Well, another amazing weekend of racing in the books. Finally made it on the overall podium at USAT Olympic Distance Triathlon Nationals, racing it out with the best of the best. Honored to even toe the line with these athletes. Day 2 (the sprint) was tough, really felt Saturday’s efforts, but gave it all I had. Suzanne Atkinson, thanks for guiding the way and being an amazing coach.

She somehow manages to balance her work, personal life, and coach – I don’t know how. Through injury and illness, podiums and ‘I was just thankful to make it to the finish’, we have been through a lot the past few years. Thank you for your constant encouragement, helping me keep my life balanced, and always supporting whatever crazy race schedules I dream up.

And my wonderful family support – I would not be here without you!!!!! Thanks to all who cheered, hoped, and believed – you keep me going.

Kirsten Sass

2015 Overall National & World Champion Olympic Distance Triathlon

Some Athlete Accomplishments

  • 35 Year old Mother & Physicians Assistant wins 2013 Athlete of the Year & 2014 & 2015 Duathlon National Championships.
  • 32 year old Veterinary Technician wins Arizona State Cyclocross, Mountain Bike & Criterium State Championships
  • 22 year old graduate student qualifies for Xterra national Championships
  • 24 year old Engineer qualifies for Kona Ironman World Championships
  • 36 year old lawyer sets World Record for marathon swimming, the Lake Kinneret, Israel .
  • 58 year old retired dad qualifies for Boston in his first Marathon with 5 minutes to spare
  • 47 year old father knocked 47 minutes off his half iron triathlon PR at Musselman in July
  • In her first full iron distance triathlon, 50 year old female with artificial hip completed Challenge Atlantic City in 14:53
  • 39-year old dad finished his first half marathon less than a year after running his first-ever 5k.
  • 38-year old mom finished 2nd Age Group at Riverview 5k
  • 44-year old dad finished his first marathon, the 2014 Pittsburgh Marathon, in 3:52.
  • Training for a first time event
  • Training for a first time distance
  • Training for a PR in a specific event or distance
  • Efficient use of time Improvement in Power
  • Improvement in Speed
  • Improvement in Technique
I was reviewing my results from this past year and noticed how much I improved on the bike.
It is amazing what consistent training can do for ones ability to perform well.
Also, when I look back on the load ( time spent training ) for IMAZ and talk with other athletes about how much more time they spent training I find it simply fascinating that I was able to perform so well given the limited time I spent training. It makes me really thankful that I chose you to coach me through this.
I truly believe that the sky is the limit as we move forward over the next several years.
John Torhan

Ironman AZ Finisher

Thanks Suzanne, we just got back to San Diego…i’m wiped out…but feel great…I truly could not have done this without your coaching….I was very much prepared by all your plans and the nutrition was dialed in exactly. You’re an amazing coach! Thanks for helping make this dream of mine possible…you game planned this perfectly…tom

Tom Scholar

Ironman Finisher

Thank you! I was 340 pounds back in October of 2011. I made a commitment to get healthy and lose weight. Completing a triathlon became a goal of mine as I chose to get healthy. Without your unbelievable training plan, I would not have successfully completed my first ever triathlon. I am now 243 pounds light and still losing weight and getting healthy.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

Patrick Gadsby

Training for a first time event Training for a first time distance Training for a PR in a specific event or distance Efficient use of time Improvement in Power Improvement in Speed Improvement in Technique
Move Well First, Then Move Often I firmly believe that proper movement is the foundation of fitness. Technique and efficiency is required in swimming, cycling as well as running. Efficient movement coupled with consistent training targeted to your current fitness will help you perform better, feel better, enjoy training more and use your time more efficiently.
Every athlete receiving our regular coaching package service receives… An Annual Training Plan Customized plans delivered in 1-4 week blocks Adjustments to plans made weekly Guidance with Goal Setting Premium Training Peaks account Unlimited email contact Scheduled phone call as needed Emergency texting for last minute needs Local Athletes Only: Can lock in lower monthly one-on-one sessions at a discount
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My Personal Guarantee – Faster in 30 Days or it’s Free! I guarantee that you will see results within your first 30 days, or else your first month is free! If you follow your custom training plan for the first month and do not feel fitter, faster, smoother, more efficient or do not feel you are getting the service you expect from Steel City Endurance, your first month is free.

Contact Us For Coaching

Contact us today to get started with your triathlon training plan.

CoachSuzanneOlympicSwimClubAbout The Head Coach

Steel City Endurance Head Coach & Founder is Suzanne Atkinson, MD.  Suzanne relentlessly pursues ongoing experience in direct mentoring relationships with elite coaches and soaks up training information from primary sources, journal articles, and university level education.  She has experience not only in 1 on 1 coaching for swimming, cycling & running, but has also coached triathlon and swimming camps in Cabo Rojo,  Puerto rico; Kona, Hawaii;  Boulder, CO & London UK.

Certifications imply a standard has been met by a national organization.  While they are not a guarantee of coaching ability or knowledge, the maintenance and achievement of certification shows ongoing pursuit of continuing education, experience with athletes  and a commitment to the sport.

Suzanne holds an active Level 2 USA Triathlon Certification with Elite Mentoring Experience, as well as USA Cycling Level 2.  Coach Suzanne achieved the high distinction of Master Coach during her time with Total Immersion and helped lead & develop coaching education for new trainees.

In addition to her endurance coaching experience & credentials, Suzanne is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician, has masters level coursework in Exercise Physiology, is am a former Outward Bound instructor with experience teaching expedition skills, whitewater kayaking, rockclimbing & mountaineering.