Tag Archives: triathlon coaching

Introducing Coach Brad Haag: Rockstar Triathlete Academy’s New Community Manager

Coach Brad Haag Finishing a 70.3 bike

On behalf of the Rockstar Triathlete Academy we would like to introduce our new community manager, Coach Brad Haag. Brad is dedicated to engaging with all of the athletes of the Rockstar Triathlete Academy. Through quality content via articles, videos, audio recordings, and more, Brad’s goal is to connect athletes around the globe through the Rockstar Triathlete Academy.

Brad is a certified USAT triathlon coach, a certified USAC cycling coach, a certified NCSF personal trainer, and among other various titles an overall fitness geek. His background involves a diverse array of physically challenging endeavors. From attending special programs while he served in the Navy to stumbling upon triathlon and other endurance sports. He has since qualified for triathlon nationals at three different distances (sprint, Olympic, and half-ironman).

Brad’s coaching career began four years ago when he held the position of Command Fitness Leader (Navy version of a Personal Trainer) in charge of coaching over two-dozen Sailors. After being honorably discharged Brad started his coaching career as a certified coach through Superhumancoach.com and Pacific Elite Fitness. He now coaches athletes ranging from recruits looking to be a Navy Seals to triathletes looking to qualify for the world championships.

If you’re interested in learning more about Brad, he can be contacted through the Rockstar Triathlete Academy’s gold wings forum, the Facebook page, or the Twitter page.

Q&A With Triathlon Coach Lee Zohlman Now Available For Download!

Lee Zohlman began his multi sport career in 1996 and found his new sport to be a driving passion for a new career. Leaving the lucrative field of television broadcasting Lee was one of the first 25 USA Triathlon coaches ever to be certified by the sports governing body. Soon after, BodyZen Enterprises was launched with immediate success.

With Lee at the helm he has steered BodyZen to fantastic heights. Now, Coach Lee is an Elite Level 3 certified coach (one of only 20 in the world) and BodyZen has broadened its ventures. Lee and BodyZen are currently involved in not only a successful coaching business but Professional athlete management, event marketing and multimedia initiatives.

Lee and BodyZen are now considered key influencers in the endurance sports world. The last fourteen years have been fruitful and Lee and BodyZen will make sure the next phase is even more successful.

To listen to the call with Lee, in which we talk about everything from mental performance to compression socks, just keep reading!

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February 2011 “Business of Triathlon Coaching” Call Download Now Available!

The February 2011 “Business of Triathlon Coaching Call” is now available for download at the bottom of this post. In this call:

-Should organizations/health clubs require USAT coaching certification for triathlon coaches?

-What to wear at expos vs. seminars vs. club meetings to promote your brand and look professional…

-How to do swim/bike/run video analysis…

-Alternate income streams for triathlon coaches, aside from triathlon coaching…

-Best books, websites and resources for learning more about business of triathlon coaching…

-What companies are good to get liability insurance from?

-What does being a triathlon coach mean to you?

Interested in become a triathlon coach member? Here’s more information on that, as well as other available upgrades as a Rock Star member…

-Available Upgrades:

CoachUpgrade

LifetimeUpgrade

Keep reading to download the February 2011 Business of Triathlon Coaching Call now…
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April 2010 Recording Now Available For Triathlon Coach Members.

Attention triathlon coach members of the Rock Star Triathlete Academy…your April 2010 call with Ben Greenfield and Kerry Sullivan covers the whole spectrum of organizing and arranging triathlon camps and triathlon clinics!

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Member Triathlon Q&A #8 With Ben Greenfield & Kerry Sullivan

In this exclusive member’s only call, which you can download at the bottom of this post, Ben & Kerry answer listener questions, including…

My last marathon I ran a 3:26 in December. I’m building for my first IM distance this year. How should I select my target marathon pace? Once I select the pace, how should I train for that pace? Should most of my long runs be below that pace like I would for a normal marathon or should I run at a faster pace so the marathon pace feels easier? What about brick runs off the bike: above, at or below race pace?

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Do you have some good staple stretches for the hamstrings? This is a weak area in my stretching routine…

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On a whim today at the grocery store I picked up a pair of whole coconuts, what with it being spring and sunny and all. So my first post-purchase thought is, of course, how the heck do I use ’em? I can use the milk in smoothies, shave the coconut by hand and put it in post-workout seed mixtures, but beyond that I’ve got nothing.

What fun things do you all do with them?

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In my last race, I got some wicked cramps coming out of the water. After a quick stretch I was ok the rest of the race, but the next day…the muscles that cramped up were super-sore for like 2 days. Any suggestions of how to lessen the pain?

