Rockstar Triathlete Vladimir Penaloza

Coach’s Notes: Vlad and I reconnected after he decided to do an Ironman. We pretty much started from scratch following the Full Circle approach; which is training skill building, strength and speed BEFORE volume and it’s working like a charm.

He shows up daily to do the work and follows the plan, trusting the results would come, despite questioning the tactics at first. I’m so proud of your first of many podiums!

There is so much to learn in the sport of triathlon, but simply following the program gets you the results and maybe even better results than you thought were possible.

I’m so excited to be on this journey with you. Thanks for choosing Full Circle Coaching. I can’t wait to see you at the finish line of IM Florida!

Age: 39

Profession: Research Assistant

Why you chose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I had previously belonged to another group that was not helping me reach my potential. I did some research and found Full Circle Coaching. I needed a group that was structured and disciplined.

What is your “A” race for this season?
I am training for my first full triathlon, the Florida Ironman in November 2022. I’m doing two half Ironman races on my way to the full.

Please share your BIG goals: Complete a full Ironman for my 40th birthday. Improve my speed in all areas.

Tell me about your successes so far: Making my first podium ever!

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:
I’ve improved my stamina. At first, I was having difficulty completing a short triathlon.
Now, I can swim 1 mile plus. The next improvement for me is speed, with which the coaches are helping me.

Bike: Power! The drills that help me use power to increase my speed.

Run: My form — when I started with FCC my pace was 11 min/mile, now I am at 8:30 min/mile. It’s all thanks to form corrections that my coaches have given me.

Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
1. Nutrition
2. Consistency (showing up)
3. Comaraderie

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
Seeing results when you’re fully committed to something. You’re competing with yourself to prove that you can succeed in a challenge.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
That it not only improves your physical health but also your mental health. It changes your lifestyle for the better. You become a member of a community that supports and celebrates your goals.