Dream Big Triathlon Coaching
Bloomington's Premier Coaching Service
Dream it, Plan it, Achieve it
Meet the 2022 Dream Team. Here at Dream Big, we do things a little differently. We aren't a club or a group. We are a collection of individuals, and that part is key. We take a highly individual approach to each athlete's success. When I am hired by an athlete, I work for them. Just like when a student pays for tutoring, they hire the teacher. I am extremely blessed to get to work for some of the most amazing people on the planet. This page is designed to highlight just that: how incredible they are as humans, business men and women, and/or mothers and fathers.
Robert Richter 40, Carmel IN
Race Highlights: Ironman, 8 x Half Ironman
Dream Big Athlete Since 2013
Robert Richter is the Director of Music & Organist at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Carmel Indiana. He studied music at Oberlin College Conservatory and Arizona State University.
Robert has served as a visiting instructor in organ at Anderson University and freelances as a collaborative pianist/accompanist in the Indianapolis metro area including the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC) and Indianapolis Children's Choir (ICC). He also teaches piano lessons in Carmel, IN.
https://robertwesleyrichter.weebly.com
Robert has participated in triathlon and endurance events since 2010. Over many years working with DreamBig and Coach Brant, he has developed a consistent training schedule as part of an active lifestyle. In October 2016 he completed Ironman Louisville and has completed races at all distances including 8 half Iron distance races.
Maarten Bout 40, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: 2 x Draft Legal Sprint National Champion, Aqua-Bike National Champion, Ironman, and 6 x Team USA Qualifier
Dream Big Athlete Since 2016
My name is Maarten Bout (yes, two As!) and I am a Dream Big Athlete. Like many of the people on these pages, I didn’t initially describe myself as “an athlete.” In real life, I was first a professional musician (playing chamber music and in orchestras), morphing into a major gift fundraiser for one of the most international universities, Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!). I’d always swam, ran, and since I’m from the Netherlands originally (hence the two As), I’ve ridden a bike since I was a week old. However, I had never done any of these things as an “athlete,” more like in an "aw-he’s-trying-so-hard-cute" kind of way, you know. The people in the IU swim club cohort of 2015-2016 will know what I mean.
That a chance phone call to Coach Brant would lead to two ITU triathlon world championships, becoming an Ironman, and a national title was as awesome as it was unexpected and unintentional. I first asked him “can you help me become a better runner?” In 2015 I’d finally had enough of not being able to run more than a 5k. I was a heel-striker and after about 5k I was exhausted. Brant agreed to do some sessions where he would film me and work with me to simply run better. Within about 6 weeks I went from that to comfortably running for an hour, with a cadence of *GASP* 30 steps per minute higher than I did before. That unlocked possibilities I had not imagined before. I did my first triathlon in April of 2016 at Ball State in Muncie: nice warm, chaotic pool swim, 49’ and sideways rain, puddles everywhere on the run; I was hooked.
Fast forward to 2021, the year Coach Brant and I secretly started working on a previously elusive goal: winning a national title. It took all the lessons of the previous five years, and some pretty hard work to get ready. Brant will tell you that I don’t always listen to the prescribed training schedule (“oh, you meant 40 miles on that ride, ooh, yeah I did 65, whups!”), or get goaded into racing the guy in the lane next to me (even if that person is @kinglil). But we got it done anyway. We worked our butts off for a very long season (March through November), entered some really competitive races (the pent-up energy at USAT Nationals in Milwaukee was palpable) and we got it done. In November 2021 I won the Draft Legal Age Group National Championship for men 40-44. A thrill I will never forget. What’s next? Who knows! It’s a secret between me and Coach Brant.
James Pinchback 56, Fulshear TX
Race Highlights: 13 x Ironman! Kona Qualifier
Dream Big Athlete Since 2018
Time flies when you are having fun!!!!! On the left is IM Chatty in ‘17 when I started working with Brant and on the right is IM Tulsa in 2021 and what was supposed to be the last leg heading into Kona 2021. It has been a great ride getting to this point with Brant and never dull with the “surprise” races I have dropped on him. Here’s to 2022 and getting that Kona race in the books.
