Meet the Coach: Will Bacon

Will Bacon's schedule is often packed with work obligations and family commitments but he always makes time for his Team In Training (TNT) triathlon participants.  Will is a USAT Certified coach and an ironman, making him the perfect person to help new and seasoned triathletes train for and complete their events.  He has a close connection to the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and works hard to keep the ultimate goal of a world without blood cancers in his participant's minds during trainings.

What is something special about the Redman Triathlon that people would not know from reading the event brochure?
There is nothing like participating in and finishing a triathlon.  The overwhelming sense of accomplishment along with the feeling of camaraderie you have with the other athletes is really something special.

Tell us about how a specific participant inspired you during the last season you coached.
All participants inspire me.  Last season there were several that really took me by surprise by how hard they trained, fundraised, set goals and did it all with a smile.   I have been truly blessed with the participants that have signed up over the last couple seasons.

Tell us about a specific moment during a training that made you realize just how special it is to be part of Team In Training.
One very early morning in particular, as I was driving to put coolers out for the day along our run course, I really just wanted to go home and go back to bed.  It had been a really long week at work, kid's activities and weeknight trainings.  As I was pulling into the parking lot, I saw our group waiting to get going.  At that moment everything sort of went away for me and I was happy to be there with my team and was ready to go have a great morning.

Team In Training is often called a participant's second family.  When was a time you felt like your participants were more like family than a bunch of strangers training together?
When the people that you meet through TNT become the people you call to have dinner with, bring their kids over to play with your kids, and train with after the season is over - you know it is something special and more than just strangers.

Share a quote that helps to keep you motivated during difficult trainings.
"I don't HAVE to do this, I GET to do this!"  Everything in life is about perspective.

If you've ever considered competing in a triathlon, this is your chance!  Register today at www.teamintraining.org/ntx and get started with Coach Will.

Meet the Coach: Will Bacon

Meet Will Bacon.  He is one of the marathon coaches for the Spring 2015 season.  He is deeply dedicated to the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and passionate about helping all Team In Training (TNT) participants succeed in their goal of raising money for LLS and training for their race.  Will answered a couple questions below so you can get to know him better.

How long have you been coaching with TNT and what was your first event?
This is my second season coaching with TNT.  My first coaching season was Spring 2014 and I coached for the Dallas Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon and Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC.  My first event as a participant was Solvang Century in 2004.

What is your style of coaching?
I want everyone to have fun.  We don't HAVE to do this, we GET to do this!  I will never ask any participant to do something I haven't done and the majority of the time I will be training right there with my team.

It is more rewarding for me to see my team cross the finish line than it is for me to finish my own events.  Seeing my team work hard and accomplish something, that in some cases they didn't think they could, is a very special reward!

Some people are intimidated by the idea of training for a half or full marathon. What advice would you give them?
Trust the training.  You can do it and you WILL do it... and your coaches will be with you the whole way!

If there an Honored Hero that has left a lasting impact on you?  Who and why?
My first Honored Hero is my niece - Allie Ciulla.  So in a sense, she is the reason I started with TNT and she will always my my original Honored Hero.  Since 2004, I have met and been inspired by so many new Honored Heroes and their families - Georgia Moore, Grayson Hughes, Lainey Thomas, Griffin Yarbrough, Bill Luisi, Pete Danna and Bennett Williams just to name a few.

What is the best kept secret about TNT?
The attention and support you get from the coaches and staff is amazing!  From the coaching plans, the support on the training routes, and the support during the race - participants are never "doing it on their own."  The support system is amazing.

Additionally, the number of people who have participated in TNT is overwhelming.  Whenever you are wearing your purple jersey, complete strangers will give you a "GO TEAM!"  It really is a huge family.

What is the best training advice you have ever received?
Have FUN!  Don't stress - we are suppose to be having fun.  Trust the training, have fun and the results will be there.  Guaranteed!

Get a coach and get a plan.  With TNT, participants get both.  We develop the training plan and help the participant develop a race plan to ensure a great training and race day experience.

Join Will's team this Spring 2015 season and register at www.teamintraining.org/ntx

GO TEAM!