GEC Coach Brandon Nichols

Brandon Nichols lives in Sierra Vista, AZ and has been a competitive endurance athlete since 2002.  At 40 years young, he strives to prove that age is only a number.  In multisport especially, approach and preparation are the keys to building health, speed and endurance.  Brandon’s approach to multisport hinges on his own experience as a competitive age grouper as well as his knowledge of exercise science and nutrition.  His preparation involves a balance of proper training techniques, optimal nutrition and adequate recovery.  He understands the importance of balancing family commitments and a full-time job as these have figured largely in his own training.  He continues to seek improvement in all distances of triathlon and knows the physical, mental and nutritional preparations that must take place for progress to occur. 

Brandon’s coaching and nutrition concepts center around realistic goals and fundamental strategies that have been highly successful for the novice through elite level athlete.  While some success in multisport comes from good genetics, much of how we perform depends on our motivation and the opportunities and coaching we receive.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• USA Triathlon Level I Certified Coach
• Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics through Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2006
• Registered Dietitian since 1998 with over 14 years combined experience in Sports Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition

Athletic Accomplishments:

• 1st place overall and course records at 2009 and 2011, and 2012 Sierra Vista Biathlon
• 1st place Masters Overall, Mountain Man Half Ironman 2012
• 1st place overall at 2012 Fort Huachuca 2-10-2 Duathlon
• 2nd place overall at Pumpkinman 2007
• Six Tunnels Half Marathon 2006 AG 1st place
• Multiple Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon AG podium finishes
• 2X USAT All American

Education:

• B.S., Foods and Nutrition, Kansas State University, 1996
• B.S., Exercise Science, Kansas State University, 1996
• Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Kansas State University, 1997
• Owner of Specialized Nutrition, focusing on sports nutrition, weight management, disordered eating and cardiovascular wellness.  Clients include Grasky Endurance Coaching, Team in Training, Las Vegas Triathlon Club, Team Pro Cyclery, Fitness Together, Las Vegas Wranglers, personal trainers, coaches and high school through masters level
• Club Dietitian for Las Vegas Triathlon Club 2004 – 2009; contributed  to website content with articles on various topics of nutrition and athletics (see www.lvtriclub.com – club news, nutrition) and provided bi-yearly nutrition clinic for club participants
• Logged over 50 hours of presentation time to Las Vegas Triathlon Club, Team in Training Marathon Group, hospitals, doctors and nursing agencies
• Nutrition Ambassador for PowerBar Team Elite 2006 -2007; networked to make a positive impact on multisport by promoting sports nutrition products
• Training Table Coordinator, KSU Dept of Housing and Dining Services, Manhattan, KS – responsible for oversight of nutrition needs of student athletes, coaches, trainers and support staff of Division IA university athletic program
• Independent Contractor for State of Nevada, Dept. of Education, Child Nutrition and School Health 2006 – 2007; developed web course content for an interactive nutrition web course
• Program Dietitian for Doctors Francis Teng and B.A. Hanna’s Bariatric Programs 2002- 2009; assisted in development of Center of Excellence in Bariatrics 2008