC members join in the fun too.

Please share your BIG goals:

– Sub 5hr 70.3

– Breaking 25mph average bike on a 50+ mile bike

– Sub 1h35 half marathon

– A podium at least on one race – just for bragging rights 😊

Tell me about your successes so far: Since joining FCC 6 months ago, my focus was this past weekend’s 70.3. Beyond beating the stretch target we had set for the race, I feel like my biggest success, thanks to FCC, has been my improvement on my weakest discipline, the swim!

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. Swim performance. I simply love Erinne and Jacquelyn’s ability to make a very technical sport seem so effortless. They have taught me so much. Not only is my technique better (still WIP) but I understand why I do things correctly or not.
2. Nutrition has been a major improvement. After the assessment, Erinne brought attention to the fact that although I had a healthy diet overall, I was not eating enough particularly pre/post workout and that I needed to adjust the type of intake I had. I have made those tweaks and added supplements tailored to my needs. Never have I felt better.
3. The importance of stretching/strength training

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon? Until recently, it has really been about surpassing myself and being able to focus on multiple sports. I do not like routine.

I also love the community – I feel like all triathletes I have met have the same drive and similar values. Whatever the level, we can all relate to one another. This is special – as much as there is competition, it is always in a healthy, family-style environment. This is even more so true within the FCC team.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program? What are you waiting for. Give it a try. What have you got to lose. FCC is for all athletes, not just triathletes! Set a goal and allow FCC to help you deliver on it.

Catch a glimpse of Romain in action at the Daytona Challenge (at 53 seconds)

My new 6 month Triathlon Training program could be just the help you are looking for. Find out by calling/texting me at 786-586-6057 today or better yet, click this link: http://www.scheduleyou.in/5ZIsVaU 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. She has been training, racing and coaching triathletes since 1997.  She is also a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Motivational Speaker, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, Mom and much much more.