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Our Team
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.
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.
- Masters degree in Sports Science (2000)
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.
Having started swimming when I was 4, I am a life-long competitive athlete and have been blessed with a number of successes: 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.
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;
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).
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Monica Byrn
Marilyn McDonald