Mike Gade - Club Coach

Name: Mike Gade

Sport: Triathlon

Coach Certification: NCCP community coaching course

Other Qualifications: Extensive Cycling background (20+ years), St John’s first aid and CPR, Obsessive Tendency to read and assimilate all the technical information written about our sports (the first step is admitting you have a problem- right?).

My Triathlon history: I joined the Kincardine Triathlon Club (when it was first formed from the remnants of the old Cycling Club); only in participating the triathlon clubs cycling events. Eventually, I caught the Triathlon bug when I went to Guelph Lake Triathlon to cheer on Michele. I found the race atmosphere fun, upbeat and inspirational. Power swim the following winter gave me the confidence to go back to Guelph Lake the 2003 and complete the try a tri.Since then, I have completed numerous sprint, Olympic and 70.3 distance events plus 7 Ironman finishes. One of my proudest moments was qualifying for and competing in the World Long Course Triathlon Championships (4km swim through jellyfish, 120km bike, 30km Run) in Denmark in 2005. Somehow, I talked myself into signing up for 3 Ironman races this year! I consider myself very fortunate to have the support of this club and my very understanding wife in the pursuit of this sport.

Coaching Philosophy:I believe that it is important to have goals. These goals must be individual, and will range from health and wellnesses (i.e. lose weight, exercise regularly) to competitive goals (qualification, podium ...). The next step is to involve your support network in your goal and get them on board (family, friends, co-workers...). Then assess your strengths and weaknesses and plan how to achieve that goal. Above all, remember that the process should be fun! Celebrate the small victories along the path towards your goals. My best piece of advice comes from Lisa Bentley to me as I prepared for my first Ironman race. “Enjoy the Journey to Ironman Florida 2004”. If you want to have longevity in this sport, the enjoyment of the journey is as important as the achievement of any goal!

 

Amanda Brindley

Name: Amanda Brindley

Sport: Triathlon

Coach Certification: NCCP theory level 1,

NCCP community coaching course

Other Qualifications: Honours Bachelor of kinesiology, former lifeguard and swim instructor, certified spin instructor, current first aid and CPR.

My Triathlon history: I started triathlons 5 years ago with a background in swimming and biking and I knew I needed to work on my running. I started with the Kincardine Women’s Triathlon and after that one race I was hooked. Since then I have worked on my running endurance and have completed a 30km race and my first marathon. I have also finished my first half-ironman distance race last season.

Coaching Philosophy:I believe everyone has a goal and a reason for competing in triathlons from being part of a group and meeting people, having fun, setting and achieving personal goals, to being competitive and improving. As a coach it is important to find out why that person wants to train and keep motivating them in a way that works best for them. I believe everyone should set new goals and challenges and have fun achieving those goals.

 

 

 

Ron Boucher

Name:  Ron Boucher

 Sport: Triathlon

 Coach Certification:  NCCP Community  Coaching Course

 Other Qualifications: Degree from McMaster University

 My Triathlon history: My introduction to the sport of triathlon was nearly 30 years ago.  I began as a short distance runner where I competed in numerous 5 and 10 K races. One might argue that it was during this time period that I caught a 'fitness bug' that subsequently served to ignite a smouldering spark. I bought an old second hand bike (a Miele...not a Cervelo) and the rest is history.  In a typical year, I usually compete in 8 to 12 triathlons. I have been honoured to be a member of the Canadian National Triathlon Team for seven consecutive years.  As a member of this National team, I have had the good fortune to travel to many corners of the world, proudly wearing the red, yellow, and orange jacket of the Kincardine Triathlon Club. Whether it was hard work and dedication or merely Lady Luck, my persistence finally paid in 2008 when I stood on the medalist podium in Vancouver.

Coaching Philosophy: I believe it’s a sport where you can put as much into it as you want. Tri training is not only for tri racing. The fitness gained improves your whole life, work, and family relationships. What you learn about yourself during the gruelling training will change your life.  I sincerely believe the people in this sport are the best! 

I believe: We have nurtured our Kincardine Club into one of the biggest and the best in Canada. We pride ourselves on being a fun, flexible, open-minded group with a wealth of highly experienced coaches, each of whom brings a unique approach and training methodology. We are all working individuals who have a passion for the sport and the camaraderie and competition that comes with it. Learning how to balance our schedules between family, work, friends and training, demonstrates the dedication and determination of our club members.

