From Non-Athlete to Triathlete

Many athletes are aware of the biological function of the human heart, but only a select few realize that, figuratively, it is the heart's desire, perseverance, and stamina which cross the finish line far before the physical body. Perhaps your personal objective is not a finish line in the literal sense, but reaching a weight goal, effortlessly climbing a flight of stairs or running to catch a bus without strain and discomfort. Regardless of your intentions for wanting to get fit, the renewed sense of health and vitality that accompanies adopting a professionally-monitored fitness regime is a guaranteed personal victory in itself. At BetterTrained, we believe there is an award-winning athlete raging within all of our clients. This philosophy is central to our success, instilling this in our athletes is essential to theirs.

Karuna Govind

'Wow! I had finally begun to develop the skills and confidence to 'own' a bike course and ride it specifically the way I needed to.'

The Background Situation

A rookie only 4 years ago - Having never competed in a multi sport event, her aspiration was to be an Iron man ™ athlete competing in Iron man™ events across North America. A tall order indeed when based in the West Midlands, as all of the fundamentals of swimming, biking and running needed to be developed and mastered.
Our recommendations

Following testing, cardiovascular, muscular endurance and muscular strength training programs, especially tailored to her specific needs were recommended. Indoor cycling training sessions were recommended to improve pedaling technique, leg speed, strength endurance and power development.

Run training followed the same approach. Nutritional and weight training programs were prescribed to complement the strength-to-weight attribute. Finally, effective integration of all three disciplines into one comprehensive training plan.

The Result

A developmental year in year 1 - Finishes in all of the Subaru Series races an Iron man™ Lake Placid in 2005. "Personal Bests" performances in all races of 2006 with an astounding race at Iron man Canada™ in 2006 besting her previous Iron man ™ time by 2 hours.

The coach's score card

Last summer sounded something like this: "Can I do this? Keep going, keep going, don't worry, and don't panic. Is it supposed to feel like that? Am I drinking enough? Don't think about the hills, just ride - oops don't forget the scenery. What am I doing?"

This summer in Penticton was a different story. It sounded like this: "Spin, spin, spin. Keep the legs turning, Warm up; don't rush it. The hills will get here soon enough. Fuel up! Good cadence 90, 95, 100; ok shift one harder gear. That's it, keep spinning. Ok a hill. Ok a BIG hill. Remember Aubrey's article - patience. Sit back, pedal circles. Enjoy the view. Keep breathing, feel the burn, yeah! This is what it's all about! "

"Wow! I had finally begun to develop the skills and confidence to "own" a bike course and ride it specifically the way I needed to."