One of the most difficult coaching scenarios is when athletes want to learn something, but they challenge the thought process.  In other words, they want the End Result…but they push back against the Why.  To me, those two things – the End Result & the Why – can’t be separated.  You HAVE to believe the “Why” to improve the End Result.

This is why athletes like Brad Kaup are a ray of sunshine!  He has done a great job of understanding (and accepting) the Why’s of efficient swim technique.  Effortless swimming is different than what I affectionately call “survival swimming”.  It requires a different way of thinking about how to move through the water.  And Brad has been very open to shifting his thought processes.  Congrats to you, Brad!

In Brad’s own words:

“Last Fall I decided to attempt my first triathlon in Summer 2024.  As a bicycle commuter & trail marathon runner, I have confidence, comfort & training knowledge for 2 of the 3 legs.  But swimming is not a sport I am familiar with.

In December I went to the pool & swam a couple of exhausted laps while watching the swimmer next to me effortlessly complete lap after lap.  It was obvious that my self-taught technique was not going to cut it for my triathlon.  I needed swim lessons!

I started lessons in Jan. & as of this week I completed my 8th lesson.  I am already feeling much more confident about how to train up for race day.  The technique drills Coach Michelle uses have helped my mind reformulate how to effortlessly swim.  There are lots of small details to remember, but I’ve been working hard & am feeling the results.  I am confident that these swim lessons (& perhaps a coached open water session or two) will get me to the finish line!”

For more info on coaching, click here.  For info on adult swim lessons, click here.