Thanks To The Exceptional Coaches

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 13 May '25

Over the years, I’ve observed a common trait among exceptional coaches: their genuine joy in sharing knowledge with their peers, other coaches. While this may seem intuitive to most, it wasn’t to me in my early coaching days.

My competitive spirit has been a driving force behind many accomplishments and has fueled my drive, tenacity, and perseverance in every aspect of my life. I appreciate this strength and am grateful for its impact. However, unchecked competition can be a significant detriment, and this was precisely what I experienced when I transitioned into the professional ranks of an endurance sports coach.

When a fellow triathlete invited me to a meeting that ultimately led to our certification as coaches and the establishment of Team MPI, I was already immersed in the world of long-course Ironman as an amateur. Consistently training over 20 hours a week and achieving success, my competitive instincts were at their peak, and I believed I could bring that level of competition to coaching.

Although I began as a novice, I gained confidence in my knowledge within a year or two and developed a high self-regard as a capable coach. However, my competitive nature often led me to dismiss the knowledge and expertise of other coaches if it didn’t align with my own. While I enjoyed the company of coaches, I felt that there was limited value in their knowledge unless it matched my own. This attitude persisted for many years until I encountered “real” coaches.

These coaches were far more experienced and wise than I had ever been, and their presence was a shock to my system. Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t possess a comprehensive understanding of coaching. Moreover, their openness to sharing, discussing, and being vulnerable in front of me opened up a vast learning opportunity that I had never considered. They exemplified the true nature of great coaching.

From that moment on, I have embraced my peers, both new and experienced, and actively seek out conversations, learning opportunities, and shared experiences. I have had the privilege of learning from some of the world’s best coaches while also gaining insights from some of the newest coaches in the profession. I thoroughly enjoy observing others coach, learning from their techniques, and acknowledging that I have the potential to improve.

As I continue to learn and grow as a coach each year, I am humbled to recognize that I am the sum of all those who have dedicated time to sharing, teaching, and conversing with me over the years. I am filled with hope that I can pay it forward and share the immense joy of being a part of this incredible community.

Thanks to all those that have graciously shared so much with me! Gratefully, Mark CEO Team MPI