Brian Wacik

Brian Wacik


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Start Coaching with Brian Now!
Tucson, AZ

PCG Associate Coach 

Coaching Focus: 
Road


Background


I rediscovered my passion for cycling after hitting age 30 and finding 20 extra pounds dogging my every step. That was 25 years ago. As a Below-Knee Amputee from an industrial accident at age 18, this presented several challenges that I overcame with a ‘let’s-find-a-way’ attitude. (Be sure to read my beliefs towards adversity in “Coaching Philosophy” below). Adopted by a local cycling club, and taught the basics, I ramped up my competitive spirit in local “able-bodied races” and found that any limitations I thought I had were only in my mind. What was my most memorable first race? A buddy said, “Hey Brian, you should come up to a race in New Hampshire with us… it’s only 8 miles long and there’s only one climb!” Little did I know that climb was Mount Washington, with an average grade of 12% and extended sections of 18%... what a blast! What’s even more cool? The Brian Wacik at 55 is faster, stronger, and more fit than the Brian Wacik at 30!


I was fortunate to have grown up and lived in the Allentown, PA area, where Bob Rodale (of Bicycling Magazine and Rodale Press) built what has become a world-renowned velodrome. Olympians, and world champions alike, were frequent riding buddies and mentors, generously sharing all of their training and experience every week on The Derby, which was the local ‘throw-down’ where one could hear almost any language spoken depending who was racing that day from all around the world.


After restarting life post-divorce, I jumped into the paracycling circuit, placing 2nd in the Appalachian TT series 3 years in a row. Results earned while racing received notice by the US Paralympic team, and I was invited for a week of evaluation and testing at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center, with amazing para-athletes of every discipline. This was a peak experience of my life, and I’m honored to have gone head to head with the best in the country at Para Nationals several times, and am proud of my 7th place best overall finish.



Coaching Philosophy


No matter how perfectly planned the garden, weeds (adversity) grow. Sometimes it rains too much; other times, not at all. Your attitude and response to all of the obstacles life throws at you is crucial not just to learning and growth, but to happiness and peace of mind. The training plan you can handle today may be overwhelming if you’re going through a divorce, business or financial difficulty, illness or other emotional stress. I know this from painful past experience: amputation, alcoholism, divorce, business failure, obesity (60lbs. overweight at one point). I know the difference between training pain that feels good and pain that is simply insurmountable. You’re more than a progressive set of numbers; you’re a complex athlete whose response to stress changes constantly. Everyone has an off week in which they think ‘I-should-have-been-able-to’, but two consecutive weeks will definitely foster a different conversation with me. ‘Coach’ to me is a grander term than just cycling coach. I care about the WHOLE you, not just the athletic performer and stats you produce. How’s your work, schedule, relationships, nutrition, sleep, and sense of value and importance in the world? A good coach recognizes that all of these factors contribute to your athletic life and helps you to balance all of these factors. 


Your training program is yours; it is not mine. I will listen and work hard to assist you in achieving your goals. Of paramount importance, I will not just tell you to do workouts, but explain to you WHY you were prescribed those workouts, and will help you build a greater understanding of your overall plan and goals. 


Notable Achievements
 

2nd in "2013 Tour of Washington County Stage Race" ABLE BODIED RACE – NO PARA DIVISION
5th in "2013 Honoring Sandrino's Sacrifice TT" ABLE BODIED TT – NO PARA DIVISION
2nd in "2013 Conquer the Canal Time Trial" 
3rd in "2012 MABRA Championships/ Church Creek Time Trial" 
Led Monday Night “A” ride 10+ years, Trexlertown, PA, mentoring numerous juniors to the podium and domestic contracts



Athlete Testimonials


“When Brian sets a goal, it won’t be a goal for long.” – Dave Drummer, Ph.D.


“Brian is one of those rare people you know instantly you want on your team. He’s a winner. He’s been there and knows it’s hard. He knows there will be down times. He knows you can rise up and do it. Be inspired, be like Brian.” – Hunter Allen, Founder Peaks Coaching Group


“Brian takes away any excuse you have for not excelling and giving your best shot. Some of us get deflated when we lose things we think are important or have adversity tossed in our grand plans. But Brian overcame much more than the average person, while never letting any of his circumstances become an obstacle to success! My favorite concepts: Learning to let go of things, the gift of perspective and Thinking PTA! (Patience, Tolerance, and Acceptance) and, Activate and Take Action. – Leo Landaverde – Bestselling Author & Entrepreneur


“Brian Wacik has been a joyful voice of reason. He once asked me "Delilah, are you being the best version of yourself that you could be?" That question was what I needed to hear at that moment. That question allowed me freedom to make important decisions that have changed my life. – Delilah Stahley, Proud Mom


“Brian helped me see that within each of us is the power to overcome any obstacle and that no matter what life may bring - I will be okay. Thanks to Brian and what I’ve learned by watching him, I look forward to life’s challenges instead of living in constant fear. What a great place to be!” – Gemma Fendler, Pres/Owner Accredited Surety Agency, LLC


View Brian's athletes' accomplishments


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