 

 

Peter Risteen

 

Name: Peter Risteen

Sport: Triathlon

Coach Certification:

NCCP – Certified Triathlon Coaching NCCP Level 1 – Competitive Stream,  

Other Qualifications:

Current President Kincardine Triathlon Club

Level 1 NCCP coaching in both Basketball and Soccer.

Founder of Kincardine OPG Youth Basketball League.

My Triathlon history: I started in the sport of triathlon in 2001, the same year as the origins of the Kincardine triathlon club.  I came to the sport with a background in running having been fortunate enough to have trained with some elite runners early in my life.  Although the reasons we participate in the sport are many (fitness, to lose weight, competition, etc..) for me I will always be grateful for the number of great friends and interesting people I’ve met while participating in the sport.  Some of the accomplishments I’m most proud of are as follows:

-       Finished my first sprint triathlon at Guelph lake in 2001.

-       Represented Canada at both the 2003 World Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship in New Zealand and the 2008 Sprint Triathlon World Championship in Vancouver.

-       Qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2006 and competed in 2007.

-       Leader in club run clinics and training camps.

Coaching Philosophy: My coaching approach has always been to understand the motivating factors behind an athelete first and then design a training program that meets their goals, fits into their lifestyles, and seeks to maximize the overall enjoyment of the sport.   There are many ways to enjoy the sport of triathlon.  In addition to individual performance goals, focusing on lifetime health, involving and sharing experiences with family and friends and having as much fun as possible are all goals that are of equal or greater importance. 

 

Ian Driver

 

Name: Ian Driver

Sport: Triathlon

Coach Certification: NCCP Level 1

Other Qualifications: Coaching experience of 20 years, founding member and coach of Kincardine Triathlon club, coached downhill skiing, Kippers Swim Team and Kincardine Cross-country ski team.

My Triathlon history: I started triathlon events in 1986 (yes they did have triathlon that long ago). My first event was the Brick Duathlon in Waterloo. It was then a 10 km run followed by a 40 km bike. I had the distinction of finishing the 10 km run in 2^nd LAST place followed by a 70 year old man and the OPP chase cruiser. It was a humbling experience, I didn’t know people could run that fast! Since then, I have actively participated in triathlons around the world. I have been fortunate enough to also race with my children at many events. So far they have not managed to finish ahead of me. I competed in my first Hawaii Ironman Championship in 1987 and finished in 13:19. Over the next 20 years I a managed to finish many other races around the world meeting many interesting people. In 2007 (20 years after my first Ironman) I was fortunate enough to race again in Hawaii this time I finished in 11:52 nearly, 1:30 faster. Who says you get slower as you grow older!

Coaching Philosophy: I believe that athletes must enjoy what they are doing. If you are not having fun then you will not stay in the sport for very long. To be successful in any event that you choose you will need the support of your family and friends. Without their support you will find it very difficult to make the commitments required for your success. Over the years I have learned that it is very difficult to define success. When I look back through all the years I have competed I have had many memorable moments. The most memorable moments have not been related to fast times and outstanding performances but have occurred during or after events when I have been accompanied by my family and close friends. The photo I have chosen above was taken after the 2007 Hawaii Ironman is remembered as one of my favourite days, a great family vacation with my favourite fans.

Top Tip: It is better to be 10 percent under trained than 1 percent over trained. 

 

Carrie Houghton

Name: Carrie Houghton

Sport: Triathlon

Coach Certification: NCCP Intro To Comp (Level 2 complete)

Other Qualifications: Honours Bachelor of Arts- major Kinesiology, KDSS Cross Country and Track and Field coach, personal coach

My Triathlon history:I started competing in triathlons in 2002. Having watched the Hawaii Ironman on tv I was intrigued but the distances seemed out of my league. When the Kincardine Women’s Triathlon started, I thought it was in my reach. Joining the Club and receiving the fantastic support sealed the deal. I have competed at 2 World Championships and am racing a half Ironman this year.

Coaching Philosophy:Triathlon means many things to many people. A coach helps the athlete guide through the sport, and what it has to offer. As an athlete you look to a coach as an expert, a motivator and a supporter. I believe that communication is essential in the coach/ athlete relationship, meaningful and achievable goals are set, and feedback is given throughout the season.