Lauren Smith 44, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: 3 x Ironman, 4 x Half Ironman
Dream Big Athlete Since 2018
Lauren is an Associate Professor in the Media School and an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Gender Studies at Indiana University. Lauren is one of the leading sport communication scholars in the U.S.A., and has published extensively on issues surrounding gender, race, activism, and sexual assault in sport. She has also published on the effect sports and sports media have on our emotions. She published a book entitled "Communication and Contradiction in the
NCAA: An Unlevel Playing Field" in 2019, which examines the need for reform in collegiate sport. Her work has been recognized with awards at the national and international level.
Lauren is a 3-time ironman finisher, 4-time half ironman finisher, and a 4-time qualifier for USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships. Prior to becoming a triathlete, Lauren was an All-American gymnast and an NCAA springboard diver. Today, in addition to triathlon, Lauren is also a scuba diver, and is working on achieving her master diver certification. Lauren and her husband enjoy traveling the world in search of new adventures, as well as chilling at home with their two cats.
I chose to work with Coach Brant because I knew I had much more potential than the level I was currently performing at. After our initial meeting, I knew he was going to be the right fit for me. I have gained so much working with Coach Brant both in my performance, but more importantly, a better understanding of myself as an athlete and the whole process. He is making me a much smarter athlete, and he is excellent at communicating the reasoning behind specific workouts and the overall
goals.
Jason Link 48, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: 2 x Ironman
Dream Big Athlete Since 2018
A little about me. I’ve been married for just over 23 years, have three boys, three dogs and a cat. I’ve been a retail manager for over 20 years, and made my way around Indiana and Ohio doing so. I started running years ago when my boss, now best friend, wanted me to do a 5k with him. One thing led to another, and I’ve done 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, one full marathon and two Ironman races. Brant has been an amazing coach! He understands life gets in the way sometimes, and is always ready to adapt your training to work with it. Even better, he’s there to just listen sometimes when things are tough. He’s been great for me, and I can’t imagine working with anyone else.
Elspeth Hayden 29, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: Ironman Wisconsin / Muncie 70.3
Dream Big Athlete Since 2018
Elspeth dipped her toes into the wide world of triathlon in 2018 and hasn't looked back since! Coach Brant has been with her every step of the way, building the training plan around work trips, family events, and life in general, and providing accountability, wisdom, and tough love when necessary! She crossed her first Ironman finish line in Wisconsin in 2021, and promptly retired from the full distance. She's looking forward to attempting a 70.3 PR and her first stand-alone marathon in 2022. Elspeth is a brand ambassador for Honey Stinger and a team member of the Couer Collective Beat. She works full time at IU and volunteers regularly with Friends of the Monroe County Public Library. She has a million reading recommendations and recipes to share, and lives in Bloomington, IN with fellow Dream Team member Corey.
Corey Tarbell 32, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: Elspeth's Training Partner/Pit Crew AKA Awesome Husband
Dream Big Athlete Since 2019
Corey is a cyclist who started training with Coach Brant to get a structured training plan and see more consistent improvement and results. He spends many Saturdays pacing fellow Dream Team member Elspeth on her long training rides. His day job is in IT at IU, and he loves the data and technical sides of cycling almost as much as actually riding! He has rebuilt two old steel clunkers and keeps the family fleet in top condition. The rest of the time, he serves as chauffeur, cheerleader, mechanic, and race photographer for Elspeth.
Fred Perry 47, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: Ironman
Dream Big Athlete Since 2019
My journey to triathlon has been defined by my nomadic spirit. Born a Hoosier, my parents raised me and my siblings around the world, moving from country to country every 2-3 years when I was younger. I learned to ride a bike in the suburbs of London, ate my first big mac as a prize for swimming a lap in Singapore and ran aimlessly, as kids do, through the woods in Belgium and the dry desert river beds of Egypt. Age group swimming and cycling consumed a lot of my elementary years in Belgium and Egypt, while running became something I did if I had a ball in my hand.
With a love and passion for sports I came to Indiana University to study Kinesiology and start my first career as a Physical Education teacher and coach. Riding in Little 5, This global nomad found my life partner, wife and best friend. Good thing because our team did not do that great in the race:) After graduation, back across the pond we went. Syria, Arizona and Lebanon were all home over the next 8 years before returning to Indiana with two amazing kids that redefined how incredible life truly is.
Bikes have been everywhere with me. Taking me along the Damascus - Aleppo highway in Syria, by the pyramids, farmlands and deserts of Egypt, across the mountain trails of the US southwest, Europe's cycling trails, Myanmar’s rice paddies, the coast to mountain roads and trails of beautiful Lebanon and beyond. All of this led to coming back to my Indiana roots, doing a Masters Degree in Middle East Studies and finding my Ikigai in International Development.
