It's not the equipment, it's the engine.
ABOUT ME
Michele Kisel
I grew up as a swimmer in Eugene, Oregon. Swimming took me to the University of Alabama where I was an NCAA All-American backstroker and butterflier. My college coach used to have us do timed 5K runs on the track, and I would yell on every lap, "I'm a sprinter, why am I running a 5K?" Triathlon, of any distance, was the last thing I thought I'd ever do!
After finishing my collegiate swimming career, I started running local 5Ks and bought a mountain bike for my first reverse sprint triathlon. That's all it took to get hooked! I was the USAT aquabike national champion in 2018 and suffered a stroke at the 2019 aquabike national championships due to a dissected carotid artery that happened during the race. After 3 months of stroke rehabilitation, the pandemic hit, and I started thinking about what I wanted to do about my path back to racing. I decided to get certified to coach in order to still be involved in the triathlon community. I earned the Ironman University certification and the USAT Level 1 coaching certification.
My previous coaching experience includes coaching a USA swimming club while in graduate school. I currently teach indoor cycling classes at several Memphis area gyms, and I am a NASM certified personal trainer, and NASM Women's Fitness Specialist, and Assistant Swim Coach of the Houston High School and Middle School swim teams. I also am a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at the Navy base, NSA MidSouth in Millington, TN. I am excited to work with new or seasoned athletes who are committed to their own fitness journey. Your goal becomes my goal!
*Full Disclosure - Finish lines make me emotional! :-)
Plan your work and work your plan
So you're training for a triathlon -- whether it is your first or your millionth, you need a plan. Let me help you prepare for any distance triathlon, improve your swim, gain power on the bike, and increase your lactate threshold on the run. I can also help with strength and conditioning, speed and agility, and proper swim stroke mechanics.
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What does it mean to build your engine?
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Have you ever rolled in to the transition area at a race and experienced bike envy when you see the triathlon super bikes with disc wheels, custom paint, and carbon that may have been sourced directly from Wakanda? I know I have. At some races, I opt to rent a bike from the local bike shop to save on bike shipping fees, so I'm riding an out-of-date used floor model with no bells and whistles. But I LOVE passing that 20 grand super bike because its rider failed to work on the engine. A bike is just a bike, running shoes are just running shoes, and a wetsuit/swimskin is just something to swim in. The real speed comes from the engine. The cardiovascular system, the muscular system, the strength of mind. My philosophy is to build your mind, body, and heart (your engine) so you're ready to race in any conditions and with any equipment.
If that sounds like something you can subscribe to, email me - michele@egnineendurance.com. Let's talk about your goals, your "A" race, and your Why. For an Ironman 140.6, give yourself at least 24 weeks before your race to develop a plan. For Ironman 70.3, contact me 20-24 weeks before your race (or earlier). For a non-ironman triathlon, let's make a plan. For swim help, bike help, or boot camp, please reach out. We can work out a plan based on your goals and availability.
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The Process:
* Contact me. During our first meeting (in-person or virtual) I will ask you to complete the athlete questionnaire, talk about your goals, your racing history, and see if we'll be a good fit.
* If you decide to hire me, we'll go over the contract and rates/services.
* I will develop your plan and we'll go one week at a time make adjustments as needed. We'll be in communication regarding workouts and training. I like to meet with athletes once a week either in-person or virtually, or a phone call.
* Plans can be 100% customizable based on your needs and availability. You will not be given a generic 24-week plan.
* Strength workouts are included in a triathlon plan, or you can purchase a separate boot camp/personal training package.
* Swim video analysis/endless pool sessions/ or open water sessions are extra.
* Memphis 70.3 Bike course preview available (less Walnut Grove Road).
Email to set up your consultation: Michele@EngineEndurance.com
Michele Kisel
Ironman Certified Coach, CPT