From 4:00 Pace to 70.3 Finisher, Alex’s Rockstar Transformation
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Rockstar Triathlete: Ann Dolin
Coaches Notes:
Alex joined Full Circle Coaching in December 2025, and just one look at him told me he took his fitness very seriously.
He looked like the Incredible Hulk! But he only knew one speed- all out, and that just won’t get you very far if you do not have proper technique.
It took a few months to get him to ever take a recovery day, let alone a week, and to slow down during the training sessions and think about the process of swimming, biking, and running.
He did not swim freestyle at all when we first started for fear of a shoulder dislocation from an old injury. I guaranteed he would not get hurt by following the proper technique and doing the drills, and in just 4 months, going from a 4-minute/100 yards pace for 1000 yards to 2:30/100 yards for a 70.3 is pretty impressive!
The bike and run he learned what pacing meant, so he could reach the volume needed for a long race.
Nutrition planning during training also helped him feel great from start to finish.
During the Puerto Rico 70.3, as I was tracking him on the bike, he went from an 18 mph average up to mile 45 to 13 MPH. I knew something went wrong, but of course had no way of knowing.
Learning post-race that a volunteer threw a water bottle, which bounced off the ground and jammed into his spoke. He flipped his bike several times. And even though his brakes were jammed and his aero bars were broken. He rode to the bike finish and then finished the run.
Now that is true grit.
Alex, you are a Rockstar Triathlete. through and through. Thank you so much for trusting the process inside my Performance program, and I’m super excited for Florida 70.3 to get your true results from all your efforts! LFG!
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Age: 40
Profession: Business Owner/ Entrepreneur
Why did you choose FCC for help in your triathlon and wellness journey?
I came to FCC after Miami Man. I thought being strong and in great shape would be enough to race well, but I realized I was honestly underprepared for what triathlon really demands. I needed structure, guidance, and a real plan. I needed to learn how to fuel properly, train with purpose, and most importantly, build confidence in the water. FCC gave me all of this
What is your “A” Race for this Season:
Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast Panama in City Beach in May
What are your BIG Goals?
My big goal is to keep building on what I started and become a more complete triathlete. I want to keep improving in all three disciplines, race smarter, continue building confidence in the water, and show up stronger for my next 70.3 in Panama City Beach. I also want to keep proving to myself that I can balance serious training with business, family, and life while setting the example for my kids that hard things are worth pursuing. Long term, my one-year goal is to complete a full Ironman.
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.
My biggest success so far was completing Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico, just a few weeks ago. That was a huge milestone for me. Even after crashing on the bike, I got back up and finished the race. I rode the final 16 miles on a broken bike with the brakes engaged and still made it to the finish line. That experience showed me how much stronger I’ve become, not just physically, but mentally. It proved to me that I can stay composed, fight through adversity, and finish what I start.
One of my biggest areas of improvement was the swim. At Miami Man, I really struggled in the water and was swimming around 4:00 per 100 yards. In less than four months, I improved that to about 2:30 per 100 yards in open water at Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico. For me, that was one of the clearest signs of progress and a huge jump in both confidence and fitness in the water.
On the bike, I became stronger, more efficient, and much better prepared for longer efforts. On the run, I built endurance and learned to keep going even when things got uncomfortable. Nutrition was also a huge improvement. I learned that proper fueling can completely change your performance and how you feel during training and racing.
Name 2 or 3 things that have made the biggest difference in your journey:
Structure, proper fueling, and recovery. I used to think every session had to be all out, but I’ve learned that consistency is what actually builds fitness. I’ve also learned the importance of recovery and letting my body rest so it can adapt and come back stronger. Discipline isn’t always about going harder — sometimes it’s about containing yourself, trusting the plan, and not pushing max effort every time just because you can. That mindset has helped me in training and in life.
What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
For me, it is all about conquering goals that sometimes seem impossible, but rarely really are. It is about battling my own self-doubt.
What excites me the most is the growth that comes with doing hard things and being part of such a badass group of hardworking people. I’ve always prided myself on having a strong work ethic and discipline, but this Full Circle crew is on another level. It’s inspiring and motivating to train alongside such a diverse group of like-minded people who all show up ready to work. That kind of environment pushes you to be better.
What was would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
I’d say do it. I came in thinking general fitness would be enough, and I learned quickly that triathlon requires a very different kind of preparation. Having structure, coaching, and support makes all the difference. It gives you confidence, keeps you accountable, and helps you improve in a much smarter way than trying to figure it all out on your own.
Ready to Level Up your Training?
If you’re tired of guessing and want real structure, support, and results like Alex, let’s talk. Book a free call with me to learn more about our coaching programs and see if we’re the right fit for your goals.
Click here to learn more.
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.
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