Valerie Ellsworth Gattis
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USAT Certified Expert Coach (Level II)
Valerie, an Endurance Coach in Illinois, has worked with Coach Troy since 1995, and was one of the first Triathlon Academy Coaches. She has competed in Triathlon since 1986, including 5 Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Hawaii, earning a gold medal the ITU Long Course Triathlon World Championships in Sweden, USAT All-American and winning 2 Race Across America (RAAM) team competitions. "I have integrated the passion for triathlon into my life not only by competing, but also by giving back to the sport, by coaching and by serving the people of Triathlon as the sport's first woman leader of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. Triathlon is a way of life." "I believe the first step to effective coaching is establishing a true partnership between coach and athlete. Bridging the gap from athlete to coach is not always an easy task. It requires a much broader view than what can be seen from the athlete's perspective. Triathlon coaches must understand individual abilities, goal setting, tactics, movement analysis, progressive training techniques, and sport psychology."
Professional Affiliations
- 2010 YWCA Woman of Achievement, Sports and Athletics
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2004-2005 Vice President, Sport Development and Education,(PATCO)
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2003-2004 Treasurer, Pan American Triathlon Confederation (PATCO)
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2003-2004 President, USA Triathlon Board of Directors
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2002-2004 USA Triathlon (USAT) Board of Directors
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2001-2005 USA Delegate to ITU (International Triathlon Union) Women's Commission
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1998-2002 USAT Age Group Commission (AGC), CHAIR 1999-2001
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1997-2002 Member, USAT Mideast Regional Federation
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1997-2001 Judy Flannery Memorial Fund, Board Member
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1996-2002 USAT Women's Commission (W/C), CHAIR 2001-2002
Athletic Accomplishments
- 2007 ITU Duathlon Long Course Championships, Team USA Member
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2003 2nd USAT Duathlon National Championships
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2003 Inside Triathlon All American
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2002 1st Place Women's Team Race Across America (RAAM)
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1999 1st Place ITU Triathlon Long Course World Championships
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1998 2nd Place Nike Master's World Games
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1997 1st Place Women's Team Race Across America
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1996 USAT All American
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1996 ITU Duathlon World Championships, Ferrara, Italy
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1986,1987,1988,1993,1994 Finisher Ironman World Championship Triathlon
Testimonials:
"After competing in triathlons and running events over the course of a decade with similar results, I decided it was time to try a new approach. My training was stale.
A friend introduced me to Coach Troy Jacobson's Spinerval biking tapes and through his website, I learned of available coaching opportunities. I read the bios of his coaches and decided Valerie Ellsworth Gattis would be the best choice for me. Key considerations were as follows: similar age, performance resume and training/coaching experience. Little did I know that I would also be getting a phenomenal MOTIVATOR. But more about that a little later.
I began by completing a rather lengthy application which included personal information concerning my goals and ambitions. I spoke with Coach Valerie on several occasions and had frequent email contact. Initially my goal was a half Ironman distance triathlon in approximately seven months. Coach Val, aka Dominatrix, promised to develop weekly plans to hone my skills and prepare me as much as possible given the short time span. In addition to the weekly workouts, she also included scheduled "races" to practice the learned skills and to continue building my confidence.
The first race was an Olympic distance event. It stands out as it was the first time I ever got off course on the swim. In fact, so far off that I ended up having to complete 200-300 yards of extra swimming just to get back on course. I was so discouraged that I dreaded the conversation with Coach Val. She wanted me to call her after each race in order to discuss the event and my experiences. What that initial call did for me can not be overstated. Coach Val not only encouraged me but had me laughing or to state it better - roaring. She immediately shared her "off course" story when she and a fellow competitor ended up following a small boat that was definitely NOT part of the race. She talked about these experiences being important to an athlete's development, both mentally and physically, and she stated they also serve to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously so as to lose the joy of the sport. She surprised me further by finding a number of positive features to my race and focused my attention there. Things such as "blistering transitions," staying focused in the midst of disappointments etc.
I completed the other races including the half Ironman. Coach Val was there every step of the way adjusting my schedule and challenging me in ways never before realized.
It has truly been a valuable experience having a coach. It has prompted me to push harder, dig deeper and to thus get more out of myself. The increased running speed was an immediate benefit. After just two months of Coach Val's training, I shaved significant time off my semi annual Navy fitness test and outran everyone in my directorate including those half my age.
Ever looking forward, Coach Val suggested several months ago that I think about duathlons, given my "love" for swimming. It was something I had never even considered…until now. Thus I am currently working toward Duathlon Nationals. I am confident that when I approach the starting line, Coach Valerie will have me ready and poised to do my very best... because that is all she ever demands."
-- Sue Hite
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
"In 2007, I was training myself for my third Hawaii Ironman. During the summer I caught a nasty flu and was sidelined for about four weeks at a crucial part of my build phase. I lost a lot of my fitness as well as my confidence. IM Hawaii was 10 1/2 weeks away!
