Personalized endurance coaching for triathletes who want to achieve more than they thought possible – without losing joy in the process.

Dream Bigger.
Train Smarter.
Enjoy the Journey.

The Grit & Joy Difference — Coaching Built Around People, Not Just Performance.

Endurance sport should challenge you, not consume you. Training should fit your goals, your life, & your definition of success.

Dream Big
Set goals that excite you. Whether you are training for your first sprint triathlon or chasing a breakthrough race, we will aim higher than you think possible.
Train Smart
Purpose over volume. Every session has intention. Coaching adapts to your fitness, schedule, & real life.
Enjoy the Journey
Progress without burnout. Success shouldn’t require sacrificing your relationships, health, or love of the sport.
Let’s Talk About Your Goals

more than finish lines

I believe endurance sport has the power to change far more than race results.

Since becoming a triathlon & running coach in 2015, I have had the privilege of working with athletes pursuing goals that once felt out of reach — from first finish lines to breakthrough performances & experiences they never imagined possible. As a coach, my goal isn’t simply to build training plans. It’s to help athletes discover what they’re capable of, build confidence through the process, and create a relationship with sport that adds to life.

Grit matters. Joy matters too.

Joy biking with athletes in Ohio
Joy at Ironman Maryland 2025

Where Grit Meets Joy

I have experienced firsthand that endurance sport teaches lessons that extend far beyond race day. Growth doesn’t always look like a personal best. It is showing up consistently. It is trusting the process. It is having the courage to attempt something that instills fear.

Those experiences shape how I coach.

Whether your goal is crossing your first finish line, chasing a breakthrough performance, or proving something to yourself, I want to help you achieve more than you thought possible while enjoying the journey along the way.

athlete stories

Schedule a free consultation

Emily with Coach Joy after a race

“Working with Coach Joy has been one of the best decisions I’ve made as an athlete. After previously working with a coach who was only focused on getting faster — regardless of the cost — I knew I needed someone who cared about me as more than just my race results. From the beginning, Coach Joy has listened to how I’m feeling, adjusted my training when needed, and always prioritized my long-term health and success. She truly cares about her athletes as whole people, and that makes all the difference.

That level of care has given me amazing results. With Coach Joy’s guidance, I’ve crossed countless finish lines, achieved a 30-minute personal best in the 70.3 distance (from 6:00 to 5:29), and didn’t just break my goal of six hours — I blew past it. She’s also helped me complete two century rides and has been a big part in helping me choose races that fit my strengths while continuing to develop my weaknesses. My current goal is earning a 70.3 World Championship slot, and I have complete faith that, by trusting her and putting in the work together, it’s possible.

One of the things I value most is that Coach Joy is an athlete herself. She understands firsthand what it takes to complete both a 70.3 and a 140.6, and her knowledge goes far beyond writing training plans. Whether it’s race-day nutrition, recovery strategies, or adjusting training around life’s challenges, she’s always there with thoughtful guidance and practical solutions.

Before Coach Joy, I was an athlete who was constantly getting injured and training through pain because I didn’t feel heard. Now, I feel supported, listened to, and genuinely cared for. I’m not only a stronger athlete because of her — I’m a healthier and happier one, too. I’m incredibly grateful to have her as my coach and proud to call her my friend.”

— Emily
Athlete post-race
“I used to think improvement meant constantly doing more. Through smart training & consistent guidance, I became stronger on the bike & more confident on the run than I ever expected. I achieved goals I honestly didn’t think were realistic, & I enjoyed the process along the way.”
— Felipe
Open water swim
“My biggest breakthrough wasn’t physical; it was mental. I learned how to trust myself, stay calm when things got hard, & stop putting limits on what I thought I could do. That confidence has carried into life outside of training & racing too.”
— Michelle

Experience & Credentials

Joy with Ironman award

Coaching Experience

Coaching endurance athletes since 2015

USAT logo UESCA logo NASM CPT badge NASM Mental Toughness badge

Certifications

  • USAT Level I Certified Triathlon Coach
  • UESCA Running Coach
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • NASM Mental Toughness

Athlete Experience

  • 15× Ironman Finisher, including Ironman World Championship (PR: 11:19)
  • 25× 70.3 Ironman Finisher, including Ironman 70.3 World Championship (PR: 5:13)
  • USAT Nationals multi-year qualifier
  • Boston marathon qualifier

Coaching Options

Foundation
$199/month

For athletes who want a customized endurance plan and experienced coaching support while maintaining independence in their training.

