triathlon sprint training

From Bad Place to Rockstar Beginner Triathlete: Carlyle Cousins

Coaches Notes:

Carlyle was as green as they come. He attended his first practice in old running shoes, no bike, and zero swim skills.

The 8-week Beginner Triathlon Program is designed to give you what you need to show up confidently at the start line of a sprint or International distance triathlon, knowing you can finish strong.

We got to work at the weekly group training sessions- learning to breathe and feel comfortable keeping his head down in the water to save energy, getting a bike fit on a borrowed bike to get out of pain, and improving run technique. Of course, along with stretching and basic strength.

Carlyle had a great first sprint triathlon race with a time of 1:15. He finished so strong on the run for 3 miles he decided to do a 2nd loop on the run by accident!
(PS, it’s always good to know your race course! ;-))

Super proud of you, Carlyle! You Truly are a Rockstar Triathlete- and we love you too!

What is your age?
I am 36 years old

What is your profession?:
Project Manager/ Installer for Home Automation Company

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
A really good friend of mine was transformed by training with the Full Circle Coaching tribe, and he inspired me to be a better version of myself, so he set me up with Full Circle to start my triathlon journey.

What is your “A” race for this season?
Integrity Multisport August Key Biscayne Sprint

What are your BIG goals?
My goal is to do XTRI Races Norseman. I have a long way to go but it’s my motivation.

Tell me about your successes so far! 
My successes are pretty much doing a complete turnaround in my health. I was in a really bad place, and the TRI lifestyle forced me to be better and analyze my life more holistically.

Finishing my first triathlon race was a significant accomplishment, even with some mishaps.

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 achievements in swimming was being able to cover the sprint distance, before training I would struggle just to do 2 laps.

As for biking, just being able to feel comfortable doing an hour on the bike was very new to me and a bit awkward and painful at times, until I got a bike fit!

For running, it would be completing a 14-mile extreme trail run in Great Falls, Maryland, during my training.

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

1. Of course the first thing that made a difference was Full Circle, love you guys!
2. Second, my friends that donated gear to me, it allowed me to get into this sport which we all know is super expensive.
3. Third would be Nutrition, it helped me on all aspects to consistently train.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
 The way it tests your mental fortitude to keep going  and  the way it can push you to your limits.

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
I would tell them stop thinking about just do it! It’s going to 100% change your life!

Do you want results like these? My 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training Program is designed to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time than other training programs.

The Triathlon Transformation Program focuses on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

If you want to show up confidently at the start of your next race — swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it — then this program is for you.

Click here to apply for my 16-Week Triathlon Transformation Program.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. 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, Mermaid, and much more.

Injured runner still achieves 20 min Personal record after 9 Ironmans to qualify for Kona!

Coaches Notes:

Kathy Parmele and Dean, her partner, signed up for my Ultimate Tri camp 2023 and I had never met them before.

When I found out they met on Insight Timer (a meditation app) I knew they were my people!

Kathy shared her goal of qualifying for Kona at the Mont Tremblant Full Ironman in August – just 6 months away and I wanted to help her make it happen.

She totally believed it was possible in her mind and even booked an Air BnB in Kona, just in case!!!

She had already completed 6 or 7 Ironmans but had never followed a training plan or had anyone check her technique on the swim, bike or run.

At camp we do all of that and started making adjustments immediately.

With so much training under her belt she had great body awareness and was able to implement the technique changes after doing certain drills to reinforce them.

After camp we trained virtually with her following the training program we designed based on her testing and skills work and everything was improving except the run.

She kept re-injuring an old torn meniscus.

So we modified training to the elliptical and aqua jogging to maintain fitness and kept strengthening the leg to help her get back to running just in time to finish up her running volume with a 22 mile pain-free run.

We knew the goal was in sight and completely possible.

Race day was pretty exciting – watching the Ironman App seeing her hit every time goal we had set for a sun 13 hour Ironman time for the swim, T1, bike, T2, and finally the run!!

She did a personal record time for her Ironman- 12:35
And this was 20 minutes faster than any previous Ironman on a hilly course.
She qualified for Kona.

The dream was a reality.

Kathy: You are a badass Rockstar Triathlete. Congratulations on achieving your dream of racing in Kona and thank for choosing Full Circle Coaching to help get you there!

FROM THE ATHLETE

I qualified for Kona!!!

Ironman Mont Tremblant was my 9th Ironman. I had always been a middle-of-the-pack athlete and always self-coached. I was also dealing with a year of injuries. When I found out that IMMT had 100 Kona slots for women this year, I decided to go for it!

For that I needed coaching. The Full Circle Ultimate Tri Camp was just the jump start that I needed. I learned a lot about how to tweak my swim, bike, and run techniques to minimize injury and improve performance. Then I continued with the coaching virtually.

