“Get to Know Your Coach”: Whitney Zweifel
We will be doing a “Get to Know Your Coach” Q&A with each GE coach over the next few weeks, enjoy!
Tell us about your journey with Grit Endurance!
As I was moving away from the marathoning world and more into the triathlon world, my friends (shout out to Sarah and Chris Beerman), encouraged me to explore Grit Endurance, emphasizing the community within the team. After I met with Jim and experienced a group outing, I was hooked and never looked back! Now, more than anything, Jim can’t get rid of me! 😊
What fuels your passion as a coach?
I have a deep love for sports, especially marathons and triathlons—they’ve changed my life in every possible way, always for the better. Being part of that journey for my athletes, helping them build a deeper connection to themselves and the sport, is an honor and a privilege I never take for granted.
If your athletes could describe your coaching style in three words, what would they be?
Ooofta, I would say . . . Energetic, devoted, and knowledgeable?
What is your favorite drill or activity to prescribe for your athletes?
I love ladder drills at the track!
As a coach, what is one of your biggest pet peeves that athletes might do?
This is something I’ve been guilty of myself, but a common experience I see as a coach is athletes not staying within their prescribed training zones. It often comes from the misconception that to get faster, you always need to push harder. The truth is, training smarter—especially by slowing down or pulling back when needed—is not only effective, it’s essential. Slowing the pace or doing fewer miles doesn’t make you any less of an athlete; it means you’re doing the work with intention.
What’s the best way to handle a tough loss?
With GRACE. Most athletes want to feel unstoppable or indestructible – and I fully respect that drive! But no amount of training will outpace or train your fallibility and humanness. Loss is inevitable, and when it comes, it will be a powerful blow. Allow yourself space and grace to grieve and process. Then, get back to showing up for yourself. Remember: growth doesn’t only happen on race day—it’s built in the journey. You’re worth more than your setbacks, always.
As an athlete yourself, what is one of your biggest areas of growth?
Right now, that would be my daily nutrition. Overall, when I do eat meals, I am a super healthy eater (I’m a vegan and mostly eat whole foods – and obviously, plant-based) but my lifestyle and schedule do not give a lot of space for meal prepping or meals in general. I am notorious for living off protein bars, peanut butter and bananas, carrots, and popcorn. I continue to strive to find a better balance and will never give up on this goal, but it is incredibly challenging for me.
If you could coach any professional athlete or team, who would it be?
DES LINDEN. “The People’s Champion.” No explanation needed.
What is your go-to training fuel? Pre and post-race meal?
Most people know me as the queen of stroopwafles! The Stroop Club makes chai caramel, chocolate caramel, and apply pie flavored stroops. Who doesn’t like to eat cookies while they are grinding out the miles?! It’s my favorite motivator to keep going. Pre-race, nothing satisfies me more than a toasted bagel with peanut butter and sliced banana. I could eat this all day, every day. Post-race, I love me a good acai protein bowl with unnecessary amounts of almond butter and granola.
What is one thing you cannot live without when it comes to training and racing?
Easy – My friends! Training with my friends – with my teammates – is by far, one thing I cannot live without. Grinding out the miles side-by-side with some of my favorite people – sharing in the pain and passion – that’s where the magic is.
What other careers do you have besides coaching?
When I’m not reporting as Coach Whitney, you will find me either at Adler University, where I am a professor of Humanistic and Existential theories, as well as philosophy, or in Ravenswood at my private practice, where I work as a clinical psychologist.