I used the 80/20 plan for running before I tried their triathlon plans. Prior to 80/20 I was “winging it” using Jack Daniels Running formula as a guide and running with club/s groups. The 80/20 plan definitely overtrained me. I always felt like I had to use their level 3 plan, but it just meant doing more work that didn’t have purpose, as you pointed out when we first spoke. It was a heavy plan that wasn’t meant for sprint triathlon training. The program also didn’t include things like technique, drills, and other areas for developing more strength/ power during training.

When I found your swim faster in 30 days program, it included everything I needed. A complete “tool box” to build power, improve buoyancy, and more efficient swimming. At the conclusion of the program, I dropped 20 seconds off my 500 yard time! My goal was to beat my old high school record, and I did. And we’re still getting faster with triathlon training!

My goals for training for the triathlon were to get fitter and faster. Strength and speed!! 

The Olympic distance triathlon has been great, because it allows me to train at a volume I enjoy and it’s challenging enough that I am constantly learning something new.

My biggest fear in switching from the sprint distance to Olympic distance, was the time commitment to training (the volume of the 80/20 program was intense), and the potential for injury, as well as the increased time that would be spent in the open water during the race. I think I still need to overcome some fear on how “uncomfortable” I’m willing to make myself in open water for the longer durations. That just means I need more race practice to get to that level of being comfortable with being uncomfortable – experience is the best for this!

The gains from Wendy’s coaching have been HUGE! Going from 16-17mph averages on the bike to 18-19mph average paces in less than 6 months. My first Olympic distance was the aqua bike and I rode 17.7 mph. My swim pace has improved with increased strength training and using the correct drills and paddles to build up that strength as well as the cadence. AND, if that isn’t enough, a 7:10/mile pace in the 10k portion of the triathlon when I did a 10k by itself at a 7:06/mile pace in similar weather conditions! It has been a great season of significant improvement in all 3 disciplines. 

I have also gained a significant amount of confidence in the sport. I tend to play down myself and doubt my abilities and having a coach to motivate and encourage me helps me feel empowered. 

All of this coaching and improvement went into our A priority race, the USA Triathlon National Championships. I felt prepared for the race, even with a fog delay that moved back my start time by 24 minutes. I also had a later wave start where the temperatures were heating up! I was prepared with extra fuel and hydration.

The training leading up to nationals helped challenge me, I did a lot of hard work in both the pool and open water to get comfortable with swimming in the open water by practicing speed and sighting. I worked hard on the bike with workouts that helped build power in my legs doing intervals, hills climbs, and also strong brick workouts that prepared my legs for the run portion of the event. I was feeling them on the run, but I had the experience and training to push through the discomfort to my goal race pace (I beat it by one second)!

I showed up prepared, fit, and ready to race. I came through an entire training block injury free and in the best racing shape I have ever been in for a triathlon.

In 3 words, Coach Wendy is passionate, knowledgeable, and insightful. Passionate about coaching her athletes for success, knowledgeable about the sport and how to create and adjust training plans that make sense, and insightful in reviewing her athlete’s progress and putting together workouts that challenge and create the right amount of intensity for improvement but not so much as to create undue stress and injury.

I would 100% recommend Coach Wendy to anyone who wants to take their triathlon training to the next level. If what you’re doing isn’t working, it’s time for a coach, the right coach, and that’s Wendy!