Ruthy Vesler

"Irondevilgirl" Professional Triathlete
The Dungeon
Bio
Media
Contact Iron Devil Girl
Photo Gallery
Schedule
Race Results
Merchandise
Triathlon Swimming 101
Swimming Stretch Cords and DVD
Coaching
Personal Training
Coaching Testimonials
Sponsors
Blog
The Inferno
Training
Racing
Iron Devil Girl Newsletters
See what others have said about Iron Devil Girl coaching and clinics:
 

 
I first sat down with Ruthy in September of 2006; we discussed long course triathlon and the requirements to be competitive in these endeavors.

I had been competing in triathlon for 2 seasons, and was able to put together solid performance improvements on short course racing; however, I had limited and sporadic success at piecing together a strong long course performance.
Come February I decided in order to implement the consistency and accountability I needed to put together a solid performance in long course triathlon, I was going to need to work with somebody.

Ruthy seemed like a solid choice, she has a solid understanding of what is required, both mentally and physically, to succeed in long course triathlon. In addition to the knowledge and first hand experience with succeeding in triathlon, she brings to the table a fresh approach.
Many coaches are hung up on the science of the sport; Ruthy has a thorough understanding of the scientific aspects and physiology behind succeeding. In addition to this, she a fresh style, customizing workouts and training schedules to suit an individual.

Since February of 2007, I've been working with Ruthy, to prepare for my upcoming season. Initially we sat down and went over my workouts since June of 2006. She used these along with my past triathlon performance to gauge where I was in my training, and what I would need to change to be more successful.

Over this time, Ruthy has put together a solid training plan, incorporating very important break through workouts which force your body to adapt, and often overlooked recovery, which allows your body the down time needed to realize the adaptation of the break through workouts. On several occasions, I have been admonished for training too hard, the importance of recovery being re-iterated.

Though Ruthy believes hard workouts are a necessary part of the training and adaptation, she is extremely good about reminding me that if it's not there on a particular day or workout, cutting the workout short, or modifying it to fit with how I am feeling is a must for successful training.

I am an integral part of all important decisions. We periodically discuss how the current workout schedule is and what areas I feel need improvement. Before my taper for the California 70.3 Ruthy and I spoke for nearly an hour, during our conversation, we went over all my race strategy, including everything from where to start on the swim, how particular workouts would benefit bridging from one swim pack to another, bike and run pacing, nutrition, as well as the all important fall back plan. We covered everything from a flawless race to how I would need to respond and alter my plan to accommodate for any problems along the way.
Following Ruthy's guidance I was able to put together a solid performance at the 2007 California 70.3, and renew my ambition and love of the sport. I realized that I do have the ability to string together a solid race over longer distances.

Ruthy is extremely good about communicating the purpose of each workout and checking on my progression. I have received more attention than I expected, and Ruthy's passion for the sport and helping ensure I have a positive experience and achieve my goals is unmatched.
-Liam T - TCSD Member
 

 
Fear of the ocean led me to attend the March 2007 Triathlon Swimming 101 swim clinic. Little did I know that Ruthy would teach me the mechanics of swim stroke and assist me with reentering the ocean. I learned how to stroke through waves efficiently, draft in open water, ease my fear of the ocean with pack swimming techniques and it was fun! The two days spent with Ruthy were more than I imagined as I am now able to use the stroke techniques learned and swim with the fish again! Thank you Ruthy!!!!
- Desi K - San Diego, CA
 

 
Thanks for the great seminar. The Saturday drills really reinforced what I have been taught in my lessons and the Sunday cove swim will be very beneficial come race day knowing that I have practiced entry, exiting, and swimming around the buoy. I can’t wait to see the video.

I feel more prepared for my first tri in one month, 6/24, and look forward to the swim part (much easier without an open ocean swim).
-Steve E - San Diego, CA
 

 
I have simming issues. So, as an advancing- in- age grouper (53) I am always looking for ways to impove my swim. Ruthy really helped. I signed up for her 'Triathlon Swimming 101" clinic via the Tri Club of San Diego. Early June - my swim buddies and I congregated poolside. Ruthy set us at ease, we all introduced oursellves and then we ran through a series of swim drills ....on the deck. Then we jumped in the pool and did the same drills. EZ on deck, not so EZ in the water, but no surprise, after all we are land animals (mostly). The drills were straightforward and in a linear progession - from head down in the pool and kicking. to the "catch up" drill. directly into freestyle. Technique technique technique - Ruthy gave us some good skills and drills on which to focus.

Next day, Sunday, early am - La Jolla Cove. This was really fun - we swam out and back to the 1/4 mile buoy, no sweat, with some good drafting and "how to get away from annoying swimmers" drills. Then Ruthy videod us swimming, entrance exit and swimming - posted on "YOUTUBE". A really good video with great suggestions about how to improve our stroke - from 25 feet she knew I don't like to put my head down which of course distorts my body position in the water. She also provided us with some great transition tips which have helped me quite a bit.

So THANK YOU RUTHY for a great clinic and a great confidence booster.
-Susan M. - TCSD Member
 

 
Thanks for all your help with the swim prep. Made a huge difference coming out of the water.
Seriously, I wasn't even breathing hard, feel like I used my core muscles more, just as you taught me. :-)
-Ray S. - San Diego, CA
 

 
Just wanted to say "THANKS" for a great clinic! I learned so much in the two day class and I already feel more confident about my swimming ability! I can't wait to put it all together at my next race! :)

What I really appreciated was the ability to ask a professional triathlete--you--any questions we had in a non-intimidating environment. I don't know about the others, but sometimes in the large tri groups/clinics/meetings-it is more intimidating to speak up and potentially ask a "stupid" question. Although I don't think they are stupid questions, but as newbies we just don't know as much as everyone else and well, how else are you supposed to learn? So, THANKS AGAIN, for giving us the opportunity to ask questions and pick your brain! You know your "Tri 101 Students" are going to be rooting for you in all your races!! Go out there and kick butt!!
-Anne F - San Diego, CA

 
Great Class
-Ken C. - TCSD Member
 

 
I wanted to thank you - I felt so comfortable during the swim - I just focused in on what you had taught us and it went by so fast!
-Kate S. - TCSD Member

 
More coming soon!