I've always been self-coached (read, stubborn and opinionated), but this one is just too big for me to do on my own. So, since finding out about the lottery spot, I've been coach shopping. The thing is, most coaches are either not coaching the back of the pack, or not adding much value. I've been talking to other racers and coaches, and I finally found a coach who is a match for me. He's as much of a tri-geek and geek in general as I am, and yet he's willing to add me to his stable of pros and elites, and help me get around the course in Kona.
His name is Matt Russ, and he owns The Sport Factory, a local athletic coaching organization. Here's the bio from his website:
Matt has over seventeen years competitive experience in running, multi-sport, and adventure racing. He has competed in races from coast to coast winning overall placements as well as many age division finishes. He is a member of the 07 USA duathlon Team.
Matt has trained, coached, and counseled hundreds of athletes over the last thirteen years from around the country and internationally. He has worked with pro level athletes and top age group competitors in Iron Man, 70.3, cyclo cross, mountain biking, Xterra, and road cycling. His athletes have won numerous podiums both regionally and nationally. He has designed cardiovascular training plans for elite military, law enforcement, FBI agents, top ranked boxers, and the Land Rover Adventure team.
Matt earned his BS in Commercial Recreation from Georgia Southern University and has received an ACE certified level II personal training certification, an ACE certified weight management consultant certification, AAFP Post rehab specialist certification, and has specialty recognition from ACE in strength conditioning. He has over ten years experience working in a rehabilitation setting with Body Pros physical therapy, as well as a licensed power coach. He is an expert level USA Triathlon coach, and is a USA Track & Field licensed coach. In 2001 Matt was one of the first outside coaches contracted by CTS ( Carmichael Training Systems) to coach their athletes. He worked with legendary coach Chris Carmichael ( coach of Lance Armstrong), and was trained in his coaching methodology and systems. Matt also underwent certification in Joe Friel's Ultrafit Association.
Matt is a freelance writer and his articles regularly appear in such magazines as Triathlete, Inside Triathlon, Running Times, Triathlon Life, and on the web at Active.com, Tri Newbies, Beginner Triathlete, Trifuel, and Triathlete Online.
Matt coaches athletes full time and is Head Coach and owner of The Sport Factory. His coaching philosophy is to consider each client's unique life style and integrate a balanced and consistent training plan.
We've been working together for a few weeks, and it's already made a huge difference. My mileage is ramping up, and yet I'm less sore (mostly). He's been working on form and Vo2max training, and analyzing each workout beat by beat (I've been wearing a gps-based heart rate monitor, that also records pedal strokes on the bike). He's been encouraging and realistic, and so far so good.
Thanks to mom for making this one happen - I wouldn't have done it on my own, and it's really going to make a difference.
