Day: October 13, 2025

  • 8 Miles. 2 Attorneys. 1 Goal. Richie & Walt’s Alligator Lighthouse Swim

    Coaches Notes:

    Super proud of Richie and Walt for their 2-person relay for the 8-mile Alligator Lighthouse swim. They finished in 5.

    Last year, Walt was on a 4-person team that gave up in some pretty rough conditions. He was not happy. Richie had a 3-person team that did finish last year, but was ready to swim again in a 2-person team.
    I knew they would be a great partnership since they have both improved their swimming so much over the last year.

    To improve in the swim, you don’t just swim more!
    You must actually learn the mechanics of swimming and do the drills for breathing, balance, kicking and stroke mechanics to improve.

    As part of the Full Circle Performance Plan we use video analysis to educate you on what you are doing improperly and then give you the drills to correct your technique to be able to swim properly.
    Then it’s about consistently doing the training and volume.
    Congratulations! Gentlemen, Way to get a Personal Record. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you both!

    Meet Richie & Walt


    Age & Profession

    Richie 49, Tax & Real Estate Attorney
    Walt 56, Attorney


    Why did you choose FCC to help you on your triathlon/health and wellness journey?

    “I chose FCC for its holistic approach to triathlon. Triathlon is definitely not just about getting the laps or miles in.”- Richie

    “As a remote athlete who never swam before age 53, FCC had already reduced my 100 yd pace from ~2:30 to just over 2:05. FCC has a proven track record of improving performance at any
    level.” – Walt


    A RACE & BIG GOALS

    Richie set out to complete Alligator Lighthouse with a 2-man team (PR: under 6 hours!) and is now chasing an Augusta Half Ironman under 6 hours.

    Walt’s big focus was also the Alligator Lighthouse relay, plus building toward a 70.3 Ironman with strong pacing and consistency.


    BIGGEST IMPROVEMENTS

    • Swim: Richie PR’d at Alligator Lighthouse with one less teammate than before. Walt added 8 pounds of muscle and crushed open water confidence.

    • Bike: Richie gained skill and confidence on downhills thanks to Key Biscayne bridge repeats (perfect prep for Augusta’s hills!).

    • Run: Both athletes sharpened speed — Richie pacing teammates at the track, Walt earning a PB 5K in 25:40.

    • Nutrition & Health: Walt nailed fueling strategies while building muscle without changing waist size.


    KEYS TO THEIR SUCCESS

    Learning from and staying accountable to FCC coaches

    Motivation and camaraderie from fellow FCC athletes

    Flexibility in training plans to balance careers, family, and training goals


    WHAT EXCITES THEM MOST

    Richie: “Traveling to races like Islamorada and Augusta is such a rewarding payoff for all the training!”

    Walt: “Being in a focused ‘training bubble,’ setting an example for my kids, and solving challenges during events keeps me coming back.”


    ADVICE FOR ANYONE ON THE FENCE

    Richie: “One of my colleagues at my firm just joined FCC. If you want to improve your triathlon skills and accomplishments, you should too!”

    Walt: “You have the time — even with family and work! The training will improve every area of your life.”


    Do you want results like these?

    Together, Richie and Walt proved that with commitment, coaching, and teamwork, big goals become possible. Congrats Rockstars you inspire us all!

    Stop fighting your stroke, breathing, or the open water. With Swim Essentials, you’ll learn how to breathe easier, Balance so there is no drag, kick with efficiency and speed, stroke with power, and swim with ease and go fast when you want to!

    Learn more: Swim Essentials


    About Coach Erinne Guthrie Erinne has been a USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach since 1999 and the Chief Motivating Officer at Full Circle Coaching since 2010. She’s been empowering triathletes since 1997, combining her experience as a CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 3, USMS Master’s Swim Coach, Metabolic Efficiency Specialist, and more.