Interview with Coach T. I wanted to find out from Taneen Carvell, aka Coach T, a local USATF Level 1 Certified running/triathlon coach to over 400 marathon and 60 Ironman finishers through the past 7 years, how she coaches women around the world to stay motivated and train better.
As we age our fitness level is harder to maintain. We get tired quickly and feel like we are running out of steam. With the start of menopause, we are experiencing many of the same side effects. After surveying hundreds of women about their concerns through menopause, the overwhelming response was “lack of energy to train.”
Heike Yates: Taneen, it is so nice to catch up with you and talk about how fitness benefits women in and around menopause. As a triathlon and running coach you train women of all ages, shapes, and sizes I would love to hear how you address the “lack of energy” with your athletes.
Coach Taneen Carvell: Thank you, Heike, for having me and for addressing this important topic.
HY: Coach T, tell me about how you are coaching women. You have your own running and triathlon company, but what is your goal? What are you trying to achieve when women come to you?
Coach T: My goal as a coach is to help individuals fulfill the goals they set as runners and triathletes. I help them learn the necessary physical conditioning but also the mental awareness that allows them to conquer their goals and inspires them to challenge themselves in ways they didn’t even think possible. The reward is seeing how that confidence also translates into other aspects of their life.
HY: I love that! I definitely never thought that I would compete to be an Ironman. How old is your typical client, and what is their expectation when they come to you?
Interview with Triathlon and Running Coach Taneen Carvell
Coach T: My clients’ ages range from the late 20s/early 30s to mid to late 60s. Most are at a point where they want to be active in a way beyond the demands of competitive sports as they knew in high school and college or in ways that help serve as an outlet to the demands of their work life.
HY: This is also a form of stress reduction, so important for us women these days. What do you remember when you tailor a running program for them?
Coach T: I first listen and learn what their goals are and things that have kept them limited in the past. This way, I know how to help them work through those issues and build confidence in their goals. Teaching them progress, not perfection and helping them see what they are capable of before they can see it for themselves. I also provide accountability that serves as an outside source of motivation.
HY: Accountability is so important, and it’s also an important way to measure your progress. How do you support them in their goals, for instance, running a marathon? What mental guidance do you offer?
Coach T: I offer stories of my own failings and successes as endured through my 23 marathons and 8 Ironmans completed. I talk through their fears and share my own so we can see a way beyond them as we build toward their goals in proper progression. I offer the tools on how to adapt within their schedule and their goals for key life balance. I help them meet others within the team and outside resources that offer support, guidance, and a shared voice of misery and determination to the cause.
What About Life Balance?
HY: Life balance is such an important fact to keep in mind. Work and family can take over, but so can training, and I also struggled with that in the past. What do you do when they come to training and are totally exhausted but still want to train?
Coach T: I tell them to do as I do on such days. Give yourself credit for showing up. See how it goes. Say a few cuss words if it helps. And if, after 20 minutes, your body is still in full-on revolt. Let it go, and know you tried. Often just showing up is the hardest part. Saying “this sucks” out loud helps too. Then your body will decide from there if it is up for the task or not. As you go, and with me there as a sounding board in person or otherwise, you get better and learn when to listen to it or just ignore it and train on it.
HY: So true. The hardest part is just getting there; when you have no energy, it is even more of a struggle. Having a motivating coach waiting for you is so encouraging. Once you are there, you know you want to be there. What are your suggestions when it comes to staying fit and energized each and every day?
Goalsetting Is Key
Coach T: Two things. One: a goal. Two: a friend.
The goal can be to walk 3 miles, run 5 miles, run a marathon, conquer your first triathlon, or feel good in your clothes again. Write it down, put it on the refrigerator, and tell it to a friend. Keep it real and own it in some way beyond your own mind so there is accountability or an investment. Be just afraid enough to know you have to work for it, but not so afraid you think it’s impossible.
As for the friend, someone to share the goal with, whether directly or in spirit. A running mate, a gym buddy, a friend across the country you can text with daily to keep on track, or a coach who is invested in your personal success. No matter the source, be sure they offer solid support and provide a positive motivation to keep you on task. Someone to remind you that fear is just motivation and that showing up is half the battle.
HY: A goal, a friend, or a community to share your journey with are amazing tools to keep you motivated to stay fit. I know I love training with my triathlon group, and they keep me honest about my workouts.
Thank you, Coach T! It was a pleasure talking to you, and thank you for sharing your expertise on how to push through fatigue and stay motivated on your fitness journey.
HY: You can find out more about Coach T. at www.ct3racing.com
Are you ready to kick your health into gear but not ready to train for a triathlon? I got you! Check out some of the programs we offer at HEYlifetraining that help you get stronger and healthier for life.