Coach Debra
Why do you coach?
It took me a while but I found my calling in teaching. I have been teaching in one form of another since 2004, whether it is teaching physical activity, or in an academic setting. Coaching to me is another form of teaching. I am teaching my athletes how to meet their goals. Which is the other reason I coach… I love to set goals and help individuals meet those goals. I enjoy analyzing the best tactics to use for the athlete to be successful. I also have a background in promoting the importance of physical activity to improve physical and mental health. Coaching to me is continuing to do this important work.
What is your primary philosophy of coaching?
My coaching philosophy is based on goal setting, motivation and behavior modification strategies. I believe in setting specific short and long-term goals. To do so we need to find what motivates you and identify any barriers that may prevent you from reaching your goals. Any modifications we make are based on both your physiological and psychological abilities. My goal for you as your coach is to create the adaptations needed. I also believe in building self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is your confidence in completing a task. I work to ensure that you have the confidence to make it to the start line, to the middle of the race and to the finish.
What do you look for in a client?
Someone who is willing to learn about themselves. To learn from their experiences, their coach and their teammates. I like working with a person who will listen and use the information to make change occur. I like working with clients who understand that this sport is a process, and a journey. There will be good days and bad days, both are important to our growth as an athlete. I also like to work with individuals who are competitive but will also take time to have fun in the sport, remembering that not every race needs to be a PR or a podium, and sometimes showing up, or dressing in costume is a win as well.
Why are you different from other coaches?
I have two degrees that are specific to sport and exercise. I have masters of Science in sport and exercise psychology. I also have my doctorate degree in exercise physiology. I have over 15 years experience working in the fitness industry as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer and health promotor. In addition, I am currently a full time faculty member at George Mason University where I teach the next generation of sport and fitness practitioners. I am a published researcher with research topics that include self-myofascial release prior to aerobic exercise as well as the examination of mood and motivation in exercise settings. I am able to not only coach individuals in the sport of triathlon but other exercise endeavors they are hoping to accomplish, including ballroom dancing. J I have been active my whole life and have experiences with being on the podium as well as being last in my age group. I have successfully progressed from not being able to run 2 miles to completing an ironman triathlon. I have never been a “natural” and understand how the right training can help you to meet the goals you set for yourself.
What’s your history in sport?
I have been a runner since high school but focused on sprinting, jumping and javelin. I finally ran more than a 5k in 2005, and have progressed my distances over time. With my first half marathon in 2007, my first sprint triathlon in 2009, and my first marathon in 2010. Since then I have done numerous running races and triathlons. I completed my first 70.3 in 2013, and just completed my fifth of that distance this past fall. I completed my first ironman in Lake Placid in 2014.
I have been dancing since the age of 6. I was a professional ballroom dancer for 5 years, and returned to ballroom dancing a few years ago as a student and compete in pro-am competitions.
What are your credentials?
As mentioned, I have a master’s in sport & exercise psychology, a doctorate in exercise physiology. I have an ITCA triathlon certification. I am also a certified sport psychology coach. I have held certifications in group fitness and personal training.
Athletes who are looking for the following
First time triathletes.
Runners looking to increase their race distances.
Triathletes looking to increase their distance in any event.
Those who are looking for motivation and overcoming barriers to meet their goals
Those who are looking for motivation and overcoming barriers to meet their goals
Athlete Testomonial
“I couldn’t have done it without you!! Your encouragement as you pushed me to work harder than I thought I could while still being supportive was so crucial. I had tried for 4 years to get back in shape and rebuild my mental grit and had made zero progress!! The gifts I’ve received from training with you go far beyond the medals on the wall (although those are awesome too!)”
One-on-One coaching starting at $200/month for single sport athletes and $275/month for multisport athletes