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Hi Ben and Kerry, I’ve been getting into some more intense interval run training prescribed within my plan. Specifically Ben, the VO2max sets (short and long) within the Triathlon Dominator plan. I’m finding that after these workouts, I am very sore and tight in the hamstring/groin area. Not quite a pulled muscle, but close. I am warming up well for these, but the weather is still fairly cold here (35-40F), so I am sometimes struggling to stay warm. Am I pushing these intervals too hard, or does this mean that I haven’t done enough base training and should back off on these for another few weeks? On my tempo and aerobic runs, I still feel great. Thanks!

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Hi Ben and Kerry, Aa you know I’m a middle of the pack swimmer, but am getting faster and more confident with my swim this year. I’m training for IM Canada at the end of August. I’m thinking of taking one of my tune-up races (Olympic dist.) and making my only goal be to stay within the top 1/4 of the swim pack. Even if this means I may blow up on the bike or run. I really want to see if I can hang at the front of the swim pack, and what this feels like compared to being in the middle. Is this crazy or reckless to do in an IM training year?

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Hey guys, first off, I love the coaching calls, they are a great resource. Today, I have a couple questions: 1.) How do you feel about splitting up workouts? For example, I am supposed to do a 50mile ride followed by a 15 minute run. Do you get the same results from doing a 30 mile run in the morning and then a 20mile/15min brick in the early afternoon? (I am trying to get my miles in and stay married) 2.) I wrecked a couple years ago bombing a hill and ever since I am really hesitant to bomb down hills. When racing a very hilly course, do you really make big enough gains bombing down hills rather than taking them at a manageable speed riding the brakes? Thanks!

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To listen to the call now or download to listen later, just keep reading…

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Rock Star Business of Triathlon Coach Call This Sunday Night

For all triathlon coaches who have the Rock Star Triathlete Academy “Business of Triathlon Coaching” membership upgrade…

…remember that your Rock Star “Business of Triathlon Coaching” monthly seminar is this Sunday, March 21st at 9:00pm Eastern. Plan on 2 hours. Check your e-mail for the call details and link to log-in to the call, where we’ll be answering your questions from the forum AND interacting with you live.

Remember…even if you can’t make it, you can log-in using the link we sent you in your e-mail and ask your questions before, then listen to the recorded seminar later, at your convenience!

Member Triathlon Q&A #7 With Ben Greenfield & Kerry Sullivan

In this exclusive member’s only call, which you can download at the bottom of this post, Ben & Kerry answer listener questions, including…

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Member Triathlon Q&A #6 With Ben Greenfield & Kerry Sullivan

In this exclusive member’s only call, which you can download at the bottom of this post, Ben & Kerry answer listener questions, including…

Chuck – Virginia Beach

I know the importance of proper post-workout nutrition for muscle recovery and for energy for your next workout, but does the right nutrition also help with muscle soreness the next day after the workout? Or is this synonymous with general muscle recovery? Thanks guys

Patrick – Nashville, TN

I have a similar question to a question Todd asked a couple weeks ago, re: what to wear during a sprint triathlon. I’m doing an indoor triathlon this spring. From what I’m being led to believe, it seems more like a swim TT, bike TT and run TT, more so than an actual triathlon. Basically, you have the time to change clothes in transition if you like. In a situation like that, what would be the FASTEST apparel choice?

Bev – Charlottesville, VA

I’m a female triathlete on a mission to become a hammerhead on the bike. My plan to accomplish that is to start in the gym with a Max Strength phase working on leg press and knee extension strength. Then I’m going to do high gear intervals and regularly bike a steep grade 1 hr climb. Is this a good plan to become an uber biker time trailer? Am I missing something?

John – Memphis

I am new to cycling and as it can be expensive to experiment, I was interested in your choice of pedals. Shimano SPD-SL, LOOK, Speedplay, or the ever trusted foot straps?

Bret j – Cedar City

Do you race with a Garmin Forerunner (not the new one) or maybe know some one who does? If so, wow the heck do they keep the battery rocking all day during an IM race? Seriously, I am not that fast and it will die before I do. :)

Diane –

I have been reading the “live right for your blood type” book. I am a type A and the book is spot on for describing me as a type A. I am considering switching to the type A diet (mostly vegetarian) to see if I feel better. I was shocked to see the exercises recommended for Type A’s is yoga, tai chi and non strenous sports. I will agree that I do get more exhausted and have a higher heat rate than friends who have a lower fitness level. What are your thoughts on eating for your specific blood type and have you ever paid attention to the rumour that Type O’s are better endurance athletes than Type A’s?

