Karen Mackin - As an athlete, my pursuits have always been based on fun and passion. Over the course of my 25 years involvement in endurance sports, I have found most success in sports I am passionate about. I find it is much easier to commit to the necessary hard work when I love what I am doing. This definitely applies to my coaching as well. Although originally an Electrical and Computer Engineer, I found my true calling as a coach. I love to teach my athletes about balance, commitment, persistence, and overcoming obstacles; and watch them grow and succeed in whatever sport they find their passion. To me, coaching is not just about writing training plans. It's about building a coach/athlete relationship which ultimately enhances the athlete's capacity for self discovery.

I live in Massachusetts, with my husband and two young children. I enjoy the challenge of pursuing my own athletic goals, coaching athletes of all levels and managing an active family.

Athletic and Coaching Highlights

Triathlon

• Member of FastSplits Elite Triathlon Team.
• USAT All-American.
• Competed at USAT Age Group Nationals and ITU World Championship in Olympic Distance.
• Qualifier for Ironman 70.3 World Championship and for National Championship in Half-Ironman Distance.
• USAT Level 1 Coach.
• Head Coach AimTriTeam and PCG Coach.
• Assistant coach, USA Triathlon Junior Regional Camp in '03.

Speed Skating (Ice)

• Competed for 8 years in both long and short track events.
• Won numerous races and awards, including 2nd place in National Marathon Speed Skating Championships.

Cycling

• USA Cycling Certified Coach.
• USA Cycling Certified Power Coach.
• Former nationally-ranked Category 2 cyclist.
• Competed in 3 National Championships.
• Thirty 1st place finishes and over fifty top 5 placings.
• Highlights include 1st place Fitchburg/Longsjo Classic, and medallist at Masters National Cycling Championships.