Tara Costa one of the most popular contestants ever from NBC’s Biggest Loser is training for the Rev3 Triathlon Series. After losing a staggering 155 pounds while on the show Tara is ready to take on a new challenge – Triathlon. I am excited that she has chosen me and Rev3 Coaching to help guide her through this next chapter in her life. She visited me in Florida this past weekend in order to get a jump start on this exciting new partnership.
Heather and Tara
The time I spent coaching Tara has been amazing. Our first day was all about getting to know her, what she is like, what motivates her and how I can be most instrumental in her success as she takes on the challenge of finishing the Rev3 Tri Series of races in 2010.
Tara is a beginner triathlete (Triathlon/ Swim – Bike – Run) but not a beginner runner. I though best to start with her strength so we drove to Clearwater to do the Phinley Holiday 10k Run Phor Phun (yes, its spelled that way). I am used to going to race events and having other athletes ask, “Oh are you Heather the Pro Triathlete, or there is Heather” but Tara was noticed everywhere and it was fun to see it from the other side. We have been getting stopped everywhere we go, lunch – dinner – photo here photo there, my husband Todd joked that now I know how he feels every time he goes with me to a race.
The 10k race itself was great and the Race Director was thrilled to have both of us compete. I finished my race and circled back to find Tara so I could run in with her. Tara was having a very nice run and as we were approaching the finish line I noticed the clock and the competitive side of me came out as I screamed “Come on we have to go under One Hour!!” She did it ! Being the tough athletes we are we then decided to do the 5k Race as well ! Tara is tough !! and motivated.
Our next Triathlon activity was a Bike Fit for Tara at Village Bikes (www.villagebikes.com). Ed Levins is the owner of Village, a Sponsor of mine for years and simply a really great guy. Ed took time to fit Tara as we discussed biking as it relates to Triathlon. There were some hilarious moments as we discussed things like bike pads, bike seat cutouts and why they are necessary as well as how to go potty while riding – some priceless moments.
We are fortunate that a new friend and wonderful photographer Eric Wynn (www.ericwynn.org) flew in for the weekend to capture all the action. While here he took over 900 photos and hours of video – all the photos you are enjoying are courtesy of Eric. Thanks Eric for your professionalism and keen eye.
After the Bike Fit Todd, Eric, Tara and I went out for a nice dinner and continued to educate Tara on her new role as a Triathlete. Of course we couldn’t make it through a meal without several people recognizing Tara. Our waitress was simply giddy – I can honestly say that I think that was the best service I can remember in a long while. It was a great day overall.
Bike fit with Ed Levins
After the Bike Fit Todd, Eric, Tara and I went out for a nice dinner and continued to educate Tara on her new role as a Triathlete. Of course we couldn’t make it through a meal without several people recognizing Tara. Our waitress was simply giddy – I can honestly say that I think that was the best service I can remember in a long while. It was a great day overall.
Day two started with the fun of fitting Tara in a bike helmet before proceeding out on a foggy but warm bike ride. It was a quality learning experience for Tara as we went over pedal efficiency, one leg drills, pacing and cornering. She did a fantastic job and is a natural on the bike.
Great day for a ride !!
After a quick change of clothes we visited Fitness Together in Lakewood Ranch, the personal training studio of my good friends Nick and Nicole Clark. We went through a wide variety of functional training exercises – taking the time to explain how these exercises relate to swimming, biking and running as well as providing Tara with an informative stretching session. It was good for Tara to learn new ways to train her body and build the strength necessary to stay injury free. She is a real trooper and constantly cracks me up – case in point, Our next Session at the pool.
Weight Session at Fitness Together
Now Tara is a newbie when it comes to this sport and makes no bones about it so I don’t take anything for granted. When we got to the pool she went in to the locker room to change while I waited for her on the deck. She walked out in an old school swimming suit with skirt attached. It’s something your Grandma would wear to the pool – she walked right up to me however with a straight face. Eric was filming the entire event and said when she came out my face was expressionless. I tried as hard as I could to be nice but in the back of my mind thought this girl is crazy if she plans on working out in that. I tried to explain how the drag of the skirt would be a detriment – she was very polite and looked me right in the eye as I tried hard to not hurt her feelings and explain why this wasn’t going to work. Eventually she couldn’t hold it back any longer and burst out laughing – she got me – nice practical joke.
She changed and put on her Rev3 swimsuit, her Rev3 swim cap and goggles and was off. We spent some quality time doing some underwater videotaping and analyzing her swim stroke – not a great swimmer, YET ! But most importantly is very coachable, listens well and makes changes right away. After a bit she even started to look like a swimmer – without the skirt of course…
Off to a great Start - Go Tara !!
Tara and I are working on putting together a very special Team – so check back soon for all the details !!
