It’s also really cool to be on both sides of the fence now (athlete and coach).  At the very least, I finally understand what I have been putting my coach through for the past 4 years!     I also have to say that I am in the best place to continually learn from an elite level coach. That’s a big benefit of working with The Sport Factory. We work together and are continually challenged by and consult with Matt on training issues.  It’s a great set up and I’m really lucky to be where I am.

Me, Ashley, and Matt at the SEE-ME multisport expo

Work is work and I’m lucky to have it, but the “other” job is going really well, too:  training.   I finally convinced Matt to let me race Powerman Alabama this year. I raced it in both 2006 and 2007 as an amateur, and in 2008 as a pro.  All great races for me, but it is probably one of the toughest races ever. I haven’t done a duathlon since 2008 because I was injured training for Worlds that year, BUT I have not forgotten how tough they are. There is a reason why many triathletes don’t want to race duathlons! And to make sure it’s extra fun, Team Magic extended the distances this year to 10K run / 60K bike / 10K run . . . you know, to make sure we all get our money’s worth.  Um, thanks.

So, PMA will be the first race of the year and it’s coming right up.  Matt has been kicking my butt lately and the du bricks are coming back into style.  The pro field is going to be super competitive this year, and Team Magic put together a cool little line-up to get us all fired up.  But since the age group race is the following day, I’m wondering if there will be anyone out there to cheer us on?!  Did you guys notice someone by the name of Joerie Vansteelant on that list?  Pretty cool, huh?!  If the rest of us chumps on the start list don’t get you motivated to come out and cheer us on, certainly Joerie will.

February was a great month, not just because of the showering of chocolates, roses, and birthday gifts (!), but  mainly because of a quick weekend trip with my sisters and mom all together.  I only wish there were more weekends like this.  And of course there’s that cute little doggy of mine. God forbid her feet ever touch the ground. I love these photos, because it’s like a Where’s Waldo game . . . she’s popping her cute little head out of every picture.

Melissa, Waldo (Shaina), Amy, and Lauren

Melissa and Emily trying to feed Shaina carrot cake. Vegetables are good for you, right?

See Waldo?

"tree huggers." Waldo acclimates to both deciduous and coniferous trees.

Patio attire.

And because The ATL was getting dumped on with a winter blizzard at the time, I had a hard time concentrating and focusing on my “ice bath,” but I tried.

Snow Day.

And even though it pissed my mom off a little, of COURSE I had to train.  I know, I know–  scenery sucked, but I was not one to mope and complain.  I had work to do.

2 wheels & a killer view.

Not my best work, but what do you expect w/ one hand on the bars?

Because I work with an expert-level coach, I may be biased.  I think there are a lot of really well-intentioned coaches out, and some great ones at that.  But I know what Matt offers and it’s a unique combination of some really great coaching attributes:  He’s knowledgeable.  Extremely analytical.  Performance-driven.  Totally dedicated.  And unusually communicative.  I hit the jackpot with Matt and I know it. I just hope he doesn’t trade me in for a younger model as he scopes out the junior talent!

Matt is an expert level cycling coach, track & field coach, and a Level III Triathlon coach. He’s also one of a handful of coaches in the country who is certified to coach with power.   On the personal side, he’s one of the most even-keeled people I’ve ever met. He’s very fair, understanding, and extremely communicative.  He sees the whole picture; in fact, he tirelessly DIGS to uncover all aspects of your training, racing, and daily life that can affect performance.  He looks at every angle.  And I mean EVERY ANGLE. He’s got an encyclopedic understanding of the science behind the training, and is constantly pursuing opportunities to further develop his knowledge and skills.  He’s also one of the most down to earth, understanding coaches I could ask for.

Matt was recently interviewed on Triathlete FM.  If you have a chance, go to Triathlete FM and save SHOW #4 to your iPod and listen to it on your next training run.  You can pick up a few pointers on the science behind the training and understand a bit about Matt’s coaching philosophy.

Are you floating around wondering if you’re doing the right thing in your training? We spend so much time, money, energy, and effort in this sport; don’t waste it by missing the mark because you’re not being guided in the right direction. As the Head Coach and Owner of The Sport Factory, Matt is a full-time coach and takes the development of his associate coaches quite seriously so as to raise the caliber of coaching beyond the requirements of USAT. This is his not only his livelihood, but it’s also his passion.   And every athlete on his roster benefits from that passion and dedication.  If you are interested in learning more about SF coaching and want to ask me questions about my personal experience, feel free to email me. I am such a big believer in Matt’s program and methodology and would love to share it with anyone who is looking for someone great to guide them.

If you have a great coach already, THANK YOUR COACH, because we are lucky to have them!

(Except for when they make us pose for local magazines in a most humiliating way!)