Meet Coach Denise

“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.” – Dr Seuss

Denise Whitson

Denise Whitson

CONTACT INFO

(972) 900-3773
denise@sportspeedlab.com

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Strengths: nutrition, strength training
Coaching since 2013

CERTIFICATIONS

USAT Triathlon, Level 1 Coach
CPR and AED
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
TRX Qualified Coach
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition Science

Obstacles are meant to be overcome…

I became a coach because I love helping people reach their goals. My own athletic goals were interrupted by back problems and when I finally recovered from disc replacement surgery, I found out that I needed a total hip replacement. As I struggled with my own physical challenges, I considered giving up coaching, but my athletes told me that my struggles helped them overcome their own. Now I specialize in athletes that have their own special challenges like knee problems, injury recovery and medical complications.

My Coaching Philosophy

A coach is not only someone that provides training expertise but also someone that pushes you when you need it, encourages you when you run into challenges and, most importantly, believes in you before you believe in yourself.

My Message to You

“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.” – Dr Seuss
“Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down.” – New Balance ad
“Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” – Chinese proverb

Denise Whitson

Denise Whitson

CONTACT INFO

(972) 900-3773
denise@sportspeedlab.com

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Strengths: nutrition, strength training
Coaching since 2013

CERTIFICATIONS

USAT Triathlon, Level 1 Coach
CPR and AED
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
TRX Qualified Coach
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition Science

Obstacles are meant to be overcome…

I became a coach because I love helping people reach their goals. My own athletic goals were interrupted by back problems and when I finally recovered from disc replacement surgery, I found out that I needed a total hip replacement. As I struggled with my own physical challenges, I considered giving up coaching, but my athletes told me that my struggles helped them overcome their own. Now I specialize in athletes that have their own special challenges like knee problems, injury recovery and medical complications.

My Coaching Philosophy

A coach is not only someone that provides training expertise but also someone that pushes you when you need it, encourages you when you run into challenges and, most importantly, believes in you before you believe in yourself.

My Message to You

“If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.” – Dr Seuss
“Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down.” – New Balance ad
“Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” – Chinese proverb

Coach Denise’s Notable Races

Iron Distance Triathlons

  • Ironman Arizona 2013
  • Ironman Florida 2012
  • Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2011

Olympic Distance Triathlons

  • US Open Olympic 2011, 2010
  • TexasMan Olympic 2010 – 3rd F40-44

Other Distance Triathlons

  • Redman Full Aquabike 2013, 2012
  • TexasMan X-50 2011

Half Iron Distance Triathlons

  • Buffalo Springs 70.3 2013
  • Ironman 70.3 New Orleans 2012
  • Ironman Texas 70.3 2011
  • Ironman Austin 70.3 2010
  • Ironman Kansas 70.3 2010

Adventure Races/Duathlons

  • Spartan Trifecta 2014
  • Muddy Buddy 2011 – 1st Co-Ed 86-95, Finisher: 2010, 2009, 2008
  • Two White Dogs Duathlon 2010 – 1st F40-44, 2009 – 2nd F40-44
  • Texas Motorspeedway Duathlon 2010
  • Blazing Saddles Duathlon 2009 – 1st F40-44
  • Summer Solstice Duathlon 2009 – 2nd F40-44
  • Bronda’s Duathlon 2009

Running Races

  • Tour des Fleurs 20K 2010, 2009, 2006
  • New Year’s Day 5 mile 2010 – 3rd F40-44, 2009 Finisher
  • The Dallas Half 2009, 2006
  • Marathon2Marathon 2009 – 2nd F40-44
  • Big D Half Marathon 2009
  • Dallas White Rock Marathon 2006

Sprint Triathlons

  • Disco Sprint Triathlon 2012
  • Spring Fall Classic Sprint Triathlon 2011 – 1st F40-44
  • King Tut Sprint 2010 – 3rd F40-44
  • Benbrook Women’s Sprint Triathlon 2009
  • Take on the Heat Sprint Triathlon 2009
“While contemplating a marathon in my late fifties, I needed a lot of support. I had cycled several century rides but always struggled due to nutrition. I hired Denise for the nutrition help as much as the marathon coaching. Words do not describe the support I received from this woman. She was in contact with me daily. Any questions were answered quickly. Oh, did I mention that I have a very bad knee? Denise helped me train successfully even when the doctors questioned my need for a knee replacement. The bone on bone issue I have with my knee can be very painful but she had strategies that helped me complete 26.2 feeling strong. Because of my success in the marathon, I felt confident enough to attempt a half Ironman at age 60. She gave me the confidence to try and always had faith in me even when I didn’t. Early on in my training, I had a shoulder injury which prevented me from swimming. (It’s quite hard on an old body to start exercising after several decades of couch sitting). She worked with me and convinced me that I could do it. And I did make the swim cut off! It was a tough course but Denise had prepared me with the mindset to finish. I will never forget that day and the support of Denise. She spent hours convincing me I could do it. She continues to inspire me with her positive out look and always welcoming attitude. She has always been supportive of my injuries and limitations. But not once as she ever given up on me. I could not have had the success I have had without the coaching and encouragement I received from Denise. I will be forever grateful to her for getting me to the finish line, Every. Single. Time.”

– Lynn

“As a 1st time Ironman in training, I knew I needed a coach. Denise was a godsend for me. Throughout the entire year, she was there to help and guide me on my quest to becoming an Ironman. I had a lot of issues that she dealt with. Luckily Denise was there to pick me up and say that no matter what happens I will be able to finish the race. She was able to tweak my schedule so that I could pick up more biking and swimming. Without a coach to provide a voice of reason, I would have quit long before the big day. I would have been truly upset with myself for not finishing and I’m so glad that I had a coach who believed in me. Lastly, Denise provided lots of guidance for all of my nutritional issues during training. Plus, she was able to talk me off the ledge several times during the year when the training seemed insurmountable.”

– Nikki