The Mitch-tathalon
Technology is a pretty crazy thing. It has allowed advances in space travel, medicine, communication and even fitness, which brings me to the crux of this article. I’ve bounced into the pretty interesting profession of online fitness coaching. Now, to some I’m just an online gym teacher, and I’m not too worried about that misconception. I mean, come on, I don’t even have a whistle or clipboard. However, a lot of folks actually looking for help in the fitness world view coaches like myself as, “only for serious athletes” or, “only for high achievers.” That could not be further from the truth, each and every one of my clients has a story and a purpose. I honestly think I can help a very, very wide range of people. The only thing that’s needed is your own defined driving purpose. This brings us to the Mitch-tathalon.
Mitch has become quite the client and friend over the past almost 2 years. As much as I love him to death, he may never qualify for the CF games, Sanctionals, or grace the cover of ESPN magazine. Mitch is a strength coach, husband, and friend, but he freakin loves fitness (and cats). He wants to learn new things, push boundaries, but do it the right way so he can feel good doing it for many years to come. Like a great many of my clients, he also loves a challenge and having a focus of training. Thus, the birth of the Mitch-tathalon.
That’s the second ominous hint I’ve dropped, probably time to just get on with it. Mitch coaches the Palmyra High school wrestling squad. As you may or may not know, teenagers know everything. Being a learned strength coach, Mitch has kindly tried to explain that “yes, you can become more aerobic (better shape) and still get stronger too.” Nonetheless, they bemoaned that he was crushing their gains with his new training style. Mitch called their bluff with a challenge of his own.
In one day Mitchell Davis shall:
deadlift 3x bodyweight
run a half marathon under 90:00
This will take place in his garage, then as part of a public half marathon. There will be no prize purse, cameras, youtube stream (maybe?) and surely no prize money. This is truly 10,000% Mitch vs Mitch and I have had a fucking blast coaching it.
To be honest this is a pretty in depth and gnarly challenge. The 3x BW DL would be a pretty sizable PR, as well as hitting a running distance that he hasn’t touched in years. Right from the get-go we set out a timeline, specific training goals and progressions. We were on the same page for a 24 week build. There was in depth conversation on benchmarks and desired progressions along the way to help with any troubleshooting and audibles in the training plan. Mitch has been super diligent (with the exception of an ungodly amount of weddings) to refining the training plan, nutrition and even recovery pieces along the way. He has also had to do this while balancing all the commitments of a “normal” life. Mitch is not sponsored by the latest pre-workout drink or ankle support system company. He has to go to work, be a husband, and mow a lot of lawns. However, among all that, chasing his physical potential is a fun and engaging pursuit.
It was super important to me to write this before the actual event goes down, because it’s not about the outcome. I really try to remind myself to verbalize to my athletes and clients how much they mean to me before any achievement is had. Even if Mitch goes down in a ball of flames at mile 9 (He won’t!!), it doesn’t make me value him or the journey any less. He dedicated himself to the training, the BLG’s, and the pursuit of something really fucking hard for him, and that’s what matters to a coach. The whole point of this article is that we all deserve guidance, coaching, and an expert opinion no matter the goal. Having a coach isn’t reserved for the elite exercisers, sports professionals and the like. It’s for anyone who has commitment and drive, but just needs a little guidance. I assure you that any true professional coach not only welcomes the challenge but is enthralled with the idea of helping you achieve your own personal Mitch-tathalon.