Coach Matt Tague
Location:
Santa Barbara, California
Years training:
20
Years coaching:
15
Cycling disciplines:
Triathlon, road, running, ultra endurance cycling, ultra endurance running
I was born and raised on the east coast of New York and moved to California after visiting Santa Barbara for a training camp in 2009. I've dedicated over two decades to endurance sports, finding my passion originally through the sport of triathlon. Over the years, I've completed 5 iron-distance triathlons, as well as close to 100 sprint, Olympic, and half-ironman events. The sport of triathlon helped ignite my love for pushing through perceived physical and mental boundaries and really helped me learn about who I was as a person. It also likely saved my life (ask me; I'll happily explain). As an endurance coach for the past fifteen years, I've had the privilege of guiding my athletes through their own personal journeys.
Separate from triathlon, my bike racing experiences include road racing and ultra endurance events, including Tour of the Battenkill and multiple Race Across the West finishes. I've had success with victories at solo races like the Mulholland Double 200, Hoodoo 300, and RAAM SoCal 400. In addition to multi-sport and cycling events, I have also competed in stand-alone running events ranging from 5k to 100k distances. I have run over 20 marathons and have gravitated to the 50k-100k distance over the past handful of years, as I find these events to be the most analogous to life; you've got to keep moving forward no matter what!
As a compliment to the fanfare of formal races, I am also a big proponent of the curated adventure: personal challenges that are equal parts vision quest and fitness adventure. I have coached and assisted athletes in completing their longest one-day ride, a 10-day cycling route through Oregon, rides down the coast of California from San Francisco to San Diego (approximately 800 miles), and a 5-day cycling trip through mountainous Colombia.
Concurrent to my endurance pursuits, I have worked in the cycling industry for close to