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individual 1:1 coaching

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

Individual Coaching
with Coach John "JD" Dahlz

  • Ideal with those with busy lifestyles and/or lot of work travel or those that want personal attention directed to address their needs and/or weaknesses.
  • Fully customized training plan with weekly workouts (amendable even during the week based on need/work and absorption of workouts).
  • Unlimited interaction via telephone, text and e-mails.
  • General and race day nutrition consulting.
  • Swim, bike and run form analysis.




Cost: $180 (28% off non GGTC pricing of $250); Start-up fee ($100) waived for GGTC members.

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.


TriMegTri Coaching

Megan Tobin (@trimegtri) is a coach, triathlete and open water swimmer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Megan has always been an athlete; competing in various team sports, including playing field hockey at a collegiate and national level. After devoting several years to building a career in technology marketing as well as a family, she discovery triathlon through her colleagues. What started as a way to get back in shape over 15 years ago, became a passion for multisport, self-care and, perhaps surprisingly, bringing balance back into her life.

A multiple Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 finisher, 70.3 World Championship qualifier and marathon swimmer, Megan coaches for TriMegTri Coaching and non-profit One with the Ocean, and now is excited to work with GGTC athletes!

Team Coaching: Personalized Coaching, Group Support

Our team coaching program is designed for athletes who want group contact online with Coach Meg, but also a customized plan based on their goals and abilities. Team coaching is not entry level, but it’s designed more for the athlete who doesn’t need instant coaching access but likes team support!

There is an open team group chat as well as a monthly team call with Coach Meg to cover training, racing, nutrition, data and answer any questions you may have.

Pro Coaching: Created just for you

Pro Team coaching represents the highest level of individualized coaching. Coach Meg will evaluate where you are in sport and life, and get to know you and your goals. From there, she will build a program that works for you - to achieve your goals AND work with your life.

Pro Team coaching mean you have greater access and rapid communication response with your coach. Monthly one on one calls ensure you stay on track, and your coach is reviewing your data daily, tweaking your program based on progress and here for you. We’ll work together to ensure your program keeps you growing athletically while balancing work, family, and life!

Pro members may join the team chat and monthly group coaching call as well.

Team Coaching

  • Customized Race Plan - Coach Meg will get to know you and you will complete an athlete questionnaire. We’ll help you plan your season, and create a path to your goals
  • Custom training plan with daily workouts in Training Peaks. If you have a Premium account, all workouts will sync with your device and guide you step be step! (Premium account required, athlete paid)
  • Strength training and stretching included as needed
  • Unlimited email communication with Coach
  • Facebook team page and group chat for communication and camaraderie
  • Team events and workouts
Cost: $160/month for GGTC members, $100 enrollment fee waived for GGTC club members

Pro Coaching

  • Daily customized workouts that work with your schedule and athletic needs
  • Training with data and constant feedback will improve your performance with less training time.
  • Enhanced communication with Coach Meg, a truly 1:1 relationship approach
  • Annual season race and training plans
  • Unlimited text and email communication
  • Monthly 1:1 coaching call
  • Data analysis and regular maintenance.
  • Race day pacing and personalized (and road tested) nutrition plans
  • Comprehensive post-race analysis, to learn and improve
  • Includes Training Peaks Premium Account (coach paid)
  • Pro members may join the Team chat, monthly group coaching call and team events for camaraderie
Cost: $300/month for GGTC members, $150 enrollment fee waived for GGTC club members


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.

Valera Training Squad ($149 per month)

This is the base structure program. Every athlete enjoys the benefits of the squad, such as group workouts, clinics, webinars with me, guest coaches, and sponsors, access to me via Slack, email, and text messages with no restrictions, and a general training plan that targets the big local long-distance triathlons.






Monthly 1:1 training plan ($249 per month)

This monthly plan includes everything the Valera Training Squad provides and a personalized training plan based on personal goals. It is scheduled in blocks of 4 weeks at a time with no modifications. It includes data analysis and a 30-minute call once per month. This is the ideal plan for athletes with predictable schedules that do not need the coach to be checking the calendar regularly. Includes a premium TP account.




Weekly 1:1 training plan ($349 per month)

This is the most personalized training plan and is updated weekly based on your performance. Besides the previously mentioned services, It includes unlimited modifications and 60-minute monthly calls. This is the ideal plan for Ironman training or athletes that do not have predictable schedules and require more regular assessment of their performance. If your goals are challenging and intimidating, this is the right plan for you.





