If you haven't already heard, Coach Sharon will no longer be MVS's head coach. While we all will be welcoming Mary Beth Ellis as our new head coach, we'll miss Coach Sharon but are looking forward to hearing about her next adventure!
We caught up with Sharon and learned just a bit more about her as a coach.
Here's what she had to say...
How long have you been coaching?
Technically, I started as a teenager coaching gymnastics and then coaching my 8-year-old son’s soccer team. I started coaching triathletes 20 years ago.
How long have you been coaching MVS?
I started as an assistant coach with MVS in 2011 and became head coach in 2017.
What is your favorite part about coaching?
My favorite part of coaching is seeing how good people feel about themselves after completing a hard workout, especially when they surprise themselves about what they can accomplish.
What is your biggest accomplishment for yourself?
A podium finish at Boston was my biggest running accomplishment because of the depth and quality of the competition. I have a few triathlon World Championship podium finishes and Triathlon Sprint Distance National Championships, which feel like big accomplishments, again, because of the quality of the competition at that level.
For one of your trainees?
Regarding athletes that I’ve coached, it’s very hard because I have seen so many athletes accomplish tough challenges with great results. One that stands out is Martha O’Brien’s podium finish at the Mt. Tremblant 70.3 Triathlon. She worked very hard in all three disciplines. Despite lots of ups and downs, her training remained consistent, which is key for success.
Will you still offer individual coaching?
Yes, I plan on continuing with individual training as well as helping Mary Beth coach MVS when I am in MA.
What do you plan on doing now that you won't be coaching as much?
The big difference will be that I will be spending more time in Utah, where my son lives, and closer to one of my daughters who lives in Denver. Living closer to them, I plan on spending more time with family. I also plan on taking advantage of all that Utah has to offer, the great trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and both Alpine and Nordic skiing. I’d love to give a biathlon competition a shot (haha!). Who knows, maybe I can even put together an MVS run training camp in Utah?!?
Sharon, we all wish you good health, happiness, and tail winds! Enjoy your time with your family! We'll be seeing you when you're back here in Massachusetts! Thank you for your years of friendship, advice and coaching!
"Quick step. The faster you move your arms, the faster you will move your legs. If you're talking while running, you're not running fast enough. Don't be looking on the ground for pennies." I think most of us can admit that we hear Coach Sharon's voice in our heads while out for a run!