VQ Location: Highland Park

Certification:

• USAT Level I Coaching Certification
• USMS Level II Coaching and Stroke Development Clinic Certifications
• Ironman University Coaching Certification (in progress)
• USA Cycling Level I and Level II Coaching Certifications (pending)
• Training Peaks Certification (pending).

Specificity: Triathlon, Swimming, Ironman

Why do you coach? My coaching career is recent but is built upon almost 30 years of teaching and learning in collegiate academia, with a PhD in English Studies, and 10-year career in triathlon, having completed all distances and nine Ironman races with age group finishes in the top 16 to top 50. My philosophy of coaching is based upon diversity, inclusion, responsiveness, and positivity -- And I believe it is important to be credentialed in as many disciplines of triathlon as possible.

Personal Achievements: I have raced triathlon events at each of the distances, many with my spouse, Ann. In the long course, I've ranked as an All World Athlete Ironman in 2018 (projected Silver); 2017 (Bronze); 2016 (Silver); and 2015 (Silver). My fastest finish time in an Ironman is 10:33.06. My goal is to complete the remaining two Ironman events in the US (Maryland and Lake Placid) and qualify for Kona before I complete my long-distance career as I evolve toward coaching full-time.

Why do you work for Vision Quest Coaching? The professionals at Vision Quest (VQ) are dedicated to helping athletes extend their range as performers; this includes all three triathlon disciplines, as well as the disciplines of nutrition, functional training, and wellness. I embrace and identify with VQ's core values of community, innovation, fitness journey, life balance and safety. It is a joy to be among professionals who are continually open to new ideas and learning.