For more information & sign up:
Contact info@trifiniti.com or visit trifiniti.com

About Trifiniti

DUANE FRANKS, MS

USAT CERTIFIED LEVEL 2 COACH

IRONMAN CERTIFIED COACH

ACSM CERTIFIED HEALTH FITNESS DIRECTOR

A triathlon pioneer, Duane is a founding member of the GGTC, has competed since 1981 and coached since 1986. He has raced in over 350 triathlons, including 25+ Ironmans and more than 150 70.3/Half IM events. He is a five-time IRONMAN Kona World Championship finisher with a PR of 10:09 set at the age of 40 and sub 30-hour Ultraman World Championship at age 50. He has won age group titles at Wildflower, Vineman, Escape from Alcatraz and others. Coach D has successfully coached hundreds of athletes of all ages and abilities that range from novice to elite. He specializes in working with fitness minded individuals who use athletics to enhance and balance their busy life schedules.

His systematic Ironman training approach has resulted in hundreds of successful GGTC Ironman finishes throughout the years. His elite athletes have set world records and won overall and age group titles, including The Ironman World Championship and Ultraman World Championship in Hawaii, and World Masters Games. Duane has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, USAT level 2 and is an Ironman certified coach. His training articles and plans have been featured in a variety of triathlon publications around the world. His coaching philosophy states that the best training plan isn’t the one you follow, it’s the one that follows you.


DORETTE FRANKS, RDN

SPORTS DIETITIAN

USAT & USAT&F CERTIFIED LEVEL 1 COACH

RRCA CERTIFIED COACH

Dorette has dedicated herself to the sport of triathlon since 2000. She completed Ironman New Zealand in 2001, just ten months after completing her first triathlon, the Wildflower Long Course. Her passion for racing led her to become a 6x Ironman finisher, placing 1st in division and second overall female at the Vineman Triathlon, 3x Boston Marathon qualifier and racer, 1x Ultraman finisher placing 1st in division and 3rd overall female. She is a competitive age-group racer representing The Betty Squad.

Dorette served as head track and run coach to the GGTC for nearly 10 years prior to coaching their Ironman and Women For Tri group training programs. Her training plans and tips have been featured by NIKE for the NIKE WOMEN’S MARATHON, in TRIATHLETE, RUNNER’s World, SHAPE, and WOMEN’S HEALTH magazines. She continues to lead athletes to Boston Marathon Qualifications and IRONMAN finishes. 

As a credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and founder of Nutrition pH (Performance & Health), Dorette is completing a Masters of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from San Francisco State University. She is both a USA Triathlon and USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach and also holds coaching credentials with the Road Runners Club of America. She specializes in working with female athletes, age-group triathletes and runners, and those seeking body composition and weight management goals.



Trifiniti Training Programs

Individual Coaching
with Coach Duane Franks + Dorette Franks

  • Ideal for those with busy schedules trying to balance work and family while also pursuing ambitious athletic goals

  • Preferred for those who need more individual attention and feedback

  • Customized & individualized weekly schedule based on your background, fitness level, training objectives performance goals, and available time to train

  • Individual training zones (pace, power, or heart rate) for swimming, cycling, and running

  • Review of uploaded data and post workout comments

  • Includes performance nutrition and hydration guidelines

  • GGTC weekly track and swim sessions included as options

  • Pre-race strategy/post-race analysis

  • Invitation to join Trifiniti group workouts

  • Priority registration to Trifiniti athlete webinars.

  • Monthly coaching call

  • Access to coaches

  • Premium Training Peaks account (included)
  • Option for physiological testing 
  • Option for training + performance nutrition

Cost: $235/month for GGTC Members; Start-up fee ($150) waived for GGTC members.

Semi-Custom 24 Week Ironman Training Plan
with Support

  • Initial in-person or phone consult
  • Semi-customized detailed daily workouts (3 levels) on Training Peaks
  • GGTC weekly track and swim sessions included as options
  • Individual testing and training zones
  • Individual consults with Coach D every 4-6 weeks
  • Coach access via email
  • Nutrition guidelines for training, recovery and racing
  • Discounted swim video lessons
  • Regular articles or videos to improve swim technique
  • Weekly articles on a variety of training tips and information
  • Embedded articles on a variety of training tips and information 
  • Pre-race strategy/post- race analysis
  • Nutrition guidelines for training, recovery and racing
  • Invitation to join Trifiniti swim classes and group workouts




  Cost: $390 (one-time charge)

Golden Gate Triathlon Club is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization.

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