Meet my new coach

I would like you all to meet my new coach, Bob Mitera. Bob, this is everyone. :) The picture taken above was taken on September 20, 2009 at our 5k we were doing together. The only problem is that Bob had a bad bike accident three days before and was in an arm sling. He had to walk it. My goal for the day was to beat him and I did. :)

Bob and I met a long time ago working out at the YMCA. I was doing a little bit of weight training and I kept noticing this guy with an Ironman finishers hat on. So I decided to go work out on some weights next to him, so I could strike up a conversation. I asked him about what Ironman he was in and we talked for a long time. I love when people who have done an Ironman don't mind taking the time to talk to me. I love hearing their perspective and their advice. At the end of our conversation we exchanged info and he said if I ever needed anything to let him know and he would be happy to help.

The time had come where I was ready for a change in my training. I remember talking to Bob a long time ago and that he mentioned he was a coach. I sent him a message on facebook. I really was not sure what I was going to do at this point, but wanted to see what he was all about and see if we would be a good match. I really felt like he was the one to coach me to my goal of Ironman and beyond. I talked to Keith and then to him and on August 4, 2009 I hired Bob to be my coach. We were in the gym on August 8 working out. I knew that day that I had made the right change.

Bob is awesome. Everything he has me do has Triathlon in mind. He always has a great explanation as to why I am doing something. He will explain that "we are working this muscle group to be stronger on the swim." I love how he does that. He answers my emails and calls right away and is always ready to lend a helping hand. He is very encouraging yet pushes me and gets me to do things that I never thought I could.

Bob is very kind and compassionate and really shows that to me as an athlete. He cares about me as a person as well as an athlete, but it is in that order. I know that I will reach my goal of Ironman and will do so with Bob at my side. I look forward to the future of my events and my life and cannot wait to see what lies ahead in all the areas, the mental, physical, and the spiritual.

Thanks Bob already for all your encouragement. You are greatly appreciated. Here's to our journey together.

CHECK OUT BOB'S BLOG AT www.kokuamultisports.blogspot.com
Bob has started a new coaching business called Kokua Multisports. Watch for more details on his blog or contact him at robertmitera@comcast.net