Letter to the Triathlon Coach
I have been an endurance coach for some time now. Once in a while, I receive an email from a client which chokes me up with pride. Today, I received one of those letters, so instead of sharing it via a Facebook post, I decided to copy it here.
The Letter
“Hello, Brad,
To reflect for a moment – It’s been about a year that you’ve been my coach. I have learned so much more than I ever would from a book, hanging out with colleagues, or trying to figure it out by myself. When I met you, I had been trying for years to run past 3 miles and frequently injured myself — I could never get past 3 miles was super frustrated, hated running, and I was very slow. In fact, none of my times in any of the sports were improving. After a couple of months working with you on form and technique, I tripled the number of miles I could easily run, I increased my speed and had absolutely no injuries. You have inspired me to try things I would never consider trying, regularly pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me accomplish things I didn’t think were possible or I would ever have the guts to do (e.g., swim in cold water– you have no idea what a big deal that is– running a 10K, and riding in bike groups).
I felt like I couldn’t find anyone that would be interested in coaching me as an age grouper and being new to triathlon. Finding you was such a blessing because I feel like you treat me like a pro– you respect me for where I am, what I am trying to accomplish, and my repetitive silly questions (e.g. What is “PR?”). Your positive attitude is contagious and inspiring.
Everything you have taught me has been instrumental in reaching my triathlon goals and even helping me win the FD3 Series in my age group! That’s pretty cool! You’ve also worked around my schedule and needs to perfectly tailor the perfect program for me as an individual and because of that, I’ve gained improvement in running, swimming, and biking. I’m really grateful you don’t just prescribe a “one size fits all” approach– you related it to my personal needs.
I look so forward to our weekly calls, and knowing that someone is there holding me accountable, there to support me when I’m feeling discouraged, and perhaps more importantly, there to celebrate every success, no matter how big or small! It makes my day when I get random emails commenting on some aspect of my training. I can’t even begin to summarize how much I’ve learned from you. I’m constantly impressed by how well-informed and experienced you are– no matter how random I think my question might be, you always have an answer that is backed up by facts/literature/experience, etc.. Even when some random muscle hurts, your solutions have always worked!
I’m also thankful that you include the nutritional elements since that is a critical part of training and performa
nce, as I’m slowly learning and trying to get better at communicating.. I had no idea how important all of this was.
So, in about 8-10 months of working with you, I’ve tripled my running distance, increased my run pace by a couple of minutes, increased my bike speed by several MPH and have become a stronger, more efficient swimmer. I have completed two Olympics and several Sprints– without any injury! And it’s been a lot of fun, I’m totally hooked! I’m looking forward to the 70.3 journey (just one, I don’t have time to sustain that level of training!), and getting on the podium for an Olympic at some point ; )
I have complete trust in the process you are leading me through, and it is definitely generating results. I’m so grateful for who you are, what you do, and your passion.
So over time I say thank you– please know there is so much more behind just those two words– it’s hard to express all the gratitude and appreciation that is in my heart and mind. So again, thank you. ~ Laura”
From the Coach
This was written by my client Laura Engleby whom just as she has detailed, took 1st in her age group in 2 of the FD3 Series Sprint Triathlons and 3rd in the last one. These accomplishments gave her 1st place for the series. She also took 4th in her second Olympic distance triathlon. She put in the work, took the prescribed suggestions and followed the plan we made for her.
I cannot even put into words how proud I am of this woman and what she has accomplished in the short amount of time I have been privileged to be coaching her.
Carpe Vitam!
Tri Tip Tuesday: My MOST Important Running Tip
On Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, I will do my best to give one simple fitness, triathlon or running tip, trick or piece of information that will provide some value to in either helping you to become more efficient, prevent injury, increase performance, have more fun or at the minimum give a review of knowledge that might not have crossed your path in a some time.
I find myself observing other runners while running and sometimes just hanging out here in Tampa. Due to the weather here lending itself to year-round training, I have no shortage of material to choose from.
My #1 Most Important Run Tip
My coaching practice’s number one priority is form, technique and injury prevention, so I routinely use other runners, with my clients to reinforce the form training I have provided. (Sorry, Tampa runners. If you happen to pass by me with a client, most likely you have been observed and surveyed for comparative analysis.)