Todd – Calgary, Alberta

Hey guys, I’m noticing from my training log that I have a tendency to move my Recovery day to Monday, as Saturday and Sunday are typically higher volume days and I find I am pretty tired on Monday morning. I know that the Triathlon Dominator plan suggests Friday as Recovery day. Is this an okay habit to be developing, or should I try to do some workouts on Mondays, even when tired. I hear alot of talk about Ironman training and the importance of learning to run when tired, as that is what the race will be like. Thanks for any thoughts on this! Continue reading →

Member Triathlon Q&A #5 With Ben Greenfield & Kerry Sullivan

In this exclusive member’s only call, which you can download at the bottom of this post, Ben & Kerry answer listener questions, including…

Todd – Calgary, AB, Canada

During an early season sprint triathlon where the swim is in a pool, what is your transition strategy? Do you wear a swimsuit in the pool, and then pull on tri shorts and top in transition? Or, would you wear a full tri suit for the whole race? Or another combination?

Kerstin – San Francisco

Bricks – injury vs best race prep question: How many bike-run brick work-outs would you recommend doing when training for a HIM? Is there a real physiological adaptation when doing bricks during training or do they have more of a psychological effect, meaning getting used to the FEELING of running on heavy legs for the fist 10min after the bike? I am trying to balance avoiding injuries during training vs best race preparation. Thank you!

Kerstin – San Francisco

Another HIM race planning question: What power zone would you recommend to target for the bike ride of a HIM given that it is my first HIM and it is a hilly course. For some additional background, I am a bad swimmer, an OK cyclist (having invested a lot into my cycling training during the last 3 months) and a decent runner. Thank you!

Kerstin – San Francisco

Hi, I have a 2-part question: 1.) My first HIM is coming-up in 8 wks and I am wondering how I should adjust my half-marathon race pace to set a realistic goal race pace for the run of the Half IM? 2.) What portion of my training runs should be done at goal race pace to peak in 8 wks? My current training plan prescribes a lot of interval training (0.5mi or 1mi intervals at HMP) in addition to a slow long run per wk, but I am concerned about the lack of longer runs at goal race pace. What is your perspective on that? Thank you!

Dana – Baltimore

Hey guys, Have been running for about 8 months in the vibram five finger shoes. I know that these shoes are time intensive to put on therefore not too conducive to tris. Is their a shoe that is comparable to the vibrams that mimicks that “”barefoot” type of feeling?

Jeff – Mandeville, LA

I am training for my first sprint march 28th I am 41 and have been training since Oct. 09. Today I did my own sprint and finished in 1 hr 32 minutes. With a sprint would it be ok to do one or two more before my race to help figure out my body. My slow part was the run. Any suggestions. Jeff

Sue –

Ben & Kerry – Have either one of you had any experience coaching someone with arthritis or bad neck pain and if so what adjustments did you have to make? I just found out I have bad arthritis in my neck and the doctor said freestyle swimming should be okay but no breastroke. Also he recommends getting my bike adjusted so that my neck isn’t so bent when I am down on my aerobars. I have a road bike with add on aerobars. I am hoping the bars can just be raised. Any other tips?

David – California

Big Gear, Low Cadence vs. Higher Gear, Higher Cadence? I read a lot of conflicting articles about the benefits of big gear work and I am also conflicted (or perhaps better word would be confused) And from one who uses a power meter, I know a watt is a watt; and one can achieve the same wattage level regardless whether spinning at 70rpm and pushing on the pedals less frenquently or is pushing on the pedals more frequently (e.g. 90rpm). Since two different cadences can generate the same power, and all other things equal will generate the same speed on a bike, what really are the advantages of big gear work if one can hold, for example, 300 watts over some duration regardless of their cadence? I am aware there will be differences in heart rate between cadence levels, but are there any other actual physiological advantages to big gear work?

To listen to the call now or download to listen later, just keep reading…

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Rock Star “Business of Triathlon Coaching” Upgrades Now Available!

Are you ready to learn how to get better results from your athletes while maximizing your time and making the most of out triathlon coaching tools and technology?

Beginning today, March 1st, you can register for this career-enhancing option. But there are just 43 seats available in the brand new “Business of Triathlon Coaching” Rock Star member upgrade.  Current members: here’s how to claim your spot with just three simple steps (if you’re not a current member, just click here to join the Rock Star Triathlete Academy, then return to this page)…

Step 1: Click Here to go to the Rock Star Member’s Page (will open in a new window).

Step 2: Click the “Triathlon Coach Upgrade” option.

Step 3: Check your e-mail for your private Triathlon Coach Forum password and the official day/time for the monthly Rock Star “Business of Triathlon Coaching” call with Ben Greenfield and Kerry Sullivan

The information that Ben and Kerry will provide to you goes way beyond simple business blueprints and athlete interaction tools – we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to become a triathlon coach and use all the cutting-edge tools available to the modern triathlon coach. Follow the simple steps above and get started today!