Over the last 16 years in Btown I slowly started to integrate running into my life, doing a few half marathons, started swimming again and getting back into cycling more. Before I knew it I jumped into my first triathlon with now fellow teammate and friend Maarten Bout, and the rest is history. Eventually he introduces me to the one and only Brant Bahler and I jumped on the Dream Big train and I am absolutely in love with this sport. Five years later, all the pieces of my life and swim, bike, run . . . family and friends have all come together in this incredible sport. Getting to know and race with my Dream Big Teammates has been a highlight of the past few years. Pandemic swims in frigid Lake Howard to my first Ironman with Lauren Smith and Rebecca Klingenberg. Priceless!
With all I have been fortunate to experience in this life, coming across that IM finish line to my cheering wife, kids, family, friends, coach and teammates is among the best. My life and experiences without the people who have been a part of this journey, is meaningless and I look forward to the chapters ahead
Denny Morrison 72, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: 11x Sprint Finisher, 2021 Age Group National Championship Qualifier, 2022 Senior Olympics Qualifier
Dream Big Athlete Since 2020
At the age of 70, Denny Morrison decided to become a triathlete.
Now 72, he has completed 11 sprint triathlons including the 2021 Age Group Championships and he has qualified for the 2022 Senior Olympics (Senior Games) in Ft. Lauderdale. He attributes his motivation to become a triathlete to wanting to challenge the assumptions he was making about age such as “You’re 70 years old. You probably shouldn’t be doing….” He also had a great role model at home. At age 60, his wife Marsha became a competitive powerlifter. She won her age group in National Competitions 3 years in a row and was ranked 5th in the world. She is returning to competitions in 2022 after dealing with two bouts of breast cancer. He found it increasingly difficult to believe age was actually a barrier with that kind of example at home. That’s not to say being a senior athlete is without its challenges. But the truth is, all athletes have challenges that are unique to them and having great coaching makes all the difference in how to handle those challenges and keep training and competing.
Denny holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. He was an Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Navy training flight crews, including members of TOPGUN, in the physiological hazards of flight and water survival. He is a licensed, instrument rated pilot and a former scuba instructor and scuba instructor trainer. He was the CEO of two behavioral health companies for 17 years. Currently, he provides consulting services to the behavioral health industry in areas related to health information technology, management, leadership and clinical workflows. He and Marsha have been married since 1977. They have two sons, Mike and Chris.
Elizabeth Dunn 53, Bloomington IN
Race Highlights: Olympic Distance Finisher
Dream Big Athlete Since 2020
In the fall of 2019, I was fat. Really REALLY fat. My blood pressure was so high, I was in the emergency room 12 times that year, and my cholesterol was through the roof. The worst was that I couldn't do the things I loved any more. On a trip to Arizona, I tried hiking, and I simply could not get up the hill. I was 51, sick and miserable. Something had to change.
That Christmas Eve, I had life-saving, life-changing bariatric surgery. I lost 30 pounds almost immediately, and the weight kept melting off. I started walking--first one driveway down the street, then two, then around the block. As soon as I was cleared for exercise, I began lifting weights. Then COVID hit, and the gym was closed. I bought a bike and fell in love. My first ride was 8 miles and I almost died. But by September, I could ride 100 miles in a day!
The exhilaration of cycling made triathlon tempting. I thought I was a pretty good swimmer (I wasn't!), but could I run? Years of obesity had damaged my knees, and I didn't have the fitness to run 100 yards. That is when I met Brant Bahler, and my dream was born: by God, I was going to finish an Olympic triathlon!
Coach Bahler taught me how to run in a way that protected my knees. He helped me build my tolerance for running up slowly. Soon I was running a mile, then a 5K then--I could hardly believe it!--I could run a 10K. The same progress was happening in the pool. With his help, I was swimming more easily, more efficiently. Bit by bit, I could swim 500 meters at a go. Soon, 1500 meters, the length of the swim in an Olympic triathlon, was a piece of cake.
I did my first triathlon at age 52. It was an Olympic distance, and my goal was simply "don't die." I figured I'd run alone and finish alone. But when I came down the hill towards the finish line, my entire Dream Big team was there in neon green, waiting and cheering for me! I was so happy to have survived. But as I was packing to leave, Fred texted me. "Where are you? YOU PLACED SECOND IN ATHENA CLASS!"
