Coach Support
What Really Makes OWS CHICAGO Special? Our Coaches!
HIRE A COACH
While some of our coaches simply enjoy sharing their expertise and giving back to the community, many operate a coaching business or endurance programming for local training groups and charities. Due to the nature of our swim series, participants are constantly asking for coaching referrals and other 1-on-1 training opportunities. In that spirit, below is a list of OWS CHICAGO Coaches who are available for individual support. Please connect with them directly. Each has their own style, expertise (beginners to veterans), format preference (1:1 vs. small groups), scheduling process and payment structures. We will continue to update this list through the season.
Kelly Dues
Kelly offers a variety of swim and triathlon coaching programs through her company Spectrum Performance, as well as the Chicago Athletic Clubs and Chicago Endurance Sports. She is an avid runner and triathlete, a multi-time age group triathlon nationals qualifier/competitor, an age group podium frequenter, and Ironman Triathlon finisher. She coaches a wide range of athletes through general fitness, marathon PRs, 70.3 PRs, and first time full Ironman finishes. Kelly is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Ironman Certified Triathlon Coach, U.S. Masters Swim Coach, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She lives in Chicago with her supportive and loving wife.
Mark Gambacorta
Mark owns and operates 606 Multisport, specializing in newcomers to endurance sports. He will help you complete your first triathlon, marathon, Ironman or anything in between. His coaching certifications include USAT Level 1 Triathlon, USAT Long Course Triathlon, NASM Nutrition and is currently working toward my US Masters Level 1 Swim Coach certification. Mark has completed 5 Full Ironmans, 14 Ironman 70.3s, 10 marathons and many other endurance events. He is a 2 time USAT Age-Group National Championship qualifier and 3 time Silver Level Ironman All World Athlete.
Bernard Lyles
Coach Bernard Lyles is an international ambassador of triathlon and instrumental in attracting thousands of African American youth and adults to the sport. His passion for teaching is obvious having founded Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Youth Programs in 1992. Bernard has years of experience in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer, an accomplished triathlete (having raced the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii) and now as veteran triathlon coach.
Bernard's first tri was in 1983 at Leon's QEM Triathlon. Since then, he's completed over 200 other triathlons from sprint distance to Ironman. Bernard is also associated with several professional associations and teams such as a USA Triathlon Certified Race Director, an American Lifeguard Association Member, American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Professional Association of Diving Instructors. (PADI) Certified Rescue Diver.
BECOME A COACH
The historic success of this entire swim operation revolves around support from our dedicated coaching community. Dozens of incredible local event professionals and coaches support each of our sessions. OWS Chicago is constantly incorporating new, qualified triathlon and swim-savvy coaches into the clinic curriculum. These sessions are a great way to give back to the sport, as well as meet potential new personal training clients. Please email us should you be interested in lending a hand.
