Coach: Mark Shepherd, M.D.

Testing services

The process begins with an initial interview and assessment, including aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility, skills, and personal goals.  Optional testing may include:

 Medical exam

 Laboratory testing

 Body composition

 VO₂max testing

 Anaerobic threshold

 Functional power threshold

Coaching services

Each athlete receives:

 Annual training plan (ATP) based on the periodization principle (base, build, peak, race)

 Monthly work-out schedules for each sport (swim, bike, run)

 Functional strength and flexibility training plan

 Periodic testing to assess progress and adjust the overall training plan

Individual and group instruction are available and clinics are held throughout the year, covering such topics as swim stroke analysis, open water techniques, cycling skills, proper bike fit and set-up, running form and economy, strength training, injury prevention, nutrition, transitions, tapering, and mental preparation.

Dr. Shepherd is a veteran triathlete and runner, whose amateur career spans more than three decades and includes top finishes at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, the grueling 90-kilometer Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the Etape de Tour in France, the US National Triathlon Championships, and the Boston Marathon.

Having completed a B.S in biochemistry at Oral Roberts University, he received his M.D. from Emory University and then went on to complete specialty training in internal medicine and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University and endocrinology and metabolism at Wilford Hall Air Force Medical Center.  He is a USA Triathlon-certified coach and continues to remain active and current in the field of multi-sport training and human performance.

He communicates and demonstrates a love of outdoor play, a passion for the power of sport to impact individuals and communities, a perpetual quest for excellence, and a principal concentration on process over performance.  His primary goal  is to instill the focus, discipline, patience, character, and integrity that marks the true  champion and continues for life.