Coaching Philosophy

I start with the understanding that all athletes are different and all require individualized training plans and coaching.  My job as your coach is to build a training plan unique to your needs that will allow you to maximize your available training time and reach your goals. I am always available to make adjustments to a training plan to fit your training into your life. I like to work with an athlete for an entire season or at least through an A-race.  This allows me to really get to know an athlete and to have a goal in mind as we prepare an individualized training plan.

I am committed to continuously educating myself in the latest developments in multisport and coaching, which I believe allows me to give my athletes the best coaching possible, based on scientific principles and real world racing experience. 

The Coaching Process

Initially it is critical that we assess your strengths and weaknesses as well as your current level of fitness. This is done through an intake packet that all new athletes fill out as well as testing and evaluation in swimming, cycling, and running. I use an RPE scale and (when available) power/GPS/Heart Rate data to set training zones based on your swim, bike, and run testing. This may take up to 2 weeks to accomplish. Finally we will discuss your intake packet and testing data before I write any formal training plans for you. 

All training plans use the principle of periodization which means we will break your season or training plan into periods (base, build, and peak). We start with base training to develop aerobic fitness and then move on to the build period where the focus is more on developing  power/strength and finally we will work on speed skills during the peak period. All training plans are constructed with your A- race(s) as the focal point.  

Each individualized training plan will take into account athlete limiters (such as weakness in strength, power, speed, or mental skills) and strengths. I will use knowledge of your weaknesses and strengths to structure your training plan to improve weak areas while maintaining strength in your strong areas. The ultimate goal will be to have you at the peak of fitness and readiness on race day for your A -race.

Specific skills training

I include specific training objectives tailored to your needs such as transition techniques, mental training, and equipment failure/adverse event training to help you be as prepared as possible on race day.

Performance Testing

Every 4-6 weeks I will retest my athletes in swimming, running, and cycling. This allows me to assess your performance gains and set new training/performance goals . All data is kept permanently in BTMS files for future reference.

Partnership

When you hire me as your coach you and I become partners in a team dedicated to achieving your best performance. Your goals for you are my goals for you and your success is my success!

Biography

I was born and raised in Alma, Michigan. My endurance sports career began with a love for running that led to participation in JV and Varsity Track at Sacred Heart Academy High School where I ran the 3200m, the 1600m relay, and the 3200m relay.

I attended Alma College in Alma Michigan and upon graduation received a bachelor’s degree in biology with dual majors in biology and sociology. After college I went on to attend Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine where I earned my D.O degree.

I began competing in triathlons in 2003. In 2004 and 2006, I qualified for the USAT Age Group Nationals at the Olympic distance.

At present, I am a resident of Tucson, Arizona. When I am not coaching I continue to train and race in triathlons throughout the southwest.

Coaching Education:

April 2009 USA Cycling Level 3 Clinic

March 2009 USAT Level 1 Coaching Clinic

You can reach Brian at: Brian@BreakThroughMultisport.com