Coach Name:

Sara Gross

Age

33

Years in Triathlon

Since 1999

Years Coaching

Since 2004

From:

  • Currently Residing in Victoria, BC
  • Grew up in Kitchener, ON and Al Ain, UAE
  • Lived in Edinburg, Scotland from 1999-2005

Triathlon Accomplishments:

  • 12x Top 5 Ironman Finisher
  • Former ITU European Long Course Champion
  • 2nd Ironman Canada 2007
  • 2nd Ironman Western Australia 2006
  • 2008 Canadian Elite Long Course Triathlete of the Year
  • Ironman PB of 9h15

Occupations past and present:

  • Professional Triathlete (2004-present)
  • Triathlon Coach (2005-present)
  • PhD in History/Religion (University of Edinburgh 2005)
  • BA and MA in World Religions (Queens University 1997 and 1999)
  • Swim Instructor and Masters Swim Coach (2001-2002)
  • Small Business Owner (1996-1998)

Coaching Qualifications:

  • SASA swimming instructor
  • NPL lifeguard
  • 5 years experience as Scottish and British National Triathlon Team member

Coaching Accomplishments:
Coached the following:

  • 2nd place 25-29 age group, Hawaii Ironman World Championships, 2008
  • 1st place 25-29 age group and 10th overall female, Ironman Canada, 2008
  • 1st place 30-34 age group, Calgary 70.3, 2009
  • Multiple Hawaii Ironman Qualifiers.
  • Many new triathletes to full and half Ironman finishes.
  • Olympic Distance National Age Group Team qualifier
  • Non-swimmers to Ironman finish.

Why I coach: I love the challenge of trying to get the best out of someone, of figuring out how to read a person and know what training they respond to best. I also like the challenge of learning how to encourage someone to risk giving their all. This applies to athletes across the board, from those who are training full-time to busy people with families and full-time jobs. I find it easiest to give my best to those who give me their best.

I also enjoy putting on camps that challenge the way athletes think about themselves, their sport and what they can accomplish. I love it when people leave a situation feeling that they have accomplished more than they thought possible, be it climbing for 40km up a mountain or racing faster than they imagined.

Fees:
$200/month with a one-time $50 start-up fee

Additional Info:
Personal website www.saragross.ca

Member Testimonial:
I have been coached by Sara for almost two years. I was a “newbie” when I started having only competed in a few running races. The training schedule she creates for me has made me a competitive athlete while allowing for my various family commitments. Not only is she my mentor but she has become a great friend. She has taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities. If you believe that you can do it, there is nothing stopping you.

-Kendall Pritchard