With all of my observations, the number one issue that I see are runners that sit in the bucket. Of course, the question most people ask is what does sitting in the bucket mean?
Basically, it’s when the glutes(or bum) are not in line with the torso. The body looks like an “L” from the torso to the hamstrings. Natural running which when learned is much easier, more efficient and greatly reduces impact on the joints. The torso hips, glutes and ankles form a straight line.
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The interesting thing is, that running should be instinctual right? Unfortunately, not anymore. Sociological factors have played into our bodies to a point where most Americans, cannot just decide to take up running without going through periods of injury.
For example, sitting at a desk all day will tighten the hip flexors so that it becomes extremely difficult to push the hips under the torso. The same thing is evident for playing video games on the couch for long periods of time.
The figure on the left is actually still a lot better than I have noticed out and about. The torso is still tall and the chest is still has a little bit of lean to it causing forward motion. A lot of runners I notice, sit in the bucket and lean back. What is this doing? Basically, gravity is working against the runner. The objective is forward motion but the glutes and the torso are sitting back, so in essence, the body and gravity are working against itself.
Another perception you will see is the heel strike of the runner. When that heel strikes the ground the impact reverberates all the way from the ankle through the legs, spine, neck shoulders and head. This is where most of the injuries take place.
By simply starting to incorporate, tilting the hips under the torso and leaning from the ankles instead of the waste, the body will start allowing gravity to be used instead of the legs as the sole source of momentum. Suddenly, the feet are striking the ground underneath the center of gravity and only the calf down to the metatarsals absorb the majority of the impact from the ground.
I continue to instill in my clients, running is powered by the core, not the legs. Use gravity as momentum and allow the legs to just go for the ride. To remain consistent, the core must be strengthened and hip flexors stretched to keep the glutes from returning to the bucket.
There are many techniques to help modify the behavior to allow for an efficient, safe and effective change of form. All it takes it the will to want to change and get better and you will.
The #1 tip – get out of the bucket.
Are you running in the bucket?
Did this information shed some light on any area of your running that might be in need of improvement?
Carpe Vitam!
(Seize Life!)
Goof Review: Altra Torin 2
I have been a fan of the Altra line for a little while now, so I was so honored to be given a chance to review the brand new Altra Torin 2. I reviewed the 1.5 version when it first arrived, and it became my shoe of choice for long runs.
What I love about the Torin 2
Zero Drop
One of Altra’s significant differences in the complete line of shoes is their zero heel drop and since my coaching methodology includes an emphasis on our body’s natural movement while running this is obviously one of my favorites. (I have included a explanation of what “Zero Drop” means in my previous Altra Torin 1.5 review.)
Wide Toe Box
The other difference between Altra and their competition is the wide toe box, or as Altra calls it, a “FootShape” toe box. The ability to splay the toes plays a significant role in injury prevention and the strength of the feet. This allows the runners body to support itself, rather tan relying on a shoe for support.
Upper
The upper has been improved in the 2.0. The Torin 1.5 was made with a thick upper which added unnecessary weight and reduced flexibility of the shoe. The 2.0 has been upgraded with a much thinner mesh material that breathes better and allows for more flexibility.
Outsole
Here is where some of my favorite changes were made. First, they moved from the heavier EVA to their lighter proprietary “A-bound” material that for me seems to add a little more spring to the ride of the shoe. When my foot strikes the ground the material seems to not only protect from the natural impact, but reacts driving me forward.
The weight in the previous show was 10.1 ounces which was up from the original Torin which was 9.5 ounces. The Torin 2 comes in at 9.1 ounces which is one of the lightest in this category, if not the very lightest.
Midsole
Altra added what they call Innerflex which are groves in the outsole and midsole that bend with your foot allowing substantially more flexibility than the previous models. This too me was the single most important change they made. The Torin has always classified as their High Cushioned shoe which most companies have traded flexibility for cushion. Altra has found a way to give runners the flexibility I love with the cushioning I want and without giving up any of proprioception.
The have now included a Foot Pod technology which maps the bones of the foot with the Innerflex so the shoes flexes where the runner needs it to, allowing a near customized fit.
