I like to work with an athlete that has very specific goals. Someone that is able to identify what they want will also be someone that will understand that endurance sports take time. Fitness and experience are progressive.
After the athlete has identified and relayed what they want we go to work. There is a intake questionnaire that we will require to better understand the athletes race experience, training volume, race nutrition knowledge, injury history and motivation.
The next step includes, taking the athlete through extensive tests to better understand their current fitness levels for swimming, cycling and running. This must be done to set a baseline and to ensure fitness is being accomplished and overtraining is being avoided. These tests will be included into the program regularly due to the ever changing paces, heart rate zones and power output that will be accomplished after proper training.
My theory on coaching athletes is that athletes typically don't understand proper pacing and intensities. And even if they do understand they don't follow through for what ever reason. If they would merely train in the correct heart rate, pace or power zone for an extended period of time with the right periodized plan then they will reach greater fitness levels and PR's.
Another theory of mine when coaching triathletes and runners is that we must identify athletes weaknesses and then make their weaknesses stronger. Some examples include, if an athlete wants to become a marathon runner but has never run more than 10miles in their life, then we don't continue with sprint workouts. We design a program that will allow this athlete to go the distance. They will then race faster and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Lastly, just like a proper periodized endurance program athletes need a proper strength training program. This also takes testing, proper intensities, identification of weaknesses or movement patterns, periodization, and re-testing.
I will re-test you with a steady-state workout every 4-6 weeks in order to re-evaluate your fitness gains. This can range from a 5k run, to a 30 minute time-trial on the bike to a 500-1000m swim. All testing data will be maintained in the Break Through Multisport logs for future reference.
Coaching Education-
NASM (National Strength and Sports Medicine) (July 2005)
Bachelor Kinesiology -Michigan State University (Dec 2005)
Accelerated-Injury Prevention for Runners (March 2009)
Accelerated-Injury Prevention for Runners (March 2009)
USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach (November 2010)
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”
-Steve Prefontaine.
Feel free to contact me at mike@breakthroughmultisport.com. I look forward to meeting you.
Train smart- go FAST!!!
Coach Mike
Director – Break Through Multisport Chicago
BS Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Level 1 USA Triathlon Certified Coach
NASM personal trainer certified
Biography
Ironmans:
Ironman Cozumel 2010
Equipment:
Wetsuit: Blue Seventy
Bike: Kuota Kueen K
Wheels: SRAM S80
Shoes: Asics Nimbus
Power Meter: Quarq CinQo
Favorites:
Food: Basil Leaf Cafe
Coffee: Peet's Coffee and Tea
Sports: Soccer and Triathlon
Race: Boston Marathon, Chicago Triathlon
TV Shows: What is TV?
Favorite Male Pro: Chris McCormick
Favorite Female Pro: Chrissie Wellington
Favorite Workouts: Swimming- 3x300 all out. Riding- 3-5 hours with friends at conversation pace. Running- 1mile, 800m, 1k all out with 90 second recovery.
