Making his latest appearance in our ongoing Coach’s Corner series is none other than Chris Hauth, one of the world’s most respected endurance and ultra-endurance coaches.

A sub-9 hour Ironman, Chris (@AIMPCoach) is a former professional triathlete, Age Group Ironman World Champion, and 2-time Olympic Swimmer. In 2006, Chris won the Ironman Coeur D’Alene and went on to be the first American amateur & 4th overall American at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

When he’s not training and racing, Chris hosts the Weekly Word Podcast and runs AIMP Coaching, mentoring a wide spectrum of athletes ranging from elite professionals — including Ironman and Western States top finishers, Ultraman winners and Olympic Trials qualifiers — to first time half-marathoners.

Whether you are an elite athlete or just starting out, Chris knows how to get the best out of athletes the right way. A long-time friend and mentor as much as a coach, I have been under Chris’ tutelage since 2008, during which time he deftly guided me through three Ultraman World Championships (’08, ’09 & ’11), EPIC5 in 2010 and the Ötillö Swimrun World Championships in 2017, an event we raced together as a team.

I could have never achieved the level of athletic success I have enjoyed without Chris’ deft counsel, so it is with pleasure that I share more of his wisdom with you today.

Today's discussion centers around maintaining fitness engagement during the cold winter months, when the halo effect of your New Year's resolutions have faded and inspiration tends to wane. We cover a wide variety of topics, including:

* setting proper goals;

* creating enthusiasm for your yearly resolutions;

* maintaining connection with your fitness when motivation fails;

* how self-care can provide clarity, reflection and intention;

* why this is the season for functional strength work; and

* the importance of connecting with self and nature through physical activity

2019 is now. Who you want to be come summer begins today. So let's get after it.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. If so (and you're new to the show), check out Chris' previous appearances in episodes 21, 256, 297, 309, 313, 329 and 377.

For the visually inclined, you can watch our entire conversation on YouTube here: bit.ly/chrishauth415 and the podcast is now available on Spotify.

Enjoyed!

Rich