IMJ Coaching Featured Athlete: Zach Poehlman at Epic Camp 2011

Zach and I have trained and raced together since 2005. I have had the opportunity to watch Zach mature from a young, talented, but untested triathlete to one of the better amateurs in the country. Zach’s talent, work ethic and maturity will take him as far both in life and triathlon. Zach was one of but a few to be accepted to the very difficult Epic Camp training in the challenging high mountains of France this past summer. Zach had the opportunity to train with some of the very best in the world and more than held his own. I am proud to be Zach’s coach and look forward to him going even faster this season.

IMJ Coach
Scott

Featured Athlete

Zach Poehlman

Zach’s talents do not stop at triathlon. He is a fighter pilot in the US Navy. He has flown the FA-18 Hornet, in Lemoore, California and most recently completed a full tour as an Aggressor pilot, flying F-5N’s in Key West, Florida. Zach started in Flight School in 2002 after a ROTC scholarship at the University of Colorado, Boulder. After spending 3 years flying in Key West, Zach moved back to his home town San Diego where he is currently involved in Carrier Strike Group training. He is one of a few that certify the Aircraft Carrier and her Air Wing to deploy overseas.

Zach was born and raised in San Diego, as well as Tucson, Arizona. Growing up in such mild climates, interest in sports came early to Zach. Throughout his youth and into early high school Zach was involved recreationally in soccer and swimming. During college he mainly focused on rock climbing and mountaineering, with some casual running and biking. However, the running and biking was not taken seriously, but more candidly a way to offset the costs of social college drinking.

While at the University of Colorado, Zach became interested in triathlon, but didn't own a bike. However, one summer he managed to borrow a bike and raced a sprint triathlon back in Tucson. After Zach left college, got a job and moved to Florida, the climbing was no longer feasible. After about a year he purchased a time trial bike and started training for some shorter races. Since then he has continued to race a little each year and has progressed into the longer distances.

Zach recorded his fastest half ironman this year at The Big Kahuna in Santa Cruz. He clocked an impressive 4:22, finishing 3^rd overall behind two the best age group athletes in the country. His future goal in triathlon is to go faster! In particular, he would like to continue to improve his half ironman distance time. Zach said: “I've found that the half ironman distance is long enough to really test my fitness and composure, but not so long that the required training smothers the rest of life's enjoyable activities.”

Zach has served on two All-Navy teams, and one of his goals is to focus on a strong Armed Forces performance in 2012. He also wants to improve his time over the longer distance races - he hopes the two aren't mutually exclusive.