Now I'm an addict. Training every day, giving it my all, meeting goals, being out in the sunshine----all of it has made me more focused, more mobile, and so much happier. My depression is a thing of the past. My blood pressure is low. And this summer, I happily hiked five miles straight up a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park, no stopping! Now I'm heading for my first 70.3, which I will finish at age 53. The Dream Big team gave me my life back.
Bob 53, Sparta TN
Race Highlights: Ironman 70.3
Dream Big Athlete Since 2020
After seeing my son run Lake Placid Ironman 2018 and me being one of the heaviest people around that day, I wanted to reignite the fire of the young athlete I was many years earlier. I love to workout and over the years spent a lot of time in the gym powerlifting. All the years of wear and tear did not allow me to train in recent years as I did as a younger man. I got heavy and very out of shape. 2019 was great year. I lost 70 lbs, trained like a crazy man, with a steep learning curve having not done endurance sports previously. My first run was to the neighbors mailbox and back, First Bike was 4 miles and the first swim was 100 meters, all of which I thought were going to kill me..... But I felt alive again. I did several 5K's, a 10K, a sprint tri, an Olympic tri and an IRONMAN 70.3 in 2019.
I met Brant after reading Sue Reynolds Book "The Athlete Inside," in the fall of 2020 and thought "I want some of that", but more importantly "I needed Some of That". Like Sue, I struggled with my weight since being a young man after coming home from the Marine Corps. I reached out to Sue and she pointed me to Brant. He began guiding me in Oct of 2020. We got off to a decent start and then Covid hit and I really struggled to stay on track. I'm in healthcare and the last couple of years have been brutal from a work schedule perspective. I've been inconsistent with my training plan and continue to struggle with my eating and weight.
Over the last 15 months Brant has been consistent and continually motivating, in light of my less than stellar performance. He has a way of helping me feel encouraged when I beat up on myself and does not allow me the benefit of excuses. He always has words of encouragement, accountability and focuses on the positive. So far Brant has lived up to his end of the deal, I have not, I've got work to do. I continue to watch the Dream Team website, Brants facebook and really enjoy seeing all of the teams pictures from races. I really want to earn a place on the Dream Team and hopefully come up and race with them in the future in Indiana. 2022 will be a much better year.
Sue Meadows 60, Meriden CT
Race Highlights: Sprint Tri Finisher
Dream Big Athlete Since 2020
I started sprint triathlons in 2012, completing three my first year and in 2013. For the next 7 years my children's sports dominated my free time. Then last December 28th, 2020 I hired coach Brant.
My progress changed right away with a plan to be consistent and having Brant tell me what, when, and for how long to do everything. That made all the difference. I had been trying for years to lose weight and always got stuck. This time my focus wasn’t losing weight, but being consistent and preparing for bigger longer races. This mindset changed made a huge difference. At one year with coach Brant I’m down 40 pounds, but my consistency is there. Now I’m entering year 2, I've upgraded my gear with a new treadmill so I can't have any excuses for my runs.
It’s not about getting ready for just a race in particular. It is getting ready for all the races I've dreamed about and preparing to make them come true! It’s a lifestyle change. I want to have a coach until my 90’s or beyond! Putting my dreams and my health first made all the difference! I’m looking forward to what this year will bring! I’m one day closer to making all my dreams come true!
Rebecca Klingenberg 41, Florence KY
Race Highlights: Ironman, Half Ironman
Dream Big Athlete Since 2021
As a mom of three daughters, I wanted them to have a front row seat in watching their mom achieve her dreams. My love for triathlon grew throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and Coach Brant was someone who saw beyond my limits and guided me to finishing 9th in my age group at Ironman Indiana, first place finish at Tri Louisville, and top 30% at Ironman Ohio 70.3 - in just my first year of racing!
Training for these events allows me to harness my drive towards achieving seemingly impossible goals. By day I’m a senior sales director, who loves to volunteer in my community, and actively participate in my local triathlon and running clubs. Brant has taught me to enjoy the journey and not the destination - if you're not having fun you are doing it wrong! Let’s go Kentucky Wildcats!!!!
