Back in May, I wrote about my decision to begin the journey to becoming a USA Triathlon Certified Coach.  I am happy to say, that I have completed that journey and have achieved my goal.

I was hoping to attend a weekend long, in person certification clinic, in order to become a certified coach. Unfortunately the pandemic changed those plans.  Instead however, I was able to complete the process through a virtual clinic.

The process was very good.  It was very educational and I learned a lot from the very experienced coaches, who gave the online lessons.  In addition to the expected swim, bike and run lessons, I also learned about exercise physiology, nutrition and coaching as a business.  I also particularly enjoyed learning about what it takes to coach paratriathlon.

Outside of the USAT clinic, I also attended a Red Cross class to get certified in CPR and the use of AED’s.  What a great skill to learn for life in general.  Other requirements were a background check, education on keeping the integrity of sport intact from the anti-doping agency, USADA, and safe sport certification.  The whole process wrapped up with an online examination.

I am excited to be able to help others with my newly found knowledge.  I would also encourage others to take this course, even if you don’t necessarily want to be comes a coach for others.  It would be of tremendous help, to self-coached athletes.

Now I can start to embrace the coaching philosophy, that I have developed as part of the certification process.  I wrote it in my previous blog and a few months later, I don’t feel the need to change it.

• To provide the support and knowledge, that will help my athletes lead happy, healthy lives and achieve success in endurance sports.
• My goal, through a high level of communication, is to enable my athletes to remain injury-free, while embracing the process of improvement and having fun.
• I want my athletes to become the best that they can be, regardless of experience, ability, gender or age.