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MEET COACH SUE

My name is Sue McDonald and I am an athlete and coach, a wife and mother of three, and someone who is passionate about motivating and inspiring everyone I come into contact with. I am one of those crazy USATF masters athletes who continues to strive to get faster and stronger each year, even though I keep getting older and older.  I have competed internationally both as an open athlete (in the high jump and pole vault) and as a masters athlete specializing in the 400 and 800 meters.  Most recently, I decided to make a comeback in the pole vault which I am very excited about and I am enjoying re-learning this very technical and demanding event.  

 

Although I grew up in Los Angeles, I have called Santa Barbara, California my home for the last 20 years. I love living in “the American Riviera” and enjoy the small town atmosphere.

 

I met my husband, Michael during a SB Triathlon group ride one day and a few months later he proposed to me at the finish line of his Canadian Ironman race...we will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in a few years.  Michael and I keep busy raising our two teenage boys, Nicolas and Cruz who are heavily into sports such as water polo, lacrosse and boxing.  My daughter, Chiara, is all grown up in her late twenties and lives and works in Santa Barbara.

 

I enjoy exploring all the wonderful things Santa Barbara has to offer such as hiking, trail running, biking, hanging out at the beach, wine tasting, and spending time with family.

WHY TRAIN WITH SUE?

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CUSTOMIZED TRAINING PLAN

Using Coach Sue's extensive training knowledge and the information you provide, you will receive a completely customized plan tailored to your goals

VIP COMMUNICATION

As Coach Sue's athlete, you will receive consistent communication that you can always rely on

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NUTRITION TIPS

Eating the right foods is just as important as training. Coach Sue will help you identify the best foods to eat before and after workouts and competitions

EASY TO USE APPS

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Coach Sue's athletes download easy-to-use training apps (VDOT and TrainHeroic) which allow for seamless communication and access to training calendars

ATHLETE SURVEY

Upon signing up you will be instructed to complete an Athlete Survey which helps Coach Sue assess your needs and goals

MENTAL TRAINING

Success goes beyond the gym, road or track. Coach Sue will help you learn sports psychology strategies to unleash your potential

ACCOLADES

& ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • 2019 USATF W55 Athlete of the Year 

  • Hall of Fame Inductee for Los Angeles Valley College

  • 2018 Boston Marathon Qualifier 

  • 7x Age Group American Record Holder (400/800/High Jump/Relays)

  • 1996 Olympic Trials Finalist (pole vault)

  • 3x Collegiate All-American

  • Regional World Champion, 800m; 200/1500m Silver Medalist

  • 2x W55 National Champion in the 400m & 800m, USATF Masters National Championships

  • 2015 Silver Medalist, World Masters Athletics Championships, France

CERTIFICATIONS

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LEVEL 1 COACH

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Santa Barbara, CA, USA

sue@suemcdonaldfitness.com

CONTACT FORM
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