There were several game-changing recommendations that Erinne made for me after reviewing my videos that really helped optimize my technique. The plan took into account my injuries and we were able to slowly increase my distances and fitness while letting my body heal.

The outcome? I PR’ed by almost 20 minutes on a tough course, came 8th in my age group and qualified for Kona!

I felt the support of the whole Full Circle Tribe the whole time and it carried me during the tough parts of the race. Thank you Coaches Erinne, Ollie, Dennis and Jaq for helping me realize my dream!!

Kathy’s Stats

Do you want results like these? My 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training Program is designed to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time than other training programs.

The Triathlon Transformation Program focuses on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

If you want to show up confidently at the start of your next race — swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it — then this program is for you.

Click here to apply for my 16-Week Triathlon Transformation Program.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. 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, Mermaid, and much more.

Rockstar: Jose Alvarez

Coaches Notes:

Jose did not want to join my coaching program. He was doing his own thing following an online program, while his wife Carmen decided to join us. I would see him at all the training sessions doing his own thing- wishing I would get the opportunity to work with him because I noticed a few things he could improve upon!

Finally after a few months of seeing Carmen’s improvements, Carmen gifted him his evaluations and we were able to start measuring his baseline so I could prove to him, after working on his technique he could get even faster.

Jose was already fast. He already trained a lot. He did not know what he did not know!

This is my favorite athlete to work with because they are already dedicated to doing the work.

It’s the technique, nutrition and pacing work that this type of athlete is missing that makes all the difference in getting faster and stronger with the same amount of work.

Read below for all the details- Congratulation Jose you are truly a Rockstar Triathlete. Looking forward to your next PR at NC 70.3 in a few weeks!

What is your age?
61 years young

What is your profession?:
Retired

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I wanted to improve my performance.  The way to improve was to incorporate better technique into the different disciplines of Triathlon.

What is your “A” race for this season?
My A races for the 2023 season were Miami Half Marathon, USAT Nationals Olympic Distance Triathlon and North Carolina 70.3.

What are your BIG goals?
My big goals are to continue to improve my performance and to become more consistent in my races.  In the past I had a lot of peaks and valleys.

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.

1. I have improved my swimming – Swim Miami 5K improved by 13 minutes, from 1:48 to 1:35.
2. My run is becoming more consistent.  My best time in the Miami Half Marathon was back in 2017 @ 1:54.  This year I ran the Miami Half Marathon @ 1:52.
3. I had a PR @ USAT Nationals Olympic Distance Triathlon From 3:51 in 2018 to 3:38 this year.
4. I have established PRs in my 400yds and 200yds Swim Tests.
5. I have established PRs in the Mile Run Test to 6:22/ mile and the 5K @ 22:53 (MIA 5K).
6. A big change in Nutrition. I am more conscious about what I eat. I look at the ingredients in foods I buy at the supermarket and look for foods that are organic and/or natural without preservatives.  This is something that is constantly drilled into us by coaches in the team. Food is energy and needs to be clean!

Tell me about your successes so far!
I have had successes in all disciplines of Triathlon.  My run and swim have improved and are more consistent.  As I have been able to improve my swim and run without affecting my Cycling.  

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

1. One of the biggest changes in my approach to training is that now I train for overall Fitness.  I look to improve fitness level for races rather that train for the specific characteristics of a race.
   
2. I have a better planning methodology for race goals and objectives by creating a race plan that addresses performance and nutrition.
   
3. My approach to training is more structured.  I look to meet the training objectives which include adherence to power, pace, heart rate, cadence, form and/or technique.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
What I like most about Triathlon is the diversity of sports disciplines.  I can stay fit in each sport.  Because of Triathlon training, I feel confident to participate in swimming, running or cycling events individually.  And of course compete in triathlons which is becoming a mainstream sport.  We see the youth adopting the sport and competing.  

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Full Circle offers a complete program which addresses structured training, fitness, health and well being. This program leads to improved performance and a healthier lifestyle. 

It has transformed me in that I train smarter and not harder. 

The Full Circle program has transformed me in that I really do not look at how much I train, but how well I train.   This has led to measurable improvement in tests and competitions. 

Someone trying to become a better athlete in a group environment with other athletes that have similar goals and objectives, should seriously consider the program. 

Coaching on Form and Technique are essential to realize significant improvement.  The Full Circle program incorporates filming and analysis, so the athlete is aware of what needs to be corrected.  Additionally, the program promotes taking caring of our bodies through nutrition, mobility training and strengthening exercises.   If we take care of our body, it will perform better with the appropriate training and coaching.

Do you want results like these? My 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training Program is designed to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time than other training programs.

