R3 Endurance

“You like helping people”

This morning I joined a group of runners (thanks for hosting ) and I spoke to quite a few new runners but a few comments stuck out to me. After talking about what I do, he mentioned “you like helping people”. Yes, yes I do. That’s why I became a physical therapist and a triathlon coach. I truly enjoy what I do, working with people to help them move and feel better.

I spoke with a woman who took time off running and successfully ran 2 1/2 marathons this year and as she mentioned having to defer a race the year before because her husband had an accident, my mind quickly switched to ask how he is doing now. Why? Because when someone goes from everyday life to becoming an immediate caregiver, it throws their whole ecosystem through a loop. It was my indirect way of learning a little more about how much she has overcome to achieve her recent accomplishments.

This is how I think about all of my athletes and patients. I don’t just focus on the immediate problems they want to solve, I dig a little deeper and try to get a good sense of the whole picture - physical, mental, situational. Because I truly care and life stressors can have a large effect on our physical health and cannot be ignored during recovery or training.

If you’re looking to work with a coach or physical therapist who takes the time to look at the whole picture to help you become successful, send me a DM. I’d love to work with you.

Some weeks remind me exactly why I love coaching.

Not because of finish lines, medals, or perfect workouts, but because of the conversations that happen along the way. This week, a few things my athletes said to me really stuck with me. The kind of moments that remind me this is about so much more than training.

I coach because I want to help athletes become the best version of themselves. Not just as triathletes, but as people. To help them learn how to pursue big goals while also balancing careers, families, stress, recovery, and the rest of life that continues outside of training.

Being an athlete is not just about swimming, biking, and running. It’s learning how to stay consistent when life gets busy. It’s rebuilding confidence after injury or setbacks. It’s learning how to take care of yourself while still showing up for the people around you. Watching athletes grow through that process is the most rewarding part of what I do.

The messages and conversations this week were a reminder that progress is not always measured by pace or power. Sometimes it’s confidence, consistency, perspective, or finally feeling like yourself again

Congrats to R3E athletes Melody and Julie this weekend on completing big events!

Julie has been working hard to finish strong at Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast as her first half Ironman event. Despite all the daycare illnesses and unexpected life challenges this spring, she had a really strong showing for her first 70.3. I’m looking forward to helping her train for her next one this fall!

Melody caught the ultramarathon bug pretty early on and had her eyes set on running ultras before we started 2.5 years ago. Except every time she tried to increase mileage, she had setbacks with injuries and stress fractures. I’m happy to share that she completed the Dirty German 50 miler on Saturday - everything came full circle. She has truly been enjoyable to work with and I’m excited to see what she has planned next. But first: recovery.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the hardworking moms out there showing their kids every single day that moms can do hard things.

Early mornings, busy schedules, training through exhaustion, showing up anyway and your kids are watching all of it. The strength, discipline, resilience, and courage you’re building through sport carries far beyond race day.

These photos are of some of our incredible R3 Endurance moms and athletes within our community who continue to chase big goals while also raising families, building careers, and leading by example every day.