Removed
Altra went ahead and removed the toe guard and heel rudder as well. In my opinion this not only allowed them to shed some weight, but also added to flexibility and comfort. In a road shoe I never really thought either added any value. These two advantages are best left for trail specific designs.
What I don’t like about the Torin 2
Obviously, not much.
The new Abound foam tends to soak in water and sweat which makes the shoe feel a little heavier during training and racing. Even with the mesh material the shoe does not seem to drain well. I would love to see a version of this shoe with drain holes, but of course that is the triathlete in me talking.
After about forty miles the new Abound material started to squeak while just walking ,and only in my left shoe This does not seem to happen when I run in them, but it is a little noisy when walking through the store. I think it may be just a problem with this pair, but nonetheless it is something I dislike. However, it did not change the performance of the shoe.
The price of $125 is a little high in my opinion. A better price point would be the $100 – $110, but of course that is very minor for shoe of this quality.
Let’s see how the Torin 2 ranked on my scale:
Quality – 4/5
Upper – 4/5
Outsole – 4/5
Flexibility – 5/5
Comfort – 5/5
Appearance – 4/5
Overall – 4/5
The Altra Torin 2 is available in men’s whole and half sizes 7-12.5, whole sizes 13-15 and in three color patterns. It is available in women’s whole and half sizes 5-10.5, whole sizes 11-12 and in three separate color patterns.
Have you ever ran in a pair of Altra Torins (any version)? How did you like them?
Please feel free to comment on your feedback.
Coach Brad’s Goals for the New Year!
Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2014 and the year of YOU!
It’s that time again. The beginning of the new year and time to set some new goals. Notice I am stating resolutions, these are goals. In my experience, the best way to set new goals is to make sure that each one of them is SMART.
Coach Brad with the Iron Goofy
S- Simple
M- Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Timely
Let’s take a look at the last year 2013-
Personal:
1. Get over my fear of leaving my day job and get my business off the ground. – Business is good, I have had up to 13 clients with 9 still with me after the tri season was over. I have 3 that have contacted me wanting to start in March. With a full-time job, it keeps me busy. Luckily a few of these are virtual so most of the work is email, phone and Training Peaks.
2. Reduce debt by minimally 50% – Complete – Actually more like 75%
3. Re-commit to a financial plan and budget – Complete – see #2
3. Complete my Certified Personal Trainer, USAT Level 1 coach, and USATF Level 1 and minimally begin my Certified Nutrition Professional. – Complete except for CNP (*also added RRCA, Newton & Lydiard Certs)
4. Blog at least 5 times a week – Unfortunately, this did not happen more like once, but will re-commit for this year to at least 3.
Sports & Fitness:
1. 2 Ironman Triathlons: IM Louisville, IM Florida – IM Florida, but IM Louisville turned out to be more financial 
then not trained.
2. IM FL in less than 12 hours – This one was discouraging. Read about it. – I am thinking about doing another one for vindication.
3. Running average pace at 7:30 min/mile at RPE 2 – I got to about 7:45 for a 10k
4. Biking average pace at 22 mph at RPE 2 – Complete – hit this at IM Augusta
5. Swim at 1:45 per 100m at RPE 3 – Incomplete – will have to focus more on the swim this year
6. Start CrossFit as strength training – Started it, but stuck to more of a Lydiard method. Will be incorporating at least once a week during strength phases.
7. 1 half-marathon at 1:35 or less – 1:43 was still my best. Have to dedicate to this one again
The score is 8 out of 13 completed with each at least attempted. I would consider it a successful year, but I would like to do better.
What’s in store for Coach Brad in 2014?
Personal Goals:
1. Completely eradicate debt
2. Start another passive income stream with the possibility for full-time income. (already started actually)
3. Have a plan by the end of the year for leaving my full-time job
4. Communicate more with family
5. Start a financial plan for the future
6. Understand more about SEO and Internet Marketing
7. Blog 3x per week minimally
8. Complete CNP, USAT Youth & Juniors, USAT Official and start CSCP certifications
9. Less take-out and dining out, more cooking. (25 out of 30 days a month)
Sports & Fitness Goals:
1. New York Marathon – 3:40 or better
2. Half Marathon – 1:35 or better
3. Conversational pace at 7:30
4. Complete 2014 miles ran
5. Possible Vineman Ironman Distance?? (Vindication Race)
6. Complete two 70.3 triathlons
7. Swim at 1:45 per 100 for 2 miles
8. Inaugural ITU Chicago Triathlon – 2:25 or better
9. All members of the TNT I am coaching crossing finish line at both Nike Women’s and RnR San Diego
10. First – Complete Dopey Challenge with a smile.
How about you? What are your goals for 2014? Are they SMART?
