Mat Steinmetz M.S. (Sports Performance)

Sport is my passion. It is part of my identity. Sport gives me the energy and drive to reach higher, to want more. Sport is not just an activity, event or hobby, but a lifestyle, a healthy lifestyle. Sport at the purest level has made me the person I am today.

Ever since I can remember, I've been interested in sport, but more importantly, "how can I get better or improve?" These curiosities lead me to Ball State University where I earned two degrees in exercise science -- A bachelor's degree in exercise physiology and master's degree in sports performance. During my course of study I gained exposure in numerous fields that will help me guide and assist you as an athlete. These areas include: physiological testing, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, sports nutrition, athletic injury, and biomechanics.

I believe my studies, athletic history, and lab experience have been instrumental in my ability to understand the concepts behind endurance training. I consider myself a student of the sport and continue to learn daily. I am very opened minded about training philosophies, and realize that there is so much more out there for me to learn and experience. The excitement of learning and experiencing something new, gives me great incentive, motivation and drive.

My philosophy is simple. I'm a firm believer in results through consistency in training. I don't believe in magical programs or workouts, but believe in learning, having fun, motivation and getting out the door. I prefer to focus on that which has significance, set goals, big and small, with plans on how to achieve them. Celebrate the everyday victories; learn the lessons of our failures.

I'm looking for hard working athletes that want to be inspired. I love living a healthy lifestyle and helping others achieve there fitness goals. I'm the type of coach that wants to develop relationships with my clients. The better I get to know my athletes the better I can help assist them with their individual needs. I understand that there will be periods of frustration. I believe that is one of my most appealing traits. Throughout my years as an athlete I have had personal experience and/or struggles with: motivation, diet, injury, time constraints, etc. I feel that having successfully moved passed these points on numerous occasion gives me the experience to help guide you through the rough times.

Compliance and communication are crucial to an athlete/coach relationship. We are all more similar than we are different. However, there is no exact science to triathlon training. We are essentially running an experiment based on basic physiology and performance philosophies. Having said this, I would like to agree on a plan for the entire year or season so that we know the overall goals that we are working towards. We will never know if the training is working unless you see the plan through.

Personal

• Birthdate: October 28,1980
• Education: BS Ball State University, Muncie, IN
• MS Ball Stare University, Muncie, IN

• Beginnings:
• Basketball – Almost 20 yrs
• Baseball – 10 yrs
• Cross Country – 2 yrs
• Football – 2 yrs

• First Triathlons:
• IronKids triathlon (1990) - 3rd (Didn't race again until 2006)
• Indiana Downs - 2nd
• Eagle Creek Sprint - 3rd
• Indiana Downs - 2nd
• LaPorte YMCA - 3rd

• Ironmans:
• 3 – Best finish was 10:52 at Ironman Louisville 2007

• Half-Ironmans:
• 2008 USAT Age Group Long Course National Champion, M25-29

• Equipment
• Wetsuit: Blue Seventy (Helix)
• Bike: Cervelo P3C
• Bike Wheels: Zipp
• Shoes: Asics, Nike, Mizuno
• Shades: Oakley
• Helmet: Giro Atmos and Giro Advantage

• Favorites
• Favorite Food: Peanut Butter
• Favorite ice cream: Cold Stone: Coffee Lovers
• Favorite sports to watch: Football
• Favorite TV show: Entourage
• Favorite Movie: Gladiator,
• Favorite Coffee: Expresso
• Favorite Male Pro Triathlete: Tim DeBoom
• Favorite Female Pro Triathlete: Chrissie Wellington
• Favorite Ride: Any long ride up in the Rocky Mountains
• Favorite Run: Eagle Creek trails, Indianapolis, IN
• Favorite Swim: Anywhere outdoors when I'm motivated

“Mat is a coach that looks at the big picture, takes into account circumstances, and uses his great knowledge and education to create a training plan that is not only individualized, but has helped me feel successful. I appreciate Mat's very personal coaching style, and his talent of being able to synthesize the many details of my situation into a plan that fits my needs.“

Kathy S
Muscle Therapist

Articles written by Coach Mat

• Recovery
• Something to think about...