I Came to Coach, I Left Inspired: My Journey Back to Triathlon
How coaching at a junior select camp rekindled purpose after a professional racing career
Introduction
After spending two decades as a professional triathlete, I believed my chapter with the sport had closed. Yet, life has a way of leading us back to our passions, often in unexpected ways. Sometimes, the sport finds you when you're ready to give back – and transforms you in ways you never anticipated.
Navigating the Identity Crisis of Athletic Retirement
The question of whether to speak about triathlon in the past or present tense is one that resonates deeply with retiring athletes. Do you say "triathlon was my life" or acknowledge that it still is? For those of us who have dedicated years to elite competition, the transition from athlete to... something else... can feel like losing a core part of our identity.
Having competed professionally for over 20 years – beginning with my first triathlon at age 11 – I retired at 36, just as the world was grappling with the onset of COVID-19. The timing was uncanny. I found myself thrust into a search for a new career path amidst global uncertainty. The challenge was daunting.
Like many retired athletes, I distanced myself from the sport, feeling as though I had nothing left to offer. The sport that had defined me for so long suddenly felt foreign, almost painful to engage with. But triathlon, it seems, wasn't quite done with me yet.
The Gravitational Pull Back to Purpose
Gradually, like a gravitational pull, opportunities emerged that drew me back into the world of triathlon – this time from a different perspective.
Earlier this year, I joined USA Triathlon as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, which has been a joy. However, it was the chance to coach at the USA Triathlon Foundation Junior Select Camp in Park City, Utah, that truly opened my eyes to what life after professional racing could look like.
When the invitation came, imposter syndrome immediately reared its head. Did I have anything of value to offer? Could someone who had spent two decades focused solely on their own performance successfully guide and inspire the next generation?
Embracing the Unknown
Landing in Salt Lake City on July 1st, I was greeted by USA Triathlon's Project Podium coach Parker Spencer and a couple of enthusiastic campers. It was my first time meeting Parker in person, and despite this being his sixth round trip to the airport in 48 hours, he showed no signs of fatigue. His energy was infectious.
As we drove toward Utah Olympic Park, with campers animatedly chatting in the back seat, I felt something I hadn't experienced in years – the pure excitement of being part of something bigger than myself. When we pulled up to the camp residences, a wide grin bloomed on my face.
"This place is insane!" my inner 16-year-old exclaimed.
And just like that, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
Mastering the Art of Coaching Excellence
What impressed me most about the camp was Parker's meticulous attention to detail. Every element was carefully planned to expose these junior athletes to what it's like to be in an elite daily training environment, but with a healthy dose of fun woven throughout.
The structured activities included:
- Attending the Fourth of July parade downtown
- Finishing open water swims with relay races down a water slide
- Watching ski jumping shows
- Spontaneous hikes to alpine lakes for freezing but exhilarating swims
But beyond the activities themselves, I was fascinated by Parker's coaching philosophy. He led without ego, creating space for me to share my expertise and gradually step back into that version of myself who used to wake up and swim, bike, and run every day for a living.
Cultivating Safe Spaces for Growth
From the beginning, every athlete was encouraged to operate within their own parameters. We took time to understand each athlete's experience level and created a safe space for them to speak up when they had reached their healthy limit.
This approach proved invaluable during our second-to-last day, when Parker planned a challenging mountain ride designed to push the athletes outside their comfort zones. Before we even began, we had:
- A detailed refueling plan with multiple stopping points
- Project Podium athletes serving as ride leaders
- Clear communication about expectations and exit strategies
Watching these young athletes navigate the mountain, push themselves, confidently admit when they were done, and receive high-fives from their fellow campers was incredibly moving. We waited at the summit with cold beverages and snacks next to an alpine meadow bursting with wildflowers, cheering louder and louder as each camper came into view.
My heart nearly burst – I was so proud of these kids. Looking over at Parker, I realized he knew exactly what he was doing when he put this workout on the schedule.
Beyond Athletic Skills: Developing Complete Human Beings
The camp wasn't just about swim-bike-run training. These athletes were exposed to comprehensive learning opportunities that would serve them far beyond sport:
Nutrition and Wellness Education
Our first speaker was dietitian and retired pro triathlete Megan Foley, who introduced the concept of healthy fueling. Every meal and snack was lovingly prepared by professional caterers who happened to be family members of one of the Project Podium athletes. Watching the campers express genuine gratitude for these nourishing, delicious meals was a lesson in itself. For endurance athletes, proper nutrition and fueling strategies can make the difference between finishing strong and hitting the wall.
Mental Training Techniques
I had the pleasure of teaching pre-competition planning, a mental training technique that had been transformative in my own professional career. Sharing these strategies with the next generation felt like passing along something truly valuable.
Real-World Perspectives
Professional runner and Olympic medalist Grant Fisher spoke about overcoming failure, navigating pre-race nerves, and what he did between winning two Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Games. His vulnerability and wisdom resonated deeply with the campers.
Life Balance Skills
A Q&A panel with Project Podium athletes covered the realities of balancing sport, school, and social life – essential skills for young athletes navigating multiple priorities.
The Transformative Power of Positive Reinforcement
Throughout the week, Parker consistently reinforced important lessons about group dynamics and being a good squadmate. I watched the athletes internalize this advice as they encouraged one another with verbal support, fist bumps, and high-fives.
This positivity was contagious. I witnessed these athletes' bonds deepen as the camp progressed, creating an environment where everyone felt supported to take risks and push boundaries.
The magic happened in those moments when campers would confidently admit they had reached their limit, only to be met with celebration rather than disappointment. This taught them that knowing your boundaries isn't a weakness – it's wisdom.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
As the camp came to a close, we gathered one final time to hear the campers share their key takeaways. As a coach, you always hope you've made a difference – that something, however small, will stick with them and improve their experience in sport and life.
As each camper spoke with confidence about what they had learned, my heart was full. It became clear that this wasn't just a triathlon camp; it was a transformative experience that taught these young people skills transferable to everything they would do in life.
- How to support teammates
- How to push boundaries safely
- How to communicate needs effectively
- How to find joy in challenging moments
- How to maintain perspective in competition
Your Next Chapter Awaits
If you're a retired athlete struggling with your identity and purpose, consider this: your years of experience, both the victories and the setbacks, have uniquely prepared you to guide others. The sport that shaped you is waiting for you to help shape others.
Whether through formal coaching certification, volunteering with youth programs, or mentoring local athletes, there are countless ways to stay connected to your sport while making a meaningful impact. And if you're looking to support young triathletes with quality gear, consider adjustable swim goggles with UV protection that can grow with developing athletes, or a heart rate monitor to help them understand training zones and intensity.
Sometimes the best way to heal from sport is to help others fall in love with it. And in doing so, you might just rediscover why you fell in love with it in the first place. For those looking to continue their own training journey with modern technology, there are more resources available than ever before to support both coaches and athletes alike.
