Coach Dawn Elder
San Antonio, TX
ph: 210-289-8662
dawnpeld
Triathlon and Ironman are an important part of my life. I believe that it is one way to self discovery and personal development. I am thrilled to share my experiences and passion with those that are interested in venturing into long course triathlon and Ironman.
I provide coaching plans for triathletes interested in long course and Ironman distance triathlon. I excell in taking the athlete through the course of training that more than prepares you for an excellent race expereience. I have coached soldiers on deployment, first time Ironman athletes, experienced triathletes, business professionals and the stay-at-home mom. My unique perspective on training allows for a very personal experience.
My assoicate Coach Kris Cordova is also an accomplished triathlete. Kris is well versed in understanding the challenges of getting into a new sport and setting new goals.
Consultations are free and motivation is priceless!
Athlete Testimonial
To begin, I do workout as a job requirement but would not consider myself a gym rat, runner, cyclist or “athlete”…that is before I met Dawn but I digress. I was not a runner in high school or college. I owned a road bike but never road further than 25 miles at any one time. I could not swim. Let me say that part again, I COULD NOT SWIM! Despite all of this I had a deep desire to compete in a triathlon…specifically Ironman. With no idea where to start I had a friend connect me with a guy who hired Dawn the previous year. I met Dawn on February 24th 2012 at a local tri-store and my journey began. First, Dawn wanted to know what I was bringing to the table as far as volume and distances. Not swayed by my amateur status, Dawn put together an extremely aggressive schedule to have me ready in 15 months for the Ironman Texas 2013 race. In three months I raced my very FIRST triathlon, the 70.3 Buffalo Springs race in Lubbock, TX. Four months later, I completed another 70.3 in Austin. Six months of training after Thanksgiving I finished Ironman Texas feeling worn down from a long day but energetic and, most importantly, HEALTHY. Dawn was so critical to my overall journey I can say without a doubt I would NOT have finished in the state I did without her guidance.
Dawn’s methods are truly unique (no scheduled rest days, “Last Long Day”, eat all the stuff you want as long as it’s healthy, Beer is ok) and will definitely scare away those faint of heart. However, once you buy into the system juggling life and training becomes a lot easier. She understands life happens and a missed day of training (or even a bad day of training) is all part of the ride. She also isn’t one to give out pity. Not feeling like working out today? Don’t call Dawn. Have a flat tire on your training ride? Coach will show up, teach you how to change a flat and send you on your way. Wet, tired, hungry and bonking 80 miles into a 100 mile training ride and ready to quit? Not on her watch. If you call her and say, “it’s cold outside, maybe I shouldn’t run/bike/swim,” expect to receive a simple text saying, “I’m in it.” Is it 101 degrees outside and you have a 15-mile run ahead of you? Dawn will wave you off or give you an on-the-fly workout change to avoid heat exhaustion/stress. Forget to sign up for a race and have an issue getting a bib the day before race-day? No worries, Dawn knows the Race Coordinator and can make things workout in the end. She’s available day and night through home visits, text, email, phone, Facebook, and Twitter. Hell even subliminally. The best part is all of this is included. No extra charge for advice when you need it. Actually if you don’t call her then there’s a problem and she’ll call you.
What’s even more impressive is Dawn’s sheer knowledge of and connection with the sport. As a triathlete and competitor who is frequently training herself, Dawn knows what an athlete is feeling at multiple times during training and race day. If by some off chance she doesn’t, her deep ties to past, present and emerging pro’s in the triathlon world means she’s not far from an answer. Because she’s also a competitor I got plenty of individual workouts with her while she was training for her own races. Did I mention this was free and all part of the Tri-Belief package?
Dawn knows exactly how to toe the line between being a supportive coach and kicking you in the tail. She knows how to prepare you for each and every race no matter the challenges of the day due to weather, fatigue, or gear issues. Most importantly, Dawn’s more than a triathlon coach. She’s a life coach, friend and moral rock whose there for you in any stage of your life. I couldn’t recommend her more strongly to anyone young or old, new or experienced, tall or short, fat or thin. Put simply, Dawn isn’t only the best coach but also the RIGHT coach I needed. I truly owe her a debt of gratitude for introducing me to more than perceived limitations.
Alphanso Adams
Ironman Texas 2013
Please contact me anytime! I look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have.
Testimonial
When I first had the thought of doing an Ironman, I thought to myself, can I do an Ironman? I immediately went to Dawn, who had seen me grow from a beginner Triathlete to finding that next challenge of competing in an Ironman. "Yes" she said without hesitation! A lot of people had tried to put negativity in my ear as my journey evolved. From telling me what I should be doing and eating to giving me guilt for being an absent mom. Each time I had struggles, whether it was my anxiety, niggles or my guilt playing a factor, I seemed to have always gotten that "Mommy" advice from her to ease me and make sure I was certain I could get back up and that I could do this. Well she was right! I became an Ironman last Nov. in Panama City, Fl., and I could have kept going. I thought to myself, all those damn hard, long workouts, she made me do....were all for a reason!
Monica Caban
!st time Ironman- Florida 2011
2 time Iornman - Arizona 2012
Copyright 2012 Coach Dawn Elder. All rights reserved.
Coach Dawn Elder
San Antonio, TX
ph: 210-289-8662
dawnpeld