Hear what the Athletes say!
Matt Carson:
Occupation: Pilot
Goals: Sub 9 Ironman
I was a competitive runner in high school and switched to triathlon when I arrived at Texas A&M. Despite never having swam before, Michael broke down the stroke mechanics for me and helped turn swimming into one of my greatest strengths. He told me that just because you weren’t a swimmer before, doesn’t mean you cant become a swimmer.
After graduation I started training for the Ironman while balancing a job as a pilot. At my first attempt, I won my age group at Ironman Texas by 45 minutes (and led out the water) and qualified for the Kona Ironman World Championships. If you are willing to work hard, Michael will get you to your goals, no matter what they are and what obstacles may stand in your way.
Gabi Redford:
Occupation: Writer/editor + Mother of Twins
Goals: ITU World Championships Olympic Distance and Ironman 70.3 World Championships
I came to triathlon late in life, after getting established in my career and starting to raise my family. A competitive swimmer through high school and college, I was no stranger to racing, but multisport was something else entirely. Being a swimmer, I have often been plagued with injuries that has made developing the run difficult. Michael has worked patiently and creatively in order to develop my run while always training to maintain injury resistance. In 2022, I won the 55-59 age group at IM Maryland in 10:48 and my next goal is to podium at Kona later this year! I am happy to call Michael both my coach and my friend.
Jonathan Thomas:
Occupation: Teacher
Goal: 70.3 Worlds
Through sport I have made friends with common interests, and learned lessons to apply to life outside of sport. I was lucky in that I discovered Mike and the squad within my first year of competition. The team dynamic has made the sport a lot more fun. The memes and camaraderie in the group messages make me feel a part of something bigger and I am always eager to see my new pals at various races. To me, being part of the team at Mike Squad Triathlon means making an earnest effort to bring the best out of myself in all aspects of life. It is impossible to reach my best athletically without also committing to excellence of mind and spirit. Triathlon has only been in my life for a few short years, but it serves to help me stay engaged in my community and keep my body operating cleanly. I am a proud father, partner, son, brother, and friend.
Texas A&M Triathlon Team:
Occupation: Largest and Proudest Collegiate Tri Team
Goals: Podium at Collegiate Nats and enjoy the process!
Since becoming the coach of the Texas A&M Triathlon team, Michael has led over 500 athletes. The athletes on our team range from never swam, biked, or ran, to some that would go pro after college. So whether our athlete’s goals are to finish or win a race, Michael has provided multiple levels of training to help accommodate all types of athletes. Despite being remote, Michael was an integral part of our three straight Top 5 finishes at Collegiate Nationals, as well as prepared hundreds of athletes to complete their first triathlon!
Madonna Bregon
Occupation: Oil and Gas Scheduler
Goals: Finish Ironman Texas under 14 hours
Working with Coach Mike gave me the confidence that I was missing as a newbie triathlete. I live a very busy life and did not have the time or patience to research training methods in order to attempt to create my own plan. Having Mike as my coach gives me so much peace of mind and alleviates so much stress. The training plan is tailored to my schedule and Mike is great at adjusting my training on the fly when last minute work trips pop up. My original goal was to complete a 70.3 and stop there. I was able to achieve that goal and push the limit further. This year Mike is coaching me for my first 140.6 distance race, Ironman Texas. Him and the squad have been a great support system and I'm very happy to have found them!
Zach Henthorn
Occupation: Masters Student in Engineering
Goals: Sub 2 Hour Olympic and Top 20 at Collegiate Nats
I started triathlon in middle school and eventually raced competitively in the junior elite circuit for a couple years. By the time I got to college, I was burnt out and needed help. Eventually after struggling through my freshman year, I went to Michael for help with balancing training and school. Michael took me from me an average finisher to one of the best in the south midwest conference in less than a year of working together. His training method led to better race results for me but also helped with the stress of balancing training and school. I used to put a ton of pressure on myself and he helped me switch that to a more positive mindset, which has helped with restoring my love for the sport of triathlon.
Savvy Carson:
Occupation: Swim Coach and Tortoise Mother
Goals: Kona Qualification
Anyone can write workouts in Training Peaks and call themselves a "coach". However, doing that while acknowledging the fatigue from life and how that affects triathlon training requires experience, knowledge, and intuition. Michael is one of those coaches.
Reflecting on my senior year before Collegiate Nationals, there were many variables that I had to balance. I spent hours studying and writing, I worked every day at my job and I dealt with a delicate health condition that led me to the hospital multiple times. Michael worked with me to harmonize all those variables to arrive at nationals fit and excited to race. The strategy was to view energy in our bodies as shared between triathlon, school, friends, or family with each affecting the other. Now I am preparing for Ironman distances, while also harmonizing changes with a new home, a new job, and a new marriage!
Cody Cowart:
Occupation: PA School Student
Goals: 70.3 Worlds Qualification
From an early age, competition and athletics took a firm hold in my life. Growing up I played the traditional team sports such as baseball, football, and basketball. Once I started college, I began to live a more sedentary lifestyle. Quickly, I felt the void of no longer having sport in my life. In addition, I found that I missed the grind of competing and exploring my own personal limits. Then I found triathlon or triathlon found me rather. Shortly after my introduction to the sport, I started working with Michael. Triathlon can be information overload at times, so I instantly saw the benefits of having Mike’s help. Not only did Mike provide direction for my athletic pursuits but he also helped challenge me in other aspects of my life. Mike Squad Triathlon has facilitated significant growth within myself and also, helped me take a more holistic approach to each day. Highs and lows are the nature of sport and life. No matter the circumstances Michael has been committed to helping me improve in everything iv taken on. Being a student in PA (Physician Assistant) School, Michael and I have had countless talks about the human body and his thought processes in training. I have always enjoyed our open ended “nerd out” talks! Through my involvement in triathlon, I have developed a more dynamic mentality that allows me to appreciate the process versus only focusing on results.
Dr. Meelad Ranaiefer.
Occupation: Materials Science and Engineering
Goals: 70.3 Worlds
When I was a PhD student, I had a pretty hectic schedule with reports and presentations popping up last minute. This made it difficult to create and maintain my own schedule. Michael has helped remove the stress of dealing with this on my own, by developing and adjusting my workouts as needed. This has allowed me to achieve a better work-life balance. Now as I as transition into the professional work balance the same strategies continue to work well.