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The Team

CALVIN ZARYSKI

CoachCal has been coaching for over 25 years. Not just athletes, but individuals whose goals range from climbing Mount Everest to those who want to recapture the power of active living. He has over 5 years of formal education in the Science of Coaching and Exercise Physiology. His critical speed research along with heart rate monitor offers one of the most accurate methods to sharpen those looking for maximum performance. Now his programs incorporate the science of power and speed obtained for advanced testing using blood lactates. He attends yearly coaching conferences and has regular meetings with his advisory board to expand his current knowledge and share information.

As a full-time coach, Cal is always on the cutting-edge of information and technology. He surrounds himself with other experts in the field of human sciences. His advisory board includes:

  • Dr. David Smith - Director of the Canadian Sport Science Center - Calgary and Professor at the University of Calgary
  • Dr. PZ Pierce - IM Couer D'Alene Medical Director and Chief Medical Staff of the Spokane Chiefs
  • Dr. Hap Davis - Chartered Psychologist & Sport Therapist for Athletes. Currently works with the Canadian Swim Team.
  • Dr. Lee Coyne - Exercise Physiologist and Nutritionist

Coaching Awards

  • 2007 Triathlon Canada Age Group and Junior Coach of the Year
  • 2007 Alberta Triathlon Association Coach of the Year
  • 2005 Triathlon Canada Age Group and Junior Coach of the Year
  • 2005 Alberta Triathlon Association Coach of the Year

The Athlete
Coach Cal's record as an athlete is equally impressive.

  • 2006 XTerra World Champion 35-39
  • 2005/2006 Triathlon Canada Off Road Triathlete of the Year
  • 2005 World Masters 35-39 Champion
  • Top 5 Amateur at 2004, 2006, 2007 World XTerra Championships

The Friend
Coach Cal has supported and trained Sandy over a span of 8 years. He has been her coach, mentor, friend and inspiration.

www.criticalspeed.com

 

JIM MOLASCHI
Race Team Member/Travel Coordinator/Race Advisor

  • Jim brings a wealth of experience to the team. His athletic background is diverse and impressive.
  • Molaschi has competed in many of the toughest ultramarathons on the planet...including the 150 mile Atacama Crossing stage race, the 150 mile Gobi March and the 150 mile Sahara Race in Egypt.
  • Jim is preparing for Ultraman Canada and a Double Ironman in the United States.
  • In Europe, Jim has completed Ironman Germany, Ironman Austria and Ironman Lanzarote.
  • Jim is no stranger to adventure racing. He has competed in the Beast of the East, a 4 day 350 mile race. He has also completed the 24 Hour Odyssey Adventure Race in 1999 and 2002.
  • In cycling he has competed in the Death Valley Double Century Ride (200 miles) and numerous Century Rides (100 miles).
  • He is an experienced Splunker and Caving Instructor.
  • Jim has a decade of Martial Arts Training specializing in the Vietnamese style of Cuong Nhu.
  • Jim is a Certified Commercial Diver and experienced Sea Kayaker.
  • Founder of Adventurous Concepts, Jim gave back to his sport by starting up an Adventure Racing company. He was Owner and Race Director of Florida's
    Coast-to-Coast race and the Howl at the Moon race, along with numerous other events.
  • When Jim is not competing he pursues his career as an Engineer in South Florida.
 

AWESOME CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
DR. YOLARIS GARCIA


Sandy receives Active Release Techniques (ART) from Dr. Yolaris Garcia.

She credits these weekly therapy sessions for allowing her to run numerous long distance races every year injury free. The key is to get treatment before you are injured...preventative maintenance. Sandy runs thousands of miles and does not suffer from ANY problems commonly associated with running.

The Awesome Chiropractic Center is a multidisciplinary state-of-the-art practice that helps athletes in all sports restore function and enhance performance.

Dr. Garcia treats athletes at her clinic in Miami, Florida. She has a Doctorate in Chiropractic from the New York Chiropractic College. You can visit her website at
www.awesomechiropractic.com
 

LAHCEN AHANSAL

Lahcen Ahansal will play a key role in Sandy's trek. Sandy will move to Zagora, Morocco, where she will begin training for the rigours of the Sahara Desert. Lahcen runs a trekking business in Zagora, and for 3 months the two will train together using his camels. Lahcen will be Sandy's guide through 3 countries...Morocco, Mauritania and Mali. They will begin the trek in March, and will part ways in the historic caravan city of Tombouctou. Lahcen's father made this journey years ago, and it has always been Lahcen's dream to follow in his fathers footsteps.

Lahcen and his brother Mohammed Ahansal are famous in Morocco for their athletic prowess. Both regulary compete in, and win, the worlds toughest ultramarathon stage race, The Marathon Des Sables. The prize money they have won has helped them to establish a thriving business. They offer camel expeditions, cultural tours and 4X4 adventures. You can contact them at ahansaltrekking@hotmail.com

 

 

 



Alan Hobson
Mount Everest Climber, Summiteer, Cancer Survivor, and Bestselling Author.

Alan has been a member of 3 expeditions to Mount Everest. He summited Everest in May 1997, becoming only the 10th Canadian in history to do so. He has also climbed the highest peaks in North and South America. Not only is Alan a high performance athlete and extreme adventurer, but he has also developed highly effective organizational skills. He knows about the power of preparation, and what it takes to overcome obstacles.

Alan has generously given of his time to help Sandy as she prepares for this monumental journey. His vast experience and knowledge has proven to be invaluable as Sandy strives to become the first woman in history to circle the Sahara. Through 2 years of guidance, Alan has remained a source of inspiration, not only as an athlete, but as a kindred spirit.

You can visit Alan's website at http://www.alanhobson.com