Carpe Vitam!!! (Seize Life)
Tribute Thursday – Matt “IronBeast” Dolitsky
There are a number of you that call me “crazy” for continuing to do Ironman Triathlons and keeping the training schedule I do during the season. At least it is the inspiring kind of “crazy” right? I enjoy training and obtaining results as a part of it, not to mention just maintaining my fitness level. There is one person out there that I call “crazy” in the inspiring kind of way. He puts all of my 100 mile bike rides, two-a-day workouts and mega brick training workouts to shame. He makes me look like a couch potato and he is more inspiring and motivating that any person I know. Let me introduce a guy who continues to motivate, inspire and just plain amazes me; Matthew “IronBeast” Dolitsky.
Imagine if you will, a 9 mile obstacle course, that includes swimming in cold water, then a rope climb over a wall to exit the lake. Imagine again doing this is in 30-40 degree temperatures. Of course that is only one obstacle there are 29 others as well. Now imagine doing that course as many times in 24 hours as possible. Does that sound crazy to you? This is “The World’s Toughest Mudder“(WTM), and Matt will be competing in that this coming weekend. What makes it even more amazing, is that he is competing in it for the second time!
Matt claims he is average, and when I was talking to him about doing this blog he said, and I quote, “I’m just an average dude too just an above average pain tolerance and insane determination!” All I can say is “Yeah, right!”
What does it take to compete in adventure obstacle challenges like this? Let me give you an example. I caught Matt training one day on Swann Drive flipping a huge tire for a mile. Does that sound crazy? How about a 75 mile bike ride on a mountain bike that didn’t start until 10pm? How about a 3 mile swim around Harbor Island here in Tampa? Matt incorporates these workouts as training on a regular basis and I think these are his easy workouts. During the Gasparilla Half Marathon I did, pass Matt, but there was a huge difference. I wasn’t carrying a tire on my half marathon, but Matt was.
Matt also inspires others constantly, and to a point where he is bringing a few people to the World’s Toughest Mudder with him.
Matt and I met at Fit2Run while I was coaching there. We were on a run together and I helped him (I think) relax a little on his run. This was at the very beginning of his journey into ultra obstacle racing. From there he was like a rocket ship. Last year, I received a message from him on FaceBook asking me if there was an Ironman he could get into. I laughed a little and told him after WTM and the Spartan Death Race, Ironman wouldn’t even challenge him, but I told him about Louisville. He set his sites on it and wouldn’t you know it, he completed it as expected. Needless to say Matt inspires me and a bunch of others every day.
Enough of my soap box about Matt. Let’s let him talk for a bit.
Name: Matthew Dolitsky
Age / Sign: 43 Years old, Gemini
Location: Tampa, FL
Place growing up: Long Island, NY
High School: Half Hollow Hills HS West
High School sports: Lacrosse & Hockey
College: University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, FL
Place growing up: Long Island, NY
High School: Half Hollow Hills HS West
High School sports: Lacrosse & Hockey
College: University of South Florida
Other Sports: Adventure Obstacle Racing, Triathlon
List your favorite races:
List your favorite races:
Ironman Louisville
Spartan Ultra Beast Marathon
World’s Toughest Mudder
Death Race
I refer to you as not just a beast but an UltraIronBeast, because of the challenges you compete in. What made you start doing these Ultra-Mud-Obstacle challenges? I stumbled upon my first obstacle race about 2 years ago. It was a basic 3 mile mud race but after finishing the race, I felt invigorated with a sense of accomplishment. Shortly thereafter, I “Finished” Tough Mudder and my passion for obstacle races and extreme challenges was born.
Now that you have competed in both mega Obstacles Races like the World’s Toughest Mudder and Ironman, how do you compare the two?
