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SANDIE DALLES
Coach Sandie found her love for running as a small child in upstate New York when she would beg her dad to take her on runs, and to races with him.
She ran her first race at age 3 and hasn’t stopped since. In the years since she has gone on to triathlons, duathlon, and adventure races. After 12 years working in physical therapy and athletic training, she started her own endurance sport coaching company where she coaches athletes of all ages and abilities.
Her favorite part about being a coach is having the change to share in the joy of all her clients’ accomplishments.
When she isn’t coaching or running, she can be found with her husband and two little boys biking, hiking, rock climbing, skiing or swimming.
Coach Sandieis a Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, and a Certified USA Triathlon Coach.
Favorite Quote: It is never too late to be what you might have been. - George Eliot
sharon brodsky
Sharon is a native of NY, and has lived in Denver for the past four years. She has a certification in personal training from Hofstra University, in Long Island, NY as well as a degree in Massage Therapy from the Swedish Institute of Massage in NYC. Sharon has worked as a licensed massage therapist for the past 14 years, licensed in NY as well as CO., with a strong background in medical and rehab work. She has recently added a certification in oncology massage from Colorado School of Healing Arts in Lakewood.
This will be Sharon's 6th consecutive season with Team Challenge, originally running the Las Vegas half as a participant in honor of her best friend, who suffers with Crohn's disease, and continuing on as a Mentor. With a strong love and dedication to the cause, she is looking forward to helping others achieve their goals,
and experience the fun of race weekend with Team Challenge!
Team Challenge National Head Coach Dave’s May Tip
Stress + Rest = Success. Hard work is important, but it’s the rest after that work that allows your body to rebuild and adapt itself into a fitter, faster you! In addition to getting enough sleep every night, do everything you can to enhance recovery. Eating enough carbs (and some protein) after workouts, drinking enough water, immersing or showering your legs with cold water for a few minutes after workouts, and treating yourself to an occasional (or more frequent!) massage are all ways to enhance recovery.
Team Challenge National Head Coach Dave’s FAQ
Q: I’m not currently running or walking more than a mile or two at a time a few days per week. How will I be able to finish a half-marathon?
A: Your coach will design a program for you based on your current level of fitness, whatever it may be. You’ll gradually build your mileage over the course of the coming months until you can walk or run (or with a combination of walking and running) a ten-mile workout. From there, well over 99% of our participants complete their half-marathons.
Q: What kind of shoes do I need?
A: Everyone has different feet and biomechanics. The staff at your local running/walking specialty store will be able to fit you for these needs, as well as your mileage level, and the surfaces on which you train. To find a local specialty store, head to www.runnersworld.com/store-finder
Q: What’s a “GU”?!
A: “Gu” and other sports gels (PowerGels, Cliff Shots, Hammer Gels, etc.) are concentrated forms of carbohydrate about the consistency of honey. They are an alternative to sports drinks and are designed to provide athletes with energy for endurance activities. Each gel contains about 100- 110 of concentrated carbohydrate. Many half-marathons will provide gels in the later stages (around mile 10) to give runners and walkers an energy boost for the last few miles. Although they are generally pretty easy on the stomach, especially when taken with water, it’s always a good idea to try gels several times in training first before using them on race day.
Q: I had to miss three days of training. How do I make up the lost days?
A: You don’t! If you’ve missed anything less than a full week of training, just jump right back into the schedule. If you missed more than a week, talk to your coach about modifying your schedule to get you back on track.
Q: My fingers swell during my training walks. What’s going on?
A: Your heart beats harder and faster when you train, so blood is sent more forcefully to the extremities. Muscle action helps to return blood back to the heart, but many walkers don’t pump their arms very much when they walk (they should!), so blood pools in the fingers. Swollen fingers are more common with changes in temperature, during pregnancy, and when electrolytes are out of whack. Clenching and unclenching your hands, or shaking them over your head will help to pump the blood out of your swollen fingers.
