The Athlete
Before Coaching with Brad: 23-time marathon finisher, avid runner, and novice triathlete
After Coaching with Brad, a 24-time marathon finisher, experienced triathlete, and First-time IRONMAN 70.3 Finisher
Athlete Details
- Name: Hassan Tetteh
- Age: 51
- Location: Maryland
- Program: 1:1 Triathlon Coaching
The Challenge:
- Static and deteriorating marathon race times
- Inconsistent training
- Limited triathlon training and inexperienced swimmer
Goals:
Complete Full Distance IRONMAN and qualify for the Kona IRONMAN Championship.
Coaching Impact:
“A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you always known you could be.”
– Tom Landry
The above quote epitomizes my relationship with Brad and the HERO team. After interviewing several coaches and trying a few unsuccessful training programs, I was referred to Brad Mitchell by a colleague. During our initial conversation in early 2023, I told Brad my goal was to finish a full-distance IRONMAN in November 2023. Brad listened keenly to my goals and offered immediate support and encouragement. Most importantly, Brad outlined an individualized and flexible plan in the context of my busy personal and professional life. Through daily communication, two-way feedback, iteration, and consistent training and assessments, I improved as an athlete and experienced tremendous growth.
In my first few weeks working with Brad, we focused on my nutrition, hydration, and race strategy, and I ran consistently over the course distance and finished one of my best Boston Marathon races. In a few months, under Brad’s constant and consistent instruction, coaching, and guidance, I was transformed from a novice swimmer to an open-water endurance swimmer and experienced triathlete. I completed sprint and short-distance triathlons and my first IRONMAN 70.3 with an epic finish over a challenging course complicated by storms and rain during the entire race.
Overcoming Challenges:
As mentioned, I aimed to complete a full-distance IRONMAN in November 2023- specifically, IRONMAN Florida in Panama City. Despite training, planning, and a previous IRONMAN 70.3 finish, I did not complete the open water distance in Florida and had a ‘DNF.’ I was very disappointed and discouraged. Brad was there to offer immediate support, analysis, and encouragement.
Brad’s coaching became critical in what happened next. Given my goal of completing a full IRONMAN in 2023, we discussed the next steps together. I decided to try again to complete the distance at IRONMAN, Arizona, just a few weeks later in Tempe. Brad flew out to Tempe to be present with me at the race and offer his support on-site. The day before the race, during the practice swim, I had trouble breathing, complicated by coughing worsened by the cold-water temperatures. With Brad’s advice and after extensive consultation with trusted medical colleagues, I decided not to start the race in Arizona. Again, I was very disappointed.
Brad’s presence and support during the difficult decision not to race was invaluable. Despite not racing, we both watched the other athletes start the race. We talked with other athletes and collectively planned to begin training again for a 2024 race season. Brad is the consummate coach. I wanted to ‘finish’ an IRONMAN in 2023. However, Brad’s coaching placed my challenges in an appropriate context. While wanting to ‘finish’ an IRONMAN was my goal, it was not my main objective. When I met Brad, I told him I wanted to be a better athlete, become more fit, and be in the best shape of my life. With Brad’s help and coaching in 2023, I swam over 120,000 yards, cycled over 1000 miles, completed one of my best marathons, and ran hundreds of miles.
I did not finish the full IRONMAN in 2023, but I did achieve much more than I ever had in prior years. It was hard to accept that I hadn’t completed my goal. However, in his unique way, Brad conveyed what I did not want to hear. He helped me see what I didn’t want to see so that I could become the person I knew I could always be—a stronger, more fit, and focused athlete who will incorporate the triathlete lifestyle of endurance training into every aspect of my life. Now, I am no longer training for ego. I am now training with Brad and the HERO team for my soul.
Why HERO Triathlon?
Chemistry with Brad, and from our initial conversation, I was confident our partnership would be successful.
1:1 Triathlon Coaching
This athlete used our 1:1 Triathlon Coaching to achieve their goals and overcome their obstacles. Click ‘LEARN MORE’ to get more information on our 1:1 coaching programs.
ATHLETE TESTIMONAL
”When I met Brad, I told him I wanted to be a better athlete, become more fit, and be in the best shape of my life. With Brad’s help and coaching in 2023, I swam over 120,000 yards, cycled over 1000 miles, completed one of my best marathons, and ran hundreds of miles.
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