Congratulations to Coach Tim Russell, as we highlight him for the Coach of the Month. Tim heads our T3 Junior Program, working with inspiring triathletes grades 7-12. His approach is exceptional: build relationships, challenge them in a fun way, and he always leads by example! Tim's genuine passion for the sport of triathlon is obvious when you hear him talk and see him interact with the athletes. Clearly a sport that has given him so much, he now shares that enthusiasm with others. T3 is grateful for his coaching! #T3Proud

A:   Tim Russell, Saratoga Springs

A:   I work in industrial manufacturing and coach various sports

A:   I have 14 seasons under my belt

A:   As an age group racer I went to Kona twice, and as a pro I’ve won some smaller elite races, Pumpkinman and Savageman. In high school we won our state championship in lacrosse.

A:   I first began coaching triathletes in 2013

A:   A bit of it is selfish- I love racing and training and wanted a career centered around that. But mostly I just love to share in the athletic success of others and help people achieve their goals.

A:   On and off through the years I’ve also coached track and field, cross country, and swim teams.

A:   I’m a big proponent of team training environments. I genuinely believe we all get more out of training in group settings than we do as individuals. Always jump on the opportunity to train with others!

A:   I have helped several athletes finish their first triathlons. Those are quite rewarding, especially in the handful of situations where an athlete has thought they’d never be able to learn to swim.

A:   After about 90-100 miles on the bike (and way too much caffeine) I tend to get really silly and sometimes will laugh hysterically at things that aren’t particularly funny. It is rare, but sometimes I need a minute to collect myself before finishing these big rides.

A:   Seeing my athletes achieve their goals. Personal bests are great, especially in swimming and track after an athlete has been at a plateau for a while.

A:   Don’t go it alone! Embrace those with more experience than you.

A:   Show up consistently. If you run short on time, get out and use that time, even if it is only a 15 minute run.

A:   Under-overs- Basically working under threshold (but not easy), then over threshold, and repeating several bouts. Conceptually you can do this on the bike, or running, or swimming.

A:   No, frankly I’m a workhorse in training and would never ask an athlete to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. But honestly when it comes time for under-overs… ok there is a touch of dread.

A:   It is the people. Solo training will only get you so far. We are social animals.

A:   Having a young son has certainly been a logistical challenge to training. Before Brandon was born, my only time constraint most days was to finish training before dinnertime. This meant swimming at a cushy 9 AM was a regular thing, and 2-3 hour outdoor bike rides mid-week were quite regular. I've opted for stay-at-home dad life, so now my schedule is just a lot stricter. My typical day is now swimming before my son wakes up, cycling on the trainer with the baby monitor during naptime, and running and/or strength training in the evenings when my wife comes home. Weekends are a little more flexible, but we always carve out some sort of family activity so there is still a planning element. With coaching, my approach has changed very little mechanically, given that most of it is online through TrainingPeaks. But important meetings are ideally scheduled around naptime, and I probably have a little more empathy for other parents trying to make training work as well. Training and racing has to fit into our lives, not the other way around, so being clear in communication about what hours each day are truly available is really important to the planning process. I'd never place training or racing above my wife and son's needs, and likewise I'd never ask an athlete to.

A:   I love coaching the junior team in particular. I’ve always found middle school and high school athletes rewarding to work with, maybe because I see it as an investment in the future of sport, but also the future of society. I’ve been fortunate to have great young men and women to work with, and I promise the future is in good hands with them!

A:   I first coached athletes in this age range back in 2015, on a club swim team and a high school track team. I really enjoy seeing young people grow into full on young adults, because it truly feels like an investment in the future of sport. From my own high school memories, the difference between a coach going through the motions and a coach who is truly invested in your athletic success can make or break the experience. Besides instilling confidence in their athletic ability, helping a kid do something really difficult creates a confidence that carries over to other areas in life.