Pat Amsbry from Pasadena, California
How did you get started in the sport?
Having recently turned 40, I decided I needed to get in shape, lose some weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. I had a high stress job in the broadcasting business with long hours, lots of client entertainment and travel...and not much regular exercise. First, I changed my diet and starting losing weight (eventually dropping 30 lbs). Then, I started going to the gym (semi regularly) and running. I signed up for a half marathon and after a very slow finish time – committed to another half. After a few more half marathons I came across an article about the Malibu Triathlon. I was looking for another challenge so I decided I would sign up. Months went by with no training when finally with about 8 weeks to go I dusted off my 15 year old mountain bike and started “training”. My goals for the Malibu Triathlon: not die, finish, not be the last guy across the finish line. I achieved all my goals and along the way had more fun than I ever imagined…I was hooked!
What made you want to work with a coach?
After completing the Malibu Triathlon I went on to do eight more sprints and two Olympic distance races over the next 12 months. My goals for these races went from “just finish” to focusing on my split and overall times. I was making progress and getting faster but it was happening very slowly. I read a ton of articles, blogs, etc. looking for training tips and workout ideas. Yet, I never really felt like I was doing enough of the right type of training. I wanted more expertise and structure. I wanted to set some more aggressive goals and have a very specific plan to achieve them.
How did having a coach help you to complete your first half Ironman? How did the day go?
Working together with Liz has been great. She has brought me much needed structure and organization to my training. I have been able to increase my total training volume, stay injury free and am starting to see real results. Having a coach takes the guess work out of training. Pre-Liz I was sort of stumbling through each week; never confident that I was doing enough training, the right type/intensity of training or really feeling like I was making much progress. Working with Liz has changed all that – her weekly training schedules have helped me increase volume, intensity and specificity. It's challenging yet fun! Liz is also a good motivator and cheerleader – she has helped me stay positive and focused when I have bad days. And as a new triathlete with a ton of questions – she has been very generous with her time and expertise. The best news is that I have made some real gains – since working with Liz I have delivered a 10 minute half marathon PR; an almost 11 minute PR at the Pasadena Sprint Triathlon and have completed my first Half Ironman (Ironman California 70.3) at my goal time!
Oceanside 70.3 was an amazing day – I felt physically and mentally prepared, confident in my abilities and with a solid race plan. The day went exactly as planned; from pre-race to pacing to nutrition - everything worked. I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment! Liz has shown me that with hard work, perseverance and a smart training plan – that anything is possible, you just need to do the work and trust the plan!
What are you looking forward to in the rest of the 2010 season?
My next big race is Vineman 70.3. This is now the major focus as I work towards my new goal of dropping 30 minutes from my Oceanside time. It’s going to be a busy season with a lot of challenges and I am excited to continue the journey to build my fitness, improve my technique, show gains at each event (my goal is to PR at every event that I also did in ‘09) and see how far I can push my body.
What I enjoy most about working with Pat is his commitment to doing the work required to achieve his goals. Setting goals is more than just writing them down. Pat asks the right questions, trusts the training and then executes the plan on race day. I look forward to watching him take on the rest of the 2010 season!
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