MIKE RUCKER
Schertz (San Antonio) TX
Location
Languages
Pricing
Race Distances
Athlete Types
Swim
Bike
Run
Nutrition
Certifications
TriDot Pool School
Coach Mastermind Group
ESCI Level 2About
Outside the sport of triathlon, I strive to enjoy every single day of life with enthusiasm and anticipation of what the day will bring. Having been in too many to remember of actual life threatening, and life altering situations, I cherish each and every breath, person and moment of my life.
Philosophy
I strive to make training a fun, energetic, and productive experience for each of the athletes I coach. I've been doing this quite a while, so I approach each athlete individually based on personal interaction through either phone, video chat, or in-person interviews, correspondence via email or snail mail, or other communication methods to gain their perspective on what their short, mid-range, and long-term goals are for the sport and where they are at going after those goals in their lives. I dedicate time to each and every one of my athletes per their stated desires and goals, technical and data driven training strategies, which is the beauty of TriDot, and assessments and/or rehearsals for events on their individual path in achieving goals. Where possible and if available, I'll also use video and other data points to help shape or modify training plans for each individual. I also encourage my athletes, if they have the time and means, to participate in TriDot Pool School, race boot camps and pre-cursor events before the race during race week leading up to the 'big' day. Having experienced those in my competitive career, I highly recommend that level of participation for every athlete that can.
Credentials
40+ years competing, racing, and coaching in triathlon, swimming, and life in general: - USAT Age Group Nationals Qualifier (multiple years) and competitor 2017/2018/2019 for recent accomplishments in Sprint and Olympic distances.; - 6-time Ironman finisher (Kona, Vineman, Korea, Kyoto, Great Floridian x 2), 21 X 70.3 finisher with a 5:18 for Wildflower 70.3.  Over 95 triathlons of other distances; 10 KM Open Water Swimming, multiple full and half marathons, full and metric cycling centuries. - Age Group podium finisher in International, Olympic, and Sprints - Competitive swimmer (Division 1, All-American) at national and international level for over 55 years and have coached at all levels of the sport from beginner tadpoles, age group, Army service level teams, Masters, and up to and including college with Olympic caliber athletes; - USMS/USS Coach, Former Div. 1 NCAA College Assistant Coach, US Army World Class Athlete Program Coach - Triathlon, TriDot certified coach - I also volunteer extensively for the Adult Learn To Swim program offered through USMS and the YMCA.
Accomplishments
40+ years competing, racing, and coaching in triathlon, swimming, and life in general: - USAT Age Group Nationals Qualifier (multiple years) and competitor 2017/2018/2019 for recent accomplishments in Sprint and Olympic distances.; - 6-time Ironman finisher (Kona, Vineman, Korea, Kyoto, Great Floridian), 18 X 70.3 finisher with a 5:18 for Wildflower 70.3.  Over 95 triathlons of other distances; 10 KM Open Water Swimming, multiple full and half marathons, full and metric cycling centuries. - Age Group podium finisher in International, Olympic, and Sprints - Competitive swimmer (Division 1, All-American) at national and international level for over 50 years and have coached at all levels of the sport from beginner tadpoles, age group, Army service level teams, Masters, and up to and including college with Olympic caliber athletes; - USMS/USS Coach, Former Div. 1 NCAA College Assistant Coach, US Army World Class Athlete Program Coach - Triathlon, TriDot certified coach - I also volunteer extensively for the Adult Learn To Swim program offered through USMS and the YMCA.
Experience
I am a retired U.S. Army officer, a retired U.S. Intelligence Community senior official, data scientist, senior executive and all around outdoor enthusiast. I also have a deep and abiding faith; I emphasize that nutrition is 80% of the solution to training and competing/racing, especially Ironman distances; I am a married to a wonderful, beautiful, and extraordinarily patient woman that puts up with all of me somehow; father of 3 great, talented, and accomplished children now adults; grandfather to a splendid granddaughter; and doggie dad to a high-spirited, rambunctious Wiemaraner/training partner. Welcome to my coaching profile and a bit about me:  I'm a competitive athlete for over 54+ years (NCAA Div. I All American, National Team Swimmer, Coach - Age Group to College, Masters) with over 37+ years of that training, coaching, and competing in triathlons in all distances around the world.  I'm also a military veteran (Army Intel) and intelligence professional now specializing in my second calling of data science.  Combining your data, desire, and goals with my experience is a winning combination.