For those of you who prefer individual attention versus our group coaching programs, or the group schedules don't meld well with your own, we recommend the following coaches to our members. These coaches have had a long-standing, successful relationship with our members. As you'll read in their bios, they are well-respected members of the triathlon community.

John "JD" Dahlz

Coaching Background

I have the great honor of being the GGTC Olympic/Sprint Program coach for the past few years. I am also the head coach for Fog Swimming, Saint Ignatius College Prep swims teams and what was the Breakaway Triathlon Team at the Bay Club(currently teach computrainer and spin classes there). I have coached cross-country and track at the high school and club level as well and numerous All – Americans, national champions and professionals across multiple sports. From 2009 – 2013, I was the head coach for the Cal Triathlon team and over my tenure at Cal the team won 4 nationals titles (a women’s title, 2 relays and an individual). I was 2x Cal Sports Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2013.

Athletic Background

I turned pro at 18 years old and gave up my collegiate eligibility to run and swim in college and joined Cal’s triathlon team. I took a break from Cal and lived and trained at the Olympic Training Center from 2006 – 2008. During my time at Cal, I had the honor of being part of a team that never lost a Men’s National Title and I won an Individual National Title in 2009. I eventually transitioned to longer distances and won the Vineman Ironman 3 years in a row from 2011 – 2013. Other individual triathlon accomplishments include being: the featured athlete of the USA Triathlon “Best of the Southwest” in 2009, runner up U23 athlete of the year in 2007, 5th at US Pro Nationals in 2013, 2014 Master’s All American Swimmer and Pacific Swimmer of the Year and 16 year professional triathlete.

Coaching Philosophy

My basic coaching philosophy is general fitness to specific race fitness and extending good technique/ speed into the longer intervals and distances. However, I use a slightly undulating training block even if there is an energy system focus, as I never like going too long before hitting an energy system because you are only as good as your weakness. In addition, I love working on those weaknesses in the off-season. I am a firm believer in consistency with training and therefore take recovery very seriously because the key to training is hard work over time along with staying injury free. My goal as a coach is help you attain your racing goals and be fully prepared to tackle the rigors of the race and distance demands whether it is just to finish the race or reach the podium: whether it is a local half marathon run race, grand fondo or 10k open water swim, or a Sprint or Ironman triathlon.

TMT Coaching

TMT Coaching was born from Coach Megan Tobin's Instagram handle, @trimegtri. But it very quickly became apparent that TMT was far less about just Coach Meg, and WAY more about an overall approach to coaching and community.

​TMT stands for many things, but we believe it stands for the mindful triathlete - mindful of our dedication to the practice of endurance sports, mindful of each other, mindful of our environment, mindful of our own missions to be the best we can be. We start from where we are. We grow and learn.

Head Coach Megan Tobin is a coach, triathlete and open water swimmer living in Boulder, Colorado and the San Francisco Bay Area. Megan has always been an athlete; competing in various team sports, including swimming competitively and playing field hockey at a collegiate and national level. 

Having begun her triathlon journey as a mom of 3, full time corporate marketer and single mom, Megan both understands the demands of a busy life, but also knows that finding time for training and racing can bring so much to both you the athlete, but also help you be a better person, parent, and professional. (Yes, really.) She’ll help you prioritize your training and your life and break through mental barriers that inhibit your performance. Megan's mission is to lead by example and drive for diversity and inclusion in sport.

CESAR VALERA

Cesar is a former professional triathlete with 20 years of experience in the sport. He has raced all over the world, coached triathletes of all levels for more than a decade and has worked in the triathlon and fitness industry since the early 2000s. He got his start in the industry by working for Spinning, the original indoor cycling program, as a Master Instructor. He has taught and certified instructors throughout Latin America and the U.S since the early 2000s. Cesar holds Life Coaching, USATriathlon, Ironman, USA Masters swimming and different fitness industry certifications.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela and Bay Area resident since 2016, he divides his time between coaching triathletes, masters swimmers, training and spending time with his wife and three young children.

"After so many years, my goal as a coach has become about helping athletes connect with their bodies and their true selves, and to perform at their best while keeping balance in the rest of their lives. In the end, this sport is more about the journey than the outcome. You will forget your times, but you won't forget the experience. If you are passionate, disciplined, dedicated and present at every moment of your triathlon journey, the outcome will always be amazing."

My main goal as a triathlon coach is to provide a platform for my clients where they can develop their skills as triathletes, challenge themselves physically and obtain tools to live a fulfilling life every day.

Cesar is offering 10% off of his standard rates listed below and charges a $100 enrollment fee for new athletes.

TRIFINITI Training Plans with Coach Duane + Dorette

$150 Athlete Onboarding fee - waived!
20% off nutrition support (testing not included)
3 month minimum commitment