Comparing World’s Toughest Mudder or even the Death Race to IRONMAN is very difficult. The bottom line with any of the three is that simply making the commitment to get to the start line is scary enough and takes great fortitude! Once you make it to the start line, reality sets in and you now have to endure everything thrown at you or face a DNF. A 140.6 mile IRONMAN triathlon is never comfortable but there is comfort in knowing exactly what you are getting into. It’s a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. Barring variations in terrain and weather conditions, it’s pretty straight forward. Long and hard but straight forward. World’s Toughest Mudder and the Death Race are totally different beasts. They do not tell you what you will be doing PERIOD! Sure, you have an idea from previous races and intelligence gathering but you better get yourself comfortable with being uncomfortable really quickly and embrace every miserable moment of it. World’s Toughest Mudder in New Jersey is 24-26 hours of running a Tough Mudder course on steroids braving miserable cold temperatures while running in layers of neoprene. The Death Race was 70 hours of hiking gnarly terrain in the mountains of Pittsfield, Vermont while building stone stair cases up the mountain, doing countless burpees, chopping wood, endless manual labor, running, carrying 50+ lb. packs of supplies, etc. while not sleeping for 3 days! With all that being said, the one thing that all three races require is mental grit because everyone of them will expose your weaknesses and tell you to quit at some point. If you have the mental element coupled with proper training, your body will do whatever the mind tells it to do!
If you could give me one adjective to describe the feeling you get when you are working what would it be?
get when you are working what would it be? One word to describe how I feel when working out or training is HAPPY. Training makes me feel healthy and alive and that equals HAPPINESS. I love being outdoors. When I’m outdoors training, I’m in my element and the result is overall HAPPINESS. It makes any negative thought that creeps into my mind disappear.
What is going through you mind while you are competing during a course like the Spartan Death Race or WTM?
While I’m competing in races like World’s Toughest Mudder and the Death Race, I focus on micro movements while thinking of the race as a whole. If I take my mind off my next foothold or hand placement, I could get hurt. I must be focused on every series of movements the entire way through! I have to become like a machine and keep performing consistently, safely, efficiently, and patiently. I repeat this for the duration of the race until I am finished!
You have children that I know you love and adore. For all of the parents out there, how do you balance the amount of training you do with work and family?
Balancing kids, work, and training can be challenging. Essentially, I balance my training around work and kids. Sometimes I’m up early in the morning to train and other times I’m up late at night training. It’s not uncommon for me to finish training at 2am. It’s about committing to my goals! Reaching goals and finishing races happens long before race day. It’s about putting in the hard work and hours of training. My races are unorthodox and so is my training. I always try to train in conditions worse than I’ll experience on race day. This way, conditions for me will always seem ideal! I often take advantage of blocks of time I have available to train. I’m very spontaneous and flexible.
balance my training around work and kids. Sometimes I’m up early in the morning to train and other times I’m up late at night training. It’s not uncommon for me to finish training at 2am. It’s about committing to my goals! Reaching goals and finishing races happens long before race day. It’s about putting in the hard work and hours of training. My races are unorthodox and so is my training. I always try to train in conditions worse than I’ll experience on race day. This way, conditions for me will always seem ideal! I often take advantage of blocks of time I have available to train. I’m very spontaneous and flexible.What would you say is your greatest personal obstacle you ever overcame?
Everyday, I overcoming the greatest obstacle there is. Life. I’m trying to keep life as simple as I can make it. Living each day as it comes. Trying to be happy, make a positive impact, motivate and inspire others, and be a loving father to my two boys. I’m surrounding myself with positive people in the racing community, gaining some awesome sponsorships, and accomplishing things I never thought possible. I’m also learning from some mistakes along the way.
What is your greatest victory? While crossing the finish line at IRONMAN Louisville was pretty amazing, living a life of happiness will be my biggest victory. Something I’m trying to achieve everyday.
What are your future goal races?
Double Anvil IRONMAN, Fuego y Agua Survival Run in Nicaragua, Bill Floyds 8 mile swim from Clearwater to Tampa
What are you favorite quotes?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” -Mark Twain
Shout outs from Matt “UltraIronBeast” Dolitstky : His sponsors VPX Team Xtreme OCR, Reload Fitness, Mud and Adventure, and AL1VE Magnetics.
Matt is pretty inspiring right? Check him out on FaceBook at Facebook.com/matthew.dolitsky