Follow her journey on instagram @be.an.ironman
Cathryn Nacario 52, San Diego CA
Race Highlights: Ironman 70.3
Dream Big Athlete Since 2021
I have always had a love for helping people, especially those in most need. I started career as a Registered Nurse working in Public Health and then on to administrative roles as Executive Director of a rural federally qualified health clinic, the Executive Director and owner of an Independent Review Board for Human Subject Research, a Divisional Vice President of Business Development. Now I am in my most important and satisfying role as the CEO of a non-profit, the National Alliance on Mental Illness for San Diego and Imperial Counties. This role allows me to serve, advocate, and support individuals living with mental health challenges and addiction disorders. I am able to create change and better lives for a population that is often unseen and faces significant stigma in our communities. Being in this role has given me great personal joy as well as being recognized in the San Diego Business Journal's SD500 as one of the most influential people in San Diego County in 2021. I am the mother to a 21 year old daughter and 14 year old step-daughter with my husband Jules. Jules has supported me through my crazy training as a triathlete and my journey currently in 2022 of becoming a full Ironman as I train with Coach Brant for October 23, 2022, at the age of 53 when I race on that date. Coach Brant coached me to a finish at my first Ironman 70.3 in Indian Wells, CA in December 2021. Coach Brant has provided me with the training tools and guidance to truly be the best athlete I can be. I am so looking forward to the laughs, tears, and comedy during training over the next 9 months! Wouldn't do it without you Coach Brant!
www.namisandiego.org for local assistance and support.
Cindy Walters 49, Bradley IL
Race Highlights: Pleasant Prairie Olympic
Dream Big Athlete Since 2021
I am not new to Triathlons but still a rookie. My life is full between working, being a mom and solving my daughters "small world" problems. Triathlons help me even it out just a little. My husband Scott, daughter Maddy and I are avid campers or glampers as my friends tell me. We spend most summers with her travel softball team and camp wherever we go. Its always an adventure. Having fun is the most important part and that is what I enjoy most about the swim, bike, run. Being with good people and enjoying the celebration of a job well done are the best parts.
Past Dreamers Who Became Achievers
 MariaIronman World Championships 11th Place Finisher “Thanks for all your help! It was great working with you! Teaching me to run more efficiently was a huge positive that resulted in the end of my hamstring problem. Constant feedback from my workouts really helped keep me accountable. Having you planned workouts so I didn’t have to worry about it was a big stress reliever and the support/dialogue throughout was so beneficial. You were very good at communicating. Thanks again!” |  Ted"I had never competed in a triathlon of any distance but with Brant's assistance and coaching I crossed the finish line at Ironman Florida this past November. "Brant was the perfect coach for me. His weekly workouts were always detailed and challenging. Brant was always accessible either by phone, e-mail, or text, and that was huge for me. Brant was supportive from beginning to end and I look forward to utilizing Brant in the future" |  Bryce (RIP)-In loving memory- Bryce lost his battle with Leukemia in 2020. He was an Ironman and an amazing human. He is greatly missed. "Brant was the key to my success this past season in the Mag 7 Race Series where I finished 3rd overall in points. With his help I decreased my 5k PR a full minute from 22:59 to 21:58 and dropped over 10 minutes off my time at the Head for the Hills Patoka Lake Triathlon. With his help, I am fully confident in my ability to compete at Ironman Louisville 2015." |
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 Anastasia"I chose to work with Coach Brant because I needed the guidance to get through Ironman training and not burn out and over train for the event. Working with Coach Brant has been awesome, I no longer sit and stress about what workout I need to be doing and when I need to do it. Also- all my workouts have been really great, I feel good after my workouts and I also feel like I was challenged!" |  LauraKey Race: IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship "This is my first year working with a coach and I am learning so much from Brant! He is very thorough and has individualized my training plan to focus on my strengths and weaknesses. I am impressed with the workout structure because I always feel challenged, but know he is also incorporating enough easier efforts to keep me injury free. I am looking forward to racing this season!!" |  JerrilynBefore I started working with Brant my workouts were not consistent and I was very frustrated that I wasn't making any improvements. With Brant I'm seeing steady improvements and training is exciting again. It's great to have all my workouts planned out just for me. Brant has really worked with me and around my busy schedule. I love Half Marathons and I wanted to break the 2 hour mark, with Brant's help that dream became possible! I can't wait to see what this season will bring! |
