Coach Bios

Thalia Castillo has been involved in triathlon and endurance sports as a coach and athlete for 17 years. She has coached internationally in both Mexico and Canada. Thalia came to Canada and in 2003 worked under the development guidance of Neil Harvey and in 2005 under the guidance of National and Olympic coaches Paul Regensburg and Lance Watson. She has also competed as a professional athlete on the Mexican National Elite Team for 5 years.

Coaching Experience

· Uvic Triathlon Club, Head coach

· Human Powered Racing, Swim coach

· Tyee Swim Club, Swim coach

· LifeSport Coaching, Senior Online coach

· Triathlon Commonwealth Club, Lead Coach, Canada

· Spinning Instructor, Bike City Guadalajara, Mexico

· Online Coaching, Mexico, Junior Club

· Women’s Learn How to Run Program, Lead Instructor

· Kids of Steel Summer Camps, Junior Triathlon Development

Coaching Philosophy

“Coaching is a collaborative process between the coach and athlete. I like to draw on my past experience (17 years) to help people achieve their goals and dreams. I bring technical expertise, support, a positive attitude, and a love of sport to my coaching. I will challenge you to be motivated to work hard, and will encourage you along the way.”

I started the sport of triathlon as an adult at the age of 21. After earning my degree at Queen’s University I became a student of the sport of triathlon. I have learned not only what it takes to complete a triathlon, but what it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether your goal is to race at a World Championship or simply learn to swim and complete a triathlon I have probably experienced the emotions, struggles and ultimately, the elation you will feel at the finish line. My goal as coach is to help you get that feeling of satisfaction at the end of any race while enjoying the process along the way.

Coaching Experience

· 2005 – Present - Head Coach – Human Powered Racing (Victoria, B.C./ Columbus, Ohio)

· 2005 – Present - Swim Coach (Tyee Masters)

· 2004 – Assistant Coach – Peter Reid Spring Training Camp (Tucson, Arizona)

· 1995 – 1997 – Swim Coach (Queen’s Triathlon Club)

· 2002 – 2005 – Coach (Commonwealth Triathlon Club)

· 2004 – Head Coach (Commonwealth Triathlon Club/ Junior Program)

· 2003 – Coach (Women’s Learn To Run/ Commonwealth Place)

· Level 1 Triathlon Coaching Certification

Kim Hurley is working on her National Coaching Certification -Intro to Competition Program and is very excited to be working under the guidance of Neil Harvey, Thalia Castillo, Mike Neill, and Clint Lien. Originally a team sport athlete (basketball, volleyball) Kim started running after graduating from the University of Victoria, beginning with a 5km, then all distances leading up to finishing 3 marathons. After all this running Kim was ready for a change, and completed her first sprint Triathlon at UBC in 2000. She's been hooked on Tri-ing ever since! Kim brings a love for the sport and a positive attitude to coaching and looks forward to working with all the Island Triathlon athletes and coaches.

Triathlon experience

· Currently a member of Human Powered Racing

· Member of Canadian National Age Group Team 2003/2004

· Ironman Canada Finisher 2002

· 1st Place Female Team of Two, Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing (MOMAR) 2003

· 2nd Place Female Team of Two, Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing (MOMAR) 2004

· Raced all Distances (Sprint, Olympic, 1/2 IM and IM)

Coaching Experience:

· Coach with Island Triathlon Club - Currently

· Run Leader for Times Columnist 10km Training Clinic - 2004

· Run Coach - helped new athletes train and complete their first 5km, 10km & 1/2 Marathon (2004 -2007)

Clint Lien has been a student of the sport of triathlon since his first race in 1984. In 1987 he became a member of one of Canada’s first elite Triathlon Teams, Tri Kinetics, and was coached by Patrick Kelly, still one of Canada’s premier triathlon coaches. In 1989 he served as the president of the B.C. Triathlon Association and competed as a part time athlete until 1991 when he shifted his athletic focus to road running. He returned to triathlon at a recreational level a few years later. He is currently working with Peter Reid and his on-line coaching service PR Peak Performance. He is also a certified comp-intro triathlon coach.

He has competed in over 150 triathlons and road races, including two Ironman races and a score of 70.3 races.