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How I Became a Coach I had been helping people with their swimming for years, and really liked seeing them improve. It was fascinating to me to see someone who wanted to be a better swimmer, make corrections that I suggested, and then see them swim with less effort, and, move through the water faster! This is a great feeling!! So I continued helping people for a few years. Then I was approached by an athlete to help him with his training program for swimming, biking, running and weights. At first I turned him down.........I didn't think I could make a difference for him. Then, with regular boughts of persuading, I gave in, and sat down to help him with his training schedule. Since I began coaching Dan Nichols, he has qualified for the World Short Course Triathlon Championships in Cancun Mexico, the World Long Course Triathlon Championships in Ibiza Spain, and just recently made the team again on the Long Course Team to compete in 2004. So, I'm glad to have made the decision to help him out. I've also been lucky enough to work with a number of athletes since then. I've taken people through their first Ironman, and I've helped people do their first triathlon and live to tell about it with a great big smile on their face! I'm not only limited to triathlons. I am currently coaching a Mountain Biker who has made such improvements that she will now be competing in the "pro/elite" category for the rest of the 2003 season. I've also done some technique work with athletes for running, biking, swimming, and weights. I think the biggest thing I have to offer my athletes, is that I make their training programs personally suited to build on their weak areas, and maintain their strengths. I feel it is important to be flexible, but, the key workouts must be completed to continue forward in achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the year. I use my knowledge as a Massage Therapist and my experience as a runner with 16 years of mileage under my feet, mixed with the past 8 years competing in triathlons, to give me plenty of knowledge for the athletes I coach. Unfortunately for me, but good for my athletes, is the fact that I've had almost every injury you can imagine, (this is why I switched from running to triathlons). I'm very happy to help someone prevent an injury. Because we all know that down time due to injury is the worst thing that could happen to an athlete when training for something that is important to them. I'll end this making a very important statement. "I'm an Endurance Coach, and I'm proud of the athletes I've had the pleasure of working with". Shawn Reeder |
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