Jean-Gillis
Jean Gillis
Uxbridge, Massachusetts
PCG Associate Coach
USAT Level 1 Coach
Senior ChiRunning/ChiWalking Instructor
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
IIN Holistic Health Coach
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8 Week Course
Peloton instructor and avid Peloton Rider
Languages:
French & Italian (conversational), Spanish (novice)
Coaching Focus: Tri, Running (trail & road), SwimBike
Background
In 2007 I ran Boston as my first marathon, competed in my first sprint triathlon, and discovered my passion for endurance sports! When I first started out, I had no idea the amazing places that this journey would take me. I continued with running, and triathlon, gradually taking on longer distance races, trail ultras and ironman; curious how far my body could take me. As an experienced endurance athlete, two-time Ironman triathlete, ultra distance trail runner and marathoner, I believe that training for sports is an analogy for life. The skills that you develop through training can help you to perform better in all aspects of your life.
Wanting to introduce others to triathlon, I became a USAT Certified coach in 2009. While training for my first Ironman in 2010, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I felt that this condition was my body signaling to me that it needed healing, so I set out to learn all that I could. That lead me to becoming a certified holistic health coach in 2013, and making many positive lifestyle changes that improved my overall health.
As a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach for the past ten years, I’ve coached 150+ triathletes, from sprint to Ironman, to the triathlon finish line. With my certification as a ChiRunning instructor in 2017, I’ve been helping athletes to use this technique to run more efficiently, and without injury. I work with age-group (non-elite) athletes of all ages who are new to running or triathlon, or who are taking on a new distance. My training program meets you wherever you are currently, and gradually progresses as you do. The best is when I can start with an athlete as they are first getting in to the sport, at the shorter distances, and then coach them all the way through to the longer distances. It’s gratifying for me to watch the athlete grow, their fitness and confidence build, and really get to know them.
I have been riding my Peloton Bike throughout the 2020 and 2021 year and really enjoy it. I can help coach you using the Peloton and even have Peloton "Zoom" workout sessions.
Coaching philosophy
I love to support athletes in maximizing their potential in sport and achieving their goals, which can ultimately help their performance in life. For me, no two training plans are a like. I enjoy getting to know my athletes, and developing personalized plans that will fit their goals, fitness, experience, and lifestyle. I see the coach/athlete relationship as a collaboration, while I provide the guidance, support and technical knowledge, the athlete provides feedback, verbal, and physical, which enables me to adapt the training program to their unique circumstances; and keep it fun! In addition to the technical knowledge that I provide, I draw on my health coaching education to assist athletes in finding balance in areas that are outside of training but that strongly influence it; such as work/relationship stress, poor eating habits, and overbooked schedules.
My training plans guide athletes week by week, with detailed workouts, and drills, as well as reminders for critical, but often overlooked, things like hydrating, eating, stretching and sleeping. Since peak performance cannot be achieved without training the mind as well as the body, I also coach my athletes in developing their mental fitness. I’m accessible to my athletes, whether it’s to listen and provide feedback, or boost their motivation with a pep talk.
Notable achievements
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon – 2019
New York City Marathon, NY – 2015
Ironman Lake Placid, NY – 2014
Portland Marathon, OR – 2013
Stone Cat 50 Mile Ultra Trail Run, MA – 2012
Baystate Marathon, MA – 2012
TARC 50K Ultra Trail Run, MA – 2012
Ironman Madison, WI — 2010
Mooseman 70.3 Triathlon, NH – 2010
Timberman 70.3 Triathlon, NH – 2009
Providence Marathon, RI – 2009
Timberman 70.3 Triathlon, NH – 2008
Mooseman 70.3 Triathlon, NH – 2008
Boston Marathon, MA — 2007
Athlete testimonials
I started looking for a coach thinking I wanted someone to help me train for a triathlon season. I ended up choosing Jean because I loved her holistic approach. I came away from her program with not only a successful triathlon base, but also with insight into all of the parts of my physical and mental wellness that contribute to my athletic performance. For me, Jean helped me to identify and find my own solutions to two things that unlocked my potential: years-long digestive issues and mental blockades, both of which had been holding me back athletically. Jean’s approach gently got me to work on the tough, underlying causes to reasons I was unsatisfied with how my body was performing. I am so grateful to have learned new techniques that I will carry with me through athletic training, as well as in how I treat physical and mental ailments I face more broadly. - Sarah, Boston
Jean's approach to coaching is very a personalized approach. She takes into consideration your current level of fitness, prior experience, lifestyle, outside commitments and personal goals to create a perfect fit. She is flexible and responsive to questions and concerns. Also, She is able to provide outside resources, when needed. Her strengths include remaining calm, being consistent, listening and providing thoughtful feedback, being accessible, providing resources and giving great little pep talks. I like that her program is not just about the workouts but about the whole person. I like that she can keeps it more personal and connects with people rather than just giving a "training plan" to follow. For example when I asked for bike and swim workouts you were able to put something together for me. I enjoyed the whole process and she made it very easy for me. - Janet, Boston
For years I struggled with keeping my training focused and designing workouts which would make me successful during my triathlon races. Someone suggested I hire Jean as my coach for the next season as she had done wonders for their training. It was the best advice I’d ever received, and in 7 months I completed my first ironman. And I didn’t just complete it…I exceeded all expectations in every aspect. Jean taught me how to balance and accept life’s constant interruptions and headaches with my own personal training and health goals. With her help, I also was able to improve the small details I needed to be more successful in my triathlons (transitions, nutrition, understanding workouts). - Gretchen, Boston
Starting out I told Jean I wanted to complete the Ironman strong. One big goal is only achieved by breaking it down day by day. Jean allowed me to take away the thinking of what workout I was doing. This took a lot of stress away. At times when I was falling behind, Jean would be there to remind me the importance of a key workout and not allowing me to beat myself up on failures along the way. Jean is prompt with her responses and organization and provides a safety net to make mistakes and learn from them along them way. Jean listens well to the athlete and provides an holistic perspective. - Zach, Houston
CONTACT HEADQUARTERS
Peaks Coaching Group
414 Jackson Street
Bedford, VA 24523
P. 540.587.9025
F. 540.586.5715
E. info@peakscoachinggroup.com
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