COACH CYNDEE

As a personal trainer and triathlon coach I have eager people who come to me with a goal.  In each case their goals is different and unique.  As a coach I am there to support them and help them achieve their goal.  Ultimately their success or failure will be their responsibility.  In most cases I have to slow them down because they want to jump into training too quickly and want to workout everyday right from the start. When I meet with people most times they are way too optimistic and overzealous in their goals.  By the end of our meeting we will adjust and modify their plan for future success.  I make sure they know they have to commit to a big change in their lifestyle especially if they want to train for a triathlon.  Setting smaller goals to ultimately get to a larger goal is a great plan for success. If you are considering a triathlon and you are starting from the ground (meaning you don’t know how to swim, don’t ha...

Recently so many people I know have been getting sick.  It is so frustrating when you are on a good roll with your diet and training and then wham you get a blow by some bug that is going around. In some cases it can have you down for weeks but if your smart you will shorten its duration and kick its butt in a few days.  I rarely get sick (knock on wood) but when I do it usually doesn't stick around for long.  When I have gotten sick it is, in most cases my own fault.  The past few times I got sick I was burning the candle at both ends and doing way too much.  So the first step to not getting sick when everyone else is would be to take care of yourself from the start.  Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, taking your vitamins regularly, not overtraining, not drinking alcohol, and staying hydrated.   So what do you do if that bug does find you and starts hibernating  in your system?  The important thing is to realize yo...

  I have heard every reason for someone missing a workout.   Some are valid reasons and some complete bogus. As their trainer, I have to have a non-judgmental but firm attitude with clients when they miss workouts.   I am not in their body and don’t know how sick or not sick they may be. I realize not many people are like me and slightly obsessive when it comes to missing workouts.   I want people to get into a good routine and form great habits when it comes to their training schedule.   I personally plan my day around my workouts and when I get them done in the morning my day is so much smoother.   I make sure my workout is a priority and part of my day. Sunday I look at my work and school schedule and plan my workouts for the week.   Then each day before bed I check it to make sure I am still on track with my plan.   I pack my stuff (workout clothes and food) the night before to be ready to go in the morning.   Last year ...

IM South Africa I am always excited January 1 st because I look forward to what will happen in the New Year, both the good and bad.   I enjoy and live for the good and I learn from the bad.   You have to be prepared for both but hope to have a good balance of the two as in a lot of good and a little bit of the bad.   I always have a plan for myself going into the New Year.  I don’t set resolutions because I don’t believe in them just like I don’t believe in diets. I feel they are temporary and they don’t create a lifestyle change.  I do however set goals each year for myself in my personal and professional life.  Last year I wanted to start a non-profit helping bring awareness to pet obesity.  I did not do that however, I did become more involved with my volunteering at the Nevada SPCA, which has brought me so much happiness I can’t believe I waited so long to do it.  I go there 1-3 times a week and walk and run the dog...

Many people seem to fall into the winter blues around this time of year.  This applies to competitive athletes and people working out to maintain general fitness.  It can be hard to stay focused on your health when you have a lot of temptations around you.  It can be hard staying on track with your exercise routine when you have shopping to do and parties to attend.  Maybe you don't have as much time but you still have some time, so use it wisely and make sure you make an effort to fit it all in. It may be taking a walk on your lunch break or getting up a 1/2 hour early to fit in some form of exercise.  Either way it is important to get it done on a regular basis. Don't fall into the habit of eating things you normally would not eat just because it is the holiday season.  Stay away and maybe give your self one or two indulges a week instead of partaking in the office cookies daily.   If you are a competitive athlete such as a triathlete then make ...

The hardest part of training is finding time for it.  When planning your season it is important to think about what will be going on in your life at the time of each race you plan to do.  I recently started massage school and I am still working so my schedule is very full or the next 6 months.  I usually do an early season race but with my schedule I have opted not to race at all while I am in school.  I have figured out a way to get 60-90 minutes of quality exercise at least 6 times a week. I will maintain my swim, bike, run fitness but will not race.  I know it will be far too difficult and stressful to work, race and go to school.  If you are planning your season consider major events that will happen in your life and how they will impact your training for a race.  Save yourself some money and do this before you sign up for the races. Will you be able to train without any interruptions such as family vacations or family reunions? I have a very bus...

  It’s getting to be that time of year to start thinking about your race schedule for next year!  Of course for my Ironman athletes this conversation takes place a year before their race because you typically have to sign up for your Ironman a year before the race.  It never fails I am always the bad guy (or girl in this case) telling them they have too many things on their schedule.  I begin cutting out racing or suggesting this one go or that one go.  They never like to hear it.  I have never been a fan of racing to race because your friends are doing it or whatever reason you may have. I pick key races that will help me build my performance for my A races.  This is not to say I have never fallen in the web of racing to race because others are doing a particular race.  In the end I have paid the price with a sub par performance in a race or poor recovery after a race.  As a coach and an experienced athlete I am t...