Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Alexander
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I grew up in Atlanta, GA as the youngest girl with three older brothers. It was a competitive household, and I always tried to keep up with my brothers. I competed in swimming, cross-country, and track throughout middle and high school years. I walked onto the Rollins College Swim Team, where I competed in the 500-yard, 1000, and 1650-yard freestyle events. After graduating from college, I worked as a Physical Therapy technician at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for 5 years before deciding to start a master’s program in health & exercise science focusing on exercise physiology. It was during this time that my love for health and triathlon grew. I started training regularly and obtained my professional triathlon license in 2021. Then, after graduating with my master’s in May of 2022, I started coaching athletes to help them achieve their health and training goals. I enjoy working with athletes of all abilities and helping others reach their goals. I am excited to have moved to Greenville, SC, earlier this year (February 2024) and look forward to immersing myself in the local triathlon/endurance sport community!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a professional triathlete and coach hasn’t been challenge, as they both present their challenges. As a business owner, my biggest challenge has been marketing myself. I’m not the most active on social media and have yet to advertise my business. Growing my athlete base has been a slow process. I am still learning how to best market myself and the business in a way that feels true to who I am. Coaching athletes of all abilities and personalities comes naturally to me, but running a business has been a learning experience. On the athlete side, my challenges include being sidelined by injury, which makes it challenging to see a path forward. However, after each injury, I learned more about my body and how to take better care of it. I have broken bones that have brought me out of the bulk of my (2019) racing season. I have traveled across the country just to come down with a sickness the day before a race and trudged through the event. However, while these are challenges, I still feel very fortunate to live the life that I do and wouldn’t want it to be any different.
We’ve been impressed with Tri with Grace, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
Tri with Grace is a coaching service that offers personal coaching plans for athletes interested in any endurance sport (triathlon, swimming, biking, running) or just starting a healthy lifestyle journey. The plans are custom to each athlete, work around their work/family life, and can be adjusted when things pop up!
In triathlon, it’s typical for athletes to come from a cycling or running background but may have limited experience with swimming. My background in swimming, which includes 12 years of coaching swimmers of all ages (5-75yrs old), swimming at the college level, and holding 3 school records in the 500-yard, 1000, and 1650-yard freestyle, has allowed me to take this experience and help those looking to improve their swim.
Along with my personal experience as a coach and professional athlete, I also hold a master’s degree in health & exercise science, allowing me to delve deeply into the science of training. Taking the time and investing in my education has helped elevate my knowledge as a coach. This knowledge allows me to explain the purpose behind each workout, which, in my experience, creates a higher likelihood that my athletes stick to the plan.
I am proud to have athletes who have become more than just “my athletes;” they are also my friends. One thing about being a good coach is genuinely caring about your athlete’s well-being. I understand that, while training is essential, it’s flexible. Athletes have various priorities outside of training that require their attention; it’s necessary for me as a coach to factor their other life goals into the training plan.
We offer custom training plans for multi-sport (triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon), single-sport (running, swimming, cycling), and general fitness/non-competitive plans. The plans are delivered weekly through the fitness app “TrainingPeaks.” I also offer virtual swim lessons through video recordings and hope to provide in-person lessons once I find a local pool to allow it. You can find more information on my website: TriwithGrace.com.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
As a health professional, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of taking care of our bodies (and minds!).
Pricing:
- Coaching prices range from $150-$300/month, depending on the level of coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.triwithgrace.com
- Instagram: Coaching Instagram: tri_with_grace
- Other: Personal/Professional Triathlon Instagram: Grace.Alexander92
