Friday, September 3, 2010

Our Team

Gordo Byrn
My athletic accomplishments are listed below but they are secondary to what makes me an effective coach. I believe the most relevant part of my athletic background is my journey from an obese “finance guy” to an elite athlete.

My athletic career started when I decided to go for a walk in 1993. That walk led me to my first season of triathlon (1999) and, eventually, to elite athletics (2001). Along the way, I logged a lot of miles and made many mistakes. This site offers me a vehicle to help you avoid most of the pitfalls that I discovered.



Athletic Highlights:

  • World Champion Ultra Distance (2002)
  • Multiple podium finishes at international races (2003/2004/2005/2006)
  • Swim, bike, run across America (2004) and New Zealand (2010)
  • Personal best of 8:29 at Ironman Canada (0:51 Swim, 4:48 Bike, 2:46 Run -- 2004)
  • Co-Author Going Long (over 40,000 copies sold)

I have studied under the leading coaches in our sport: Scott Molina, John Hellemans, Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Joe Friel. What you will find here is a synthesis of my own experience with the teaching from these master coaches.


Alan Couzens
My benefit to you, as an athlete looking to discover your potential, is that I am a lifelong student of the sport of triathlon with exposure in equal measures to sports science theory:

- Masters degree in Sports Science (2000)
- Triathlon Coach (2007)
- NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (2002)
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2000)
- ASCA Level II Swim Coach (1996)
- ASCA Level I Strength and Conditioning Coach (1994)


And putting this theory into practice at all levels from novice to the very elite:

  • Australian Institute of Sport Practicum with the Olympic Swim Team (1996)
  • Coaching Apprenticeship with Doug Frost, coach of multiple world record holder, Ian Thorpe (1996)
  • Head Coach of #1 State Swim Squad – Jones Developmental Squad (1998)
  • Coach and consultant to a wide array of triathletes:
  • First time Ironman athletes
  • Kona qualifiers
  • Elite triathletes

Justin Daerr
I have been racing triathlons since 2000 with a primary focus on long distance events. In 2006, I began to race professionally and it has brought me both humility and happiness. I look forward to the challenge of climbing the professional ranks and working towards those goals every day is a true joy. Additionally, I began working with Endurance Corner in 2007 and have equally enjoyed my time here.

I have no formal background in any of the three sports so I had to train both my knowledge and my body to make any real progress. This is extraordinarily valuable because I have put my studies into practice to find what will result in success “in the real world”.

I have experience with athletes that race long and short (generally Half Ironman to Ironman). My greatest success comes with athletes that have some experience in the sport (and enjoy the work), but need assistance and direction to make it to the next level. Often times this includes helping athletes execute their races properly by learning how to maximize their fitness on race day.


Monica Byrn
My background is competitive swimming which, ultimately, led to me triathlon. My experience as a mom, short-course triathlete and woman helps round out the EC Team.

Having started swimming when I was 4, I am a life-long competitive athlete and have been blessed with a number of successes:
- Winning State Championships for 200 IM;
- Obtaining a scholarship to swim for the University of Wisconsin (Madison); and
- Leading Ironman Hawaii.

Along the way, I have coped with a range of challenges that have taught me about coping with adversity - injuries and race disappointments, mainly.

I work best with athletes that are looking to breakthrough on their swimming, as well as, helping post-natal moms lose their "baby weight". I have had successes working with athletes across the entire performance spectrum.


Jonas Colting
2010 will mark my 20th season as a triathlete and I have managed to make a career out of what initially was a hobby and a passion.

I've been professional since 1996 and have always considered myself a scholar and a student of the sport. I've written two books on health, food and fitness as well as writing for numerous magazines including Runner's World.

I bring extensive athletic experience as well as a personal passion for health & wellness to Endurance Corner. As I have been self-coached my entire career, I can relate to, and answer many, questions about training. And not just training to win or improve as a triathlete which is all good, but more importantly how to enjoy and stay healthy in this magnificent sport. Over the long haul!

Athletic accomplishments;
- Two time Ultraman World Champion
- Two time medalist, ITU World Championships, LD
- Two time medalist, ITU European Championships, LD
- Several times Swedish Champion
- Ironman winner and podiumfinisher
- Ironman PB 8.23, IM-marathon 2.44
- First person to complete Swedish Classic nonstop in 25 hrs (3 km swim, 90 k roller ski, 300 k bike, 30 k crosscountry run + transportation)


Marilyn McDonald

My athletic carreer started at age 9 as a equestrian show jumper. I competed at a top international level until I was 26 and jumped professionally from 18. At 18 years old I was one of the youngest level 3 show jumping coaches in Canada. By 25 years old I had a national level show jumping squad where we were competing, and placing, in top levels.

I started triathlon in 1999 and turned professional in 2004. Over 4 years, I raced 15 Ironman with a victory in Malaysia and 10 top ten placings.

2008 saw a change of direction for me and I spent 2 years in the pro peloton racing my bike exclusively. This period, included a World Cup event in New Zealand, the NRC circuit in the USA, and Nationals in my home country (Canada).

I've had many mentors throughout my athletic career: sports psychologists as well as master coaches

I work best with athlete's who are goal oritntated and open with communication. I enjoy helping people in the largest sense - working on the factors that drive them (as an athlete) and shape them (as an individual).