The Triathlon Transformation Program focuses on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

If you want to show up confidently at the start of your next race — swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it — then this program is for you.

Click here to apply for my 16-Week Triathlon Transformation Program.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. 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, Mermaid, and much more.

Rockstar: Carmen Lottie

Coaches Notes:

Carmen is a true Rockstar Triathlete. She shows up every day and does the work!

Kaizen- meaning constant steady improvement -is one of the core principles of Full Circle Coaching and Carmen epitomizes this principle.

First, she looks the part and has a matching helmet and shoes for every training session. 2nd, she gives her all at every single training session and race. She is a massive inspiration for the whole team and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. #rd, she is not finished yet! she is striving for better faster and more with every race goal she sets and I am so excited for the next PR (Personal Record) at NC 70.3

Thanks so much for choosing Full Circle Coaching for your triathlon journey and bringing your husband, Jose Alvarez, along for the ride!

You both are an incredible team and asset to the Full Circle Coaching Tribe!

What is your age?
62 years young

What is your profession?:
Retired

Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?
I joined FCC in February of 2022. I am the type of person that needs one-on-one coaching and I wanted to work with head coach Erinne Guthrie. I had seen her throughout the years in local triathlon clinics here in Miami. I knew how knowledgeable a triathlon coach she was and I had no doubt in my mind that I would be in good hands. Once I joined FCC, I learned that not only did I have head coach Erinne as my coach but also three other triathlon specific coaches! Coaches Ollie, Dennis and Nico are very knowledgeable and they are actively competing as well. That is priceless!

What is your “A” race for this season?
I have two “A” races left this year. Ironman 70.3 North Carolina 10/21/2023, and Clash Daytona Long Course AquaBike 57.2, 12/5/2023, qualifier for Team USA Long Course Championship.

What are your BIG goals?
Swim at less than 2:00/100, Bike at an average of 20 mph, and Run at less than 10:30/mile for a 5k. Qualify for Team USA Long Course AquaBike ITU Worlds in Townsville, Australia, 2024

Tell me about your successes so far! 

In 2023, I have completed the Miami Half Marathon, Clash Miami Sprint Distance, Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico, Swim Miami 2023, the 305 Triathlon Sprint Distance (getting 2nd place in my AG F60-64 in the State of Florida), the 2023 USAT Nationals Olympic Distance in Milwaukee.

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.

I swam 500 yards at 2:07/100 and ran a 5k at 10:14/ mile at the 305 Triathlon 2023. I did the same race back in 2022 swimming the 500 yards at 2:26/100 and running the 5k at 11:11/mile. That’s a huge improvement! 

Now, looking at the USAT Nationals, I just completed the Olympic Distance in Milwaukee on 8/5/2023 in 3:31, beating my USAT Nationals 2018 in Cleveland, OH, which was 3:48. I did this dealing with an Achilles Tendon Injury.

I had been told to hold back during the run and even doing that I was able to cut my time down by 17 minutes!

One of my major improvements while being coached by FCC is how calm I am in Open Water. I met a fellow Athlete in Nationals 2023. She was freaking out about the swim. I realized that was me prior to joining FCC. I almost drown at age 7 but I did not want that experience to stop me from doing Triathlons. Coach Erinne and Coach Ollie have taught me to feel comfortable in the Ocean and, by embracing it, I am now calmer and at peace when doing Open Water Swimming. I am one step closer to reaching my goal. 

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

1. I am improving my technique in all three sports.
2. I am training with great coaches and teammates that encourage me to feel good about myself.
3. I know how to plan my race, pacing myself and eating the right nutrition not only during but prior to the actual race.
4. I know how to recover and take care of my body.
5. I have regained the confidence that I had lost.

What excites you the most about being involved in triathlon?
Feeling great about my accomplishments no matter how hard it may be and being able to share it with my husband Jose and my Triathlon family. It is me against me! 

What would you say to another person who was on the fence about joining our training program?
Wait no longer! Join us and find out for yourself what a great triathlon team FCC is.

Do you want results like these? My 16-week Triathlon Transformation Training Program is designed to help you get faster for your next triathlon in less time than other training programs.

The Triathlon Transformation Program focuses on you as an individual; your form, technique, strength, fueling, and mindset. Through video analysis, metabolic testing, holistic lifestyle coaching, and a supportive community, you will achieve all your triathlon dreams and goals to get faster in less time.

If you want to show up confidently at the start of your next race — swimming, biking, and running past the competition, sprinting across the finish line with arms overhead, knowing you nailed it — then this program is for you.

Click here to apply for my 16-Week Triathlon Transformation Program.

Erinne Guthrie has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching, LLC since 2010. Creator of Triathlon Transformation. 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, Mermaid, and much more.