Coach Val and I have been friends for years. I met her at my first world championship in Cancun in 1996 and the rest is history. During our chats, Val would ask what was I doing to train and how was it going. So it seemed natural that in my time of need I would turn to Val, asking her to help get me back into training mode. This was a pretty tall order since I was asking Val not only to get me ready for an IM race but to help with my goal of having a respectable finish-that is, not to have to walk most of the marathon. Val was very conscientious in starting me off in a program of active recovery-to get back to where I was in my training without getting overtrained or injured. She also gave me much needed advice on nutrition for the race which I immediately began to practice in training. She quickly decided that a course of low intensity overdistance training was the best course of action. During this "hell week" Val checked daily to see how my workouts had gone and made adjustments to the program when she deemed I needed to back off a bit. She advised a taper that seemed to last forever (longer than I would have given myself) but assured me that I was fit and ready and the taper was appropriate.
I had the race I wanted. When I got to the run part of the IM I still had the energy to run a 5:11 marathon (pretty good for a 57 y.o.). The nutrition plan worked. My IM time was faster than when I raced in 1997 when I was 47 years old. For my next IM, I will ask Val to get me to the podium!
-- Anne Viviani
2007 Ironman Hawaii
"Coach Valerie.....Where do I begin? I have learned a ton from you as trainer and as a friend. Remember, in 2005, you helped me buy my first bike! You were there for my first rides, teaching and offering advice. There's something to be said for staring out with a veteran rider, i.e., starting out right, not developing bad habits, and being safe all the while. I no doubt owe a lot to you."
--Many thanks, KP
2007 Duke Liver Half Ironman 2nd fastest split (women) of the day -- 2:44:28; 20.43mph
"2007 Hawaii Ironman (55-59)
Coach Valerie -- You did the impossible! I remember when I called you 10 weeks out from Ironman, having been ill and injured, you just whistled. Then you took a deep breath and we never looked back. My fastest run time split an all of my IM's………
Thank you from the bottom of my heart……"
-- A.V.
"1st place in the 2007 White Lake Half Ironman, NC - My first Triathlon ever!
Coach Valerie, I don't have the vocabulary to correctly and appropriately thank you for the wonderful experience you provided for me these past 5 months. I have achieved more than I even dreamed I could, I have regained a confidence in myself that had dissipated, and I have reveled in an adventure that was absolutely a hoot from start to finish. I have found a friend beyond measure in K.P, and I feel I have done the same with you as well. Nothing can compare to that last part.
I look forward to years of athletic challenges and I am eager to face them all in whatever form they may take. I know I will be employing you to guide me towards another race because this was so invigorating. ...we can stay in touch as "comrades in arms," women who will NOT go gracefully into their "middle age" but who march into it with the pride and knowledge that life truly gets only better if you are open to the possibilities.
Just to complete a half ironman was a mere possibility when we started this. Thanks to your tremendous talent as a mentor, constant contact and reassurance, and ability to make us each feel like we were the only athlete on the planet, it has been accomplished."
-- Mary Whitwell (W 50-54)
"2007 Las Vegas Marathon
Thank you Coach Valerie for helping me to achieve what I thought impossible, and to do it with/for all those who could not. This has changed my life forever."
With only two months to train, White contacted Chicago-based marathon coach, Valerie Ellsworth Gattis, who created a custom weekly training schedule for White. The training included running approximately 40 miles a week, cycling and weight lifting. "Of all the activities, my favorite was running," said White. "And my favorite place to run was down the tree-covered streets of Hills Center Drive. The picturesque setting was calming to my spirit despite the physical demands of training for a marathon." White claims her new goal is to run a marathon every year. "It's a great achievement, especially at this stage of my life," she said. "Despite my aches and pains, I can honestly say I am looking forward to my next marathon."
Maria White, dedicated her run in the Las Vegas Marathon to loved ones who have passed away during the last five years as well as women over the age of 50. She finished strong with a time of 05:07:40."
-- Maria White
"2008 White Lake half Ironman
Hi Coach,
I know you don't really need this log but I needed to send it to bring this event full circle. And maybe it has some useful information.
I AM proud of myself! The small voice that still exists in me as it has throughout my life wants to apologize for letting you down. But the clearer voice that understands much better wants to shout from my rooftop, "I DID IT!"
No need to rehash this event. Suffice to say, I stared into the face of quitting for a long time, stared it down and kept going, and that is my greatest triumph from White Lake 2008. (The big blood stain on my favorite T-shirt that I acquired in the medical tent is a nice memento, too, HA!) And second on the list of achievements is the knowledge and experience I garnered and the sense of true perspective.
Anyway, enough said. You are the best coach anyone could ever have, and I am so very sincerely grateful that you gave me this opportunity. I wish there were a better way to say that so you would know it isn't just words, but I am hoping you can feel the honesty as I type.
These are the words that describe Coach Valerie: Encourager, analyzer, composer, listener, comforter, slave driver, always positive, abundant knowledge source, energizer, brings an athlete to their potential, fan, and friend.
These words do NOT apply to Coach Valerie: Critical, disparaging, unavailable, inflexible, unaccommodating, unaware, static.
You see each of your athletes completely for who they are as individuals and that is what makes you so special.
I thank you from the bottom and top of my heart."
-- M.W.
To contact Val, email info@CoachTroy.com and your message will be forwarded to her for a prompt response. And for an OVERVIEW of the various coaching programs offered by The Triathlon Academy, Click HERE.
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