Passing the Torch
The Power of Belief
My favorite coaches from childhood all had one thing in common—they believed in me more than I believed in myself.
Coach Jose and Coach Keener from the Dubai Falcons. Coach Watts from Legion and the Conestoga Cannons (RIP). Alex Melconian from my high school days.
They helped me develop my baseball fundamentals through endless practices, drills, and play situations, but more importantly, they gave me real-time feedback in a kind and supportive way. They explained the why.
I felt timid and insecure as a kid, but these coaches gave me encouragement and confidence, which in turn, allowed me to believe in myself. They brought my hidden talents to light and I think that’s one of the greatest gifts a coach can give an athlete.
This past weekend, two of my coached athletes at Forge Performance raced.
Dee took on Ironman 70.3 North Carolina, her fifth race of the season. After motivating those in her circle, and taking on adventures with her friends and family, it was time for her A race—what we’ve been building toward all season.
Confidence was high after winning some short course events, including a kayakathon, and having more endurance experience under her belt. And after committing to a weight loss journey and following a structured nutrition and training plan, she felt she was building fitness for the first time in her life.
Her last training block was bike-focused. She had run experience, but her biggest area for improvement was on two wheels. We focused on frequency and aimed for three rides per week, gradually built her long ride up to four hours, and sprinkled in some race-specific intensity.
The result? She shaved 26 minutes off of her 56-mile bike split. Not only that, but she shaved 8 minutes off of her 1.2-mile swim split. After a year of consistent training, she was more efficient in the water, which in turn paid dividends on the bike.
Her half marathon run wasn’t where she wanted it to be due to GI distress, a common occurrence in endurance events. This training block was also focused on dialing in her nutrition and hydration; however, it seems we overdid it on the carbohydrates—something we’ll continue to fine-tune during training.
Nonetheless, Dee became a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher this weekend, set a 30 minute personal best in the distance, and was all smiles per usual. Congrats, Dee!
Noel took on the Las Vegas Half Marathon, his third race of the season.
After setting a personal best in the Chicago Olympic Tri in August, he was motivated to focus on running, his strength of the three triathlon disciplines.
This summer, Noel navigated a career change, moved to a different state, and began working night shifts for his new role within the U.S. Air Force. In other words, stress has been high. And as I learned from my sports med doc after my stress fracture last year, stress is stress. Your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between training stress, work stress, relationship stress, etc.
As a result, we were proactive about his recovery and adjusted his training plan on the fly based on his demanding job and travel schedule. While we included some speed work near the end of his build, we prioritized time on feet with easy, aerobic runs and rucks.
One of the biggest contributors to success in endurance sport is consistency. In order to be consistent, we must make training easy enough that we can do it every day.
People new to running often want to know the secret, the quick hack, the magic workout. Sorry to disappoint, but none exist. It’s years of consistent training.
You may read that and be disappointed. Or you can read that and see opportunity. All you have to do is put in the work. Simple, but not easy.
Noel executed perfectly and ran 1:29 in Vegas this weekend, a blazing 6:29/mi pace, and set a ten minute half marathon personal record in the process, giving himself a nice confidence boost heading into the Bayshore Triathlon next weekend.
I’m honored to coach Dee and Noel and I can’t wait to see what they do next. The future is bright.
It’s normal, even expected, to have doubts when you’re chasing an audacious goal. If you don’t have fear, I would encourage you to dream bigger. What matters is how that energy is harnessed and how you respond. Sometimes all it takes is someone else to believe in you and show you the way.
Want to do a half marathon, marathon, or triathlon but don’t know where to start? I am taking on two more athletes for 1-1 coaching. DM me here or on Instagram to see if you’d be a good fit for Forge Performance.
Whenever I read this I feel like you are doing a great work brother. I haven't ever had any coaches or mentors who believed in him or showed immense trust that I can do great, especially my parents also feel like I haven't achieved much. But I feel like I can do this coaching/ mentoring thing which can create a ripple effect in the society & culture as well.
Love love love this!! Dee has been killing it!! Noel - u gooo guy! 6.29 pace!!