 Mary AnnI began working with Coach B. about a year after completing my first few sprint races. I began this journey as a method to continue working towards my weightloss goals. I've lost about 75lbs and I am currently working to drop the remaining 20lbs. I have found that having a training plan and the accountability has helped to keep me focused on achieving my goals. I have found that by working with Brant I have been able to improve each race and most importantly; I have been able to remain healthy. |  Greg"Even though I have been doing endurance events for over 20 years, I have benefited immensely from the structure, accountability and expertise provided by Brant. I am training with greater purpose and focus; his approach is individualized and sensible. I am enjoying the process immensely." |  JenniferI am an IRONMOM of 2 young, active boys (ages 3 & 5). I am so glad I made the amazing decision of working with Brant last year as I was training for my first Ironman - Louisville 2015. I could tell an immediate improvement in overall performance and training. Brant greatly improved my bike skill and confidence for the tough Louisville rollers. As a result I had an awesome race and finished much stronger than expected. I am excited for future seasons and continued improvements. Thanks Coach B! |
 DanielleIronman Finisher: "I could not have done it without your patience, guidance, understanding, and all around awesomeness, Coach Brant! Thank you so, so, so much for everything you've done for me these past 8 months! You took someone who pretty much had no idea how to swim, hadn't been on a bike in years, and was coming off of a bad running injury, and you helped turn her into a Ironwoman!” |  BethBrant and I connected through TriEqual, the Equally Inspiring program, and is an encouraging voice as I aim to hit a high goal I set for myself at IM CDA. I feel that Brant believes in me and creates a training plan that is challenging, and slightly evil, which will ultimately lead me to success. He is supportive, intuitive, accessible, dedicated, and caring. Thanks coach B! |  Edson"Working with the coach Brant has been a great experience! He knows how to guide me perfectly towards my goals. At the end of each training session I feel accomplish and and I've discover that everything can be done (with effort, work and desire). The support that I have received from him at all times has been exceptional. From 0 miles to half marathon finisher!" |
 JessicaIronman Finisher: "I chose to work with Dream Big coaching for Brant's experience and to know that I am training in a way that works for me in order to get me to a successful race day." |  BlakeResidence: Indianapolis, IN 2010 Ironman Louisville Finisher "Working with Coach Brant was amazing. He took me from the 13.1 distance to the 140.6 distance while keeping me injury free with his smart training plans. He is very knowledgable and attentive. Brant surpassed all of my expectations!" |  CatherineResidence: Mexico 4th place in Age Group (50-54) in her first Ironman at Ford Ironman Los Cabos. Finish time of 12:06:53! “I’ve been a competitive athlete for over 25 years, but I wanted to push my limits and race a full Ironman. I wanted to make sure I was training smart and doing enough to be ready for race day. I was amazed how Brant always seemed to know just how hard to push me so I was making fitness gains but staying injury free.” |
 RebeccaI'm a busy mom of a 2 year old girl and 8 year old boy. After having my daughter, I gained a significant amount of weight. I had a moment in front of the mirror one day and decided to change my poor lifestyle choices. In just a short time working with Coach Brant, I've achieved an Olympic Distance Triathlon and 5K PR. But best off all was hearing the words "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" |  ElizabethAge Group 30-35 2015 Key Race: IM Texas (Finisher!) "I started working with Brant after I signed up for my first full IM. I figured a serious distance needed some serious coaching. Brant has challenged me to get better in all areas, and provided great support as I dealt with an injury. With his training, I’m confident in crossing the IM finish line." |  Eugene"I started working with Brant '13 to complete a 70.3 race. Since then, he's trained me through four 70.3 distant races, improving my time on each. Brant has helped me tremendously to swim more competitively. I enjoy swimming and Brant supplies me with challenging drills that push me. Most importantly, he knows how monitor all the training to minimize injuries but still feeding my competitive appetite." |