Includes:
  • Personalized training plan delivered through TrainingPeaks
  • Purposeful workouts (run, bike, or triathlon-based) designed around your goals, experience, and schedule
  • Weekly workout review and written feedback
  • Training plan updates every two weeks
  • Messaging support through TrainingPeaks and email
  • Race preparation guidance

This level is for athletes who want a proven plan, an experienced coach, and the accountability to execute consistently — without needing frequent live interaction.

Your Plan, My Coaching
Companion
$209/month

For athletes already training on another platform who want an experienced coach in their corner — without switching how their workouts are built.

Includes:
  • Unlimited communication through text and email
  • Monthly coaching call (30 minutes via Zoom or FaceTime)
  • Platform training data review and recommendations
  • Accountability and motivation
  • Mobility and injury-prevention guidance
  • Technique insights
  • Mental performance coaching
  • Race strategy and execution guidance
  • Race nutrition and hydration planning
  • General triathlon coaching and support

Your platform continues generating your day-to-day workouts — my role is coaching you through the process: guidance, accountability, and experience to help you arrive at race day healthy, confident, and prepared.

Application Only
Summit
$399/month

For athletes pursuing ambitious goals who want a high-touch coaching partnership, personalized strategy, strength integration, individualized attention, and experienced guidance throughout their journey. This selective coaching relationship is designed for athletes seeking deeper coach involvement, whether chasing a first Ironman, a personal breakthrough, or championship-level performance.

Includes everything in Ascent, plus:
  • Pre-race and post-race strategy calls
  • Priority communication during key training phases
  • More proactive coaching adjustments based on performance trends
  • Advanced race execution planning and decision support
  • Personalized fueling and race nutrition strategy
  • Higher-touch accountability and oversight
  • Integrated strength training plan to complement endurance training
Individualized Mental Performance Coaching

Mental strategies tailored specifically to you and your goals, including:

  • Managing race-day pressure
  • Personalized pre-race routines
  • Decision-making frameworks for race day scenarios
  • Handling adversity during training and competition
  • Post-race reflection and performance analysis

This is tailored — not general advice — and tied directly to your specific races and execution goals.

Strength Training Add-On +$50/month Structured strength training support available for Foundation, Companion & Ascent — included at no extra cost with Summit.
Runners
Open water swim group
Triathlete racing
Athlete after 10k swim
Joy with her cycling group
Joy leading a group ride
Age-group podium at Ironman 70.3 Muncie 2025
Century ride with Emily and Chris
Explore Coaching

Trusted Partners & Tools for the Journey

Zealios
Hammer Nutrition
Swim Miami
Click the Hammer Nutrition logo above for a discount on your first order

Pro Compression
Training Peaks
Trihard

Nike Swim
Orange Mud
Shokz
Orange Mud discount code: FF15BRAUN

Freedom Bike Works

Training is more than workouts. It includes using the right tools with purpose. To the left are some of my trusted brands I have found valuable through years of training, racing, & coaching.

Start Your Journey

Ready to Dream Bigger?

Whether you are training for your first finish line or chasing a goal that feels just out of reach, let’s talk about what coaching could look like for you.

No pressure, no commitment — just a conversation about where you are & where you want to go. Let’s schedule a complimentary, no-obligation, 30-minute consultation & explore what is possible.

Open water swim group
Athlete running

Pick a Time That Works

Book your free 30-minute consultation directly on my calendar — no forms to fill out, no waiting on a reply.

Book Your Free Call

Resources for the Journey

Get a feel for my coaching style through a few sample sessions, mental tips, & other resources.