I’ve spent a good 35 years immersed in triathlon. Some might say it’s my life’s work, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Today, I’m in Huatulco with Team World Triathlon, and I’ve been given an extraordinary opportunity: to guide young and passionate athletes from all over the world. For me, this is more than just coaching; it’s a chance to give back to the sport that’s shaped my life in countless ways.

Times Have Changed: A Longer Race Calendar and Greater Challenges

When I look back on my own competitive prime, it’s striking how rapidly the global race calendar has expanded. We’ve gone from just a handful of key events to a nearly year-round schedule that stretches from February to November. It reminds me of a savvy investment portfolio—if you spread your energy too thin across too many “assets,” you risk losing your biggest returns. In the realm of endurance sports, that translates to recovery strategies, travel management, and not chasing every single race on the circuit. Even the legendary Lionel Sanders, often referred to as “Mr. No Limits,” knows there are smart limits to be set if you’re aiming for high performance over the long haul.

The Art of Travel and Selective Racing

I see a lot of young athletes who, in their enthusiasm, book endless flights around the globe in pursuit of points or a higher ranking. But too much travel can erode both performance and health. My role is to mentor them on balancing that hunger for the next big race with the need for strategic rest. It’s like determining when to reinvest dividends—sometimes you hold back to grow stronger over time.

Learning Through Trial and Error

Everyone craves a shortcut to success, but I’ve found there’s no substitute for experience. As much as I’d like to protect these rising stars from all their missteps, I know some lessons are learned only through touching the hot stove. It’s human nature. Coaches and mentors can warn you, but you often need that firsthand encounter to truly understand how to optimize your race planning and performance.

Giving Back and Building the Future

One of the greatest joys in this phase of my journey is supporting athletes from countries with fewer resources. We’re leveling the playing field by sharing top coaching strategies, expert insights, and genuine encouragement. It’s inspiring to witness their progress. Sometimes, the spark in their eyes reminds me why I started all those years ago.