Junior Athlete Finds His Pace

Coaching young athletes takes a certain level of patience, understanding, and nurturing. Juniors do not come to their sport with the same perspective or maturity that adults have. Many of the lessons we take for granted must be taught and learned; sometimes repeatedly and often the hard way for young athletes. That being said, juniors can be some of the most rewarding athletes to work with.

17 year old Tyler Campbell is a great example. Tyler is one of those kids that is simply a joy to work with. He always has a ready smile, a great attitude, and is willing to work very, very hard. He is remarkably compliant and accurate in is training and asks great questions. Tyler took up running to get in shape but had been training the same distance, the same pace, even the same routes, yet wasn't getting faster. He saught the services of a coach for guidance and a more specific approach to his running. Holly Marzetti was recommended as she has extensive experience working with athletes in his age range.  With some base line heart rate testing and targeted changes to his work outs, Tyler began to realize huge improvements in his run fitness. In his third 10k he broke the 40 minute mark with a time of 39:40.

He ran into a fellow at the gym who was training for a half Ironman and it peaked his interest. With Holly's encouragement he started swim lessons and then bought a bike to begin multi-sport training. He placed 2nd overall at the Mistletoe Duathlon and within 3 weeks improved his second duathlon by34 minutes, placing 2nd overall at the Georgia Veterans Duathlon. The variety of training greatly appealed to Tyler and he was on to his next challenge; triathlon.

Tyler finds the perpetual motion and discipline of endurance sport training appealing. He has learned how to push himself to new levels and seek new challenges. When asked how coaching has helped him “I've progressed tremendously through the coaching in all 3 sport disciplines. Before starting (with Holly) I was running 10 minute miles every single day and never got any faster or better. My endurance and mile pace has changed drastically, and I can go further and faster.” “Though I am still working on the swim, improvements are coming. I honestly never knew what the correct form was or how to correctly breathe from side to side.”

The Roswell group ride has helped him learn to handle his bike safely and increase his comfort level on the road. Because he had grown substantially this season a bike fit was in order and a VO2 test confirmed his talent. He set a 5k PR of 19:03 but his season goal was a 1:30 in his first half marathon, the Silver Comet. He finished the race in 1:25:47; pacing himself very well.

No doubt under Holly's direction and with his dedication, discipline, and desire to learn, Tyler has a very promising athletic career ahead of him.