 Brittany"My favorite part about working with Big Dream Triathlon Coaching is that Coach Brant is a friend and a great support system. He is always there cheering you on and pushing you to your best.” |  Lisa"After a year of injuries and illnesses, I’ve been working with Brant to bring speed and endurance back to my training. In the past two months, and after only five sessions with Brant, I have knocked 10 seconds off my 50 meter swim. He has also filmed and analyzed my run resulting in significant speed gains. Brant provides me with a reasonable training plan that fits my weekly schedule, will meet with me at my convenience" |  BradenAge Group 25-29 2015 Races: Ironman Arizona "Training alone, I train to finish an IRONMAN. Training with Brant, I have put in fewer, but better hours, and expect to shave at least two hours off my time at IRONMAN Louisville this year. I turn 25 next month, which means I am officially a member of the 25-29 age group. In the next few years, I would like to become a competitive age grouper in long distance triathlon." |
 Karolina"The compliment I have always considered the most valuable is when my students compare my class to an adventure and this is exactly how I would describe training with Coach Brant. Every Sunday I am excited like a kid on a Christmas day who is about to unwrap a present. The present is my new weekly workout. Every week is new, fresh, different, surprising and entertaining. Coach Brant pushes me to discover my limits and conquer my fears and while doing it I have tons of fun." |  LisaResidence: Texas 2010 Ironman Louisville Finisher "I debated on wether to use a coach for my first Ironman. I thought what more could a coach do for me? Well, I am so glad I had Brant guiding me through all the months of training. He was able to adjust my plan if needed and when I crossed that finish line, I knew it was because of my coach. His words of encouragement and motivation helped to push me harder. When I train for another IM I will definitely use Brant as my coach." |  BradAge Group 25-29 2014 Races: Ironman New Orleans 70.3 (Lifetime PR) Ironman Muncie 70.3 (Lifetime PR) Age Group Nationals Ironman Louisville 13:18 (First IM) "Coach Brant/Dream Big is helping me go the distance (First full Ironman), while still improving my short course speed at the same time. Workouts are never boring, and I feel like I eat up the road!" |
 MichaelResidence: Bloomington, IN 2013 Ironman Florida Finisher |  Jeff“After about three and a half years in the sport, and competing in a few sprints, Olympics and even a half Ironman I wanted to do a full Ironman. But I knew I needed help. Coach Brant put me on an amazing training plan, and helped me take time off in every discipline, even my transitions. He made me feel really prepared in ever aspect heading into the race. He is super motivating and I know I wouldn't have done as well without his help. He is an amazing coach & I would recommend him to anyone |  Simon"I've been an athlete my whole life but have found it tougher to find things to keep my competitive drive going. Once introduced to the sport of triathlon and was immediately hooked. I competed in my first sprint triathlon at the end of the summer, and right away I wanted more. BUT I knew I needed help. I met coach Bahler and immediately knew he was the coach I’ve been looking for. His knowledge of all three of the disciplines of the sport is second to none." |
 JennaResidence: Tennessee 2012 Ironman Louisville Finisher "I had the pleasure of working with Coach Brant for the 2012 Louisville Ironman. He consistently provided me with workouts that adequately prepared me for my race. He was a great supporter and coach!" |  TeresaAge Group 50-54 2014 Races: Half Marathon IL Chicago Marathon (Boston Qualifier) |  KristenTogether Dream Big and Kristen achieved: Olympic Distance PR's 70.3 Finishes and PR's 2013 Ironman Florida (First Time Finish) 50k Ultra Marathon Finished and PR's “I used to think that sore knees and hips were just part of running, but after a few sessions working with Brant on my form they are a thing of the past.” |
 JudyResidence: Bristol, IN 2012 Ironman Louisville Participant. |  JohnAge Group 35-39 2014 Races: Toughman 70.3 (PR) Muncie 70.3 ( New PR) Ironman Louisville 12:49 (First Ironman!) "Training with Brant is getting me to the starting line feeling healthier and stronger than anything I have tried on my own. I continue to PR every race I complete this season. Brant's training plans are tailored to your needs and adjusted as needed. I can't imagine using a generic training plan ever again. If you want lasting results you're looking in the right place!" |  MonaResidence: Bloomington, IN 2013 Monumental Marathon Finisher |
 AmandaAge Group 25-29 2014 Highlights: Philadelphia Sprint Triathlon (PR) Muncie Olympic Triathlon (First Olympic Finish) "Working with Brant has been great! In the short time working together, Brant has taught me that going all out all the time is not the best way to work out. I feel I am able to run, bike, and swim longer and further than I used to and with more confidence thanks to Brant's coaching! I can't wait for my first olympic triathlon!!" |  ScottResidence: Florida 2013 Muncie 70.3 Finisher |  SamResidence: Bloomington, IN Moutain Bike Specilaist |
 AmyResidence: Indianpolis, IN 2012 Ironman Wisconsin Finisher 2013 Ironman Louisville Finisher |