Coach Ryan

The Process

I like to work with an athlete for a full season or through an “A-Race.” This way, I am able to develop a better understanding of what makes you, the athlete tick.

After a careful evaluation of the information that you send me, to include your goal races, hours you spend working, family commitments, how long you have been training, previous injuries, goals and many other factors, I start to develop the plan that will help you succeed.

The next thing for us to accomplish is assessing your current level of fitness for swimming, cycling and running. It will probably take us a couple of weeks to determine the proper heart rate and power zones by utilizing a RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) scale. After we have determined the proper training zones for you, I will put together the training plan using the “periodization” method, utilizing different training cycles (base, build and peak) to help you achieve your goals! I am very flexible about adjusting the schedule to fit around things that pop-up in your schedule. From here, we’ll settle into a good rhythm and will be able to reexamine your training zones and re-adjust your training schedule to fit your life.

Philosophy

My basic theory of coaching triathletes, runners and cyclist is, I utilize periodization to build an aerobic base, incorporate some strength/power and then add speed prior to the A-race. The aerobic base has to be built in order to become faster and stronger. Before you will start any high intensity training, I will be certain that your aerobic fitness level is where it needs to be to support this. The strength/power phase is there to add the intensity that you will need during a race such as hill work and increased weights in the strength training portion of the plan.

I have added strength training to this mix. It is NOT a coincidence that all the major sports utilize a solid weight training program. I am not talking about adding 5-10 pounds of muscle that you have to carry with you up a hill, I am talking about working the key swimming, cycling and running muscle groups in such a manner to increase your power output and Lactate Threshold in addition to stabilizing your core. Through an intense off-season program, and a reduced program during the season, you will find yourself exploding up hills that used to be challenging on the bike and running past the competition at the end of the race! The speed phase will come into play at the very end, combining the base and strength phases to bring you to a peak at the right time! You can expect the demands and intensity to be turned up each week and each month, bringing you to peak shape for race day!

Strengths and Weaknesses- Once I am able to determine your specific weaknesses (endurance, speed, power up a hill), I’ll be able to design specific workouts to remove your weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

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.

Mental Preparation- From my time in the US Army, I’ve learned that your body is capable of a LOT more than your mind thinks it is. Whether it’s a tough training run or the 22nd mile of an Ironman marathon, it’s the mental makeup of the athlete that determines success. In general, everyone at the starting line has done the training and put in the miles. It’s the mental makeup and training that is where you will find the difference and this is where I believe that I will be able to provide the largest gains for you the athlete.

Coaching Education-

May 2010- Masters Degree; Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics

January 2010- USA Triathlon Elite Coaching Mentorship Year Long Program

October 2009- USA Triathlon Elite Coaching Mentorship Program

October 2009- USA Triathlon Level 2 Clinic

November 2007- USA Triathlon Level 1 Clinic

November 2007- Texas Tri Camp

Instruction by:

Joe Friel- Training and racing with power

John Cobb- Bike fitting and aerodynamics

Tom Rodgers- Run training

October 2007- USA Cycling Level 2 clinic

August 2007- USA Cycling Level 3 clinic

August 2007- Masters Degree; Organic and Biological Chemistry

The one thing that I’ve learned in Triathlon- I haven’t learned everything! I always keep an open-mind with the definite understand that what works for one athlete might not work for another. This is where the customization from Break Through Multisport is essential.

I work with each of my athletes individually. Your goals are my goals and your success is my success.

Feel free to contact me at ryan@breakthroughmultisport.com at any time. I look forward to meeting you.

Train smarter- not harder,

Coach Ryan

Head Coach/Founder- Break Through Multisport Inc.

MS Exercise Physiology and Biomechancis

Level 2 USA Triathlon Certified Coach

Level 2 USA Cycling Certified Coach

Biography

First Triathlon:

Ford Ironman California 70.3

Ironmans: