Mark Allen is well known as an Ironman athlete and champion, but he is also a respected coach. This year he coached Timothy O’Donnell to an exceptional third place finish this year.

They break-down T.O.’s performance at Kona, and then talk about coaching in general. They both recognize the importance of an individual approach and avoiding blanket prescriptions for how to train that don’t take an individual athlete’s needs.

They also discuss the importance of taking it easy during off season. For some people, it can be a real challenge to relax for a few months, but in order to keep themselves from burning out, it is important to take a break from training.

It will also give athletes a place to go when the season arrives again. If an individual has kept up training all winter, it will be difficult for them to improve in the spring. Mark makes the point that running is the only part of the regimen that is essential so that athletes can keep their legs and ligaments ready for running in the next season.

Debbie jokes that Mark must be tired of discussing Kona, and promises that they’ll talk about surfing the next time she talks to Mark. In addition to triathlon, surfing is another passion of Mark’s, but he still loves talking about Ironman.