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Coaches
Errol Kalayci
Boca Raton Coach
Errol Kalayci is a successful coach, businessman, lawyer, married father of three young girls and has been involved in competitive sports his entire life. He has a thorough understanding of life’s demands on goal oriented age group triathletes, and posseses the experience and knowledge of how to balance these demands with achieving sport goals. Errol has been involved in endurance sports as a competitive triathlete for over 10 years. During this time, Errol served as Vice President and President of Gold Coast Triathletes, obtained his USAT Coaching certification, and been mentored by National and Olympic coach Lance Watson for over 8 years. Living in South Florida, he currently works with athletes at the Performance level.
• USAT Certified Triathlon Coach
• Mentored for 8 years by International Triathlon Coach Lance Watson
• Licensed Attorney,Real Estate Broker,Contractor
• World Renowned Scuba Instructor & Explorer - Global Underwater Explorers
• Member – Explorer’s Club
• Former high-level soccer player
• Top Ranked Clydesdale Triathlete
• SABR Soccer’s Coach of the Year
Errol's Philosophy:
To share my knowledge and practical experience in whatever way is necessary for each athlete to not only achieve their dreams, but also maintain a fulfilling and sustainable sport journey that fits their lifestyle.
Claudio Navas
Miami Coach
Claudio Navas has been around sports his entire life. Unfortunately, he suffered from two seizures, one in 2002 and another in 2009. Since then, living a healthy life has become a part of his everyday routine. Running Marathons, doing triathlons, and participating in Crossfit has become his passion. This passion grew ten years ago when several doctors told Claudio he would not be capable of living an active life as he dreamed of as a result of his first seizure episode.
As perseverance became a very trying challenge, Claudio committed himself to proving that he could surpass this! He is now living proof that most obstacles can be overcome, even those clinically diagnosed, through hard work, dedication, and above all the will to overcome!
Claudio unquestionably has proven it is possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life, no matter the challenges you may face. In an effort to make a difference, Claudio has joined this team as Coach to raise awareness and help raise money for the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America. His main goal is not only to help those who suffer from these unfortunate diseases accomplish their goal of finding a cure but also to help YOU cross the finish line after running 13.1 Miles.
Claudio has completed races all over the United States including; Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, and New Orleans. Claudio is an active member of several local run clubs in Miami where he motivates people to run and advocates the importance of living a healthy life style.
Claudio graduated from St. Petersburg College with an Associate of Arts in Fire Science and a Bachelors degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University. Claudio currently works as a Firefighter/paramedic where he takes pride in serving his community. Making a difference in someone’s life is his every day objective and he is hopeful he can make a difference in yours!
Jasmine Nolen
Hollywood Coach
I am a wife, mother of two and a full time teacher. While always having maintained a semi-healthy lifestyle, within the past 4 years, my workouts have changed from strictly aerobics to strength training and high intensity interval training (HIIT). Although I saw results with these workouts, I continued to struggle with that last 10 lbs.
I began to research and read many books and sites about nutrition, quickly learning that, "one can't out-exercise a bad diet". I now plan and prepare my meals in advance, add spices and delicious fat fighting foods to my meals and LOVE every bite :)
After learning to eat healthy and find the balance between weight lifting and cardio exercises, I have increased strength and reduced body fat. Through this balance, I lost a total of 10 dress sizes and 11% body fat. I love to read fitness and nutrition books and apply them to my own life as well as others.
I know FIRST hand that being a mom, while working full time can be draining, frustrating, and exhausting. Yes, I need a break many times! My workouts are my stress reliever. Helping others achieve their goals and live healthy are an added bonus!
I have also run several 5Ks but my favorite race was the half marathon in Orlando I ran last year. I trained with my friends and family. It was a great accomplishment. I also love running obstacle races and helping others train for them.
My goal as a coach and personal trainer is to become inspiring and help others be totally confident and healthy. I am here to share my knowledge with others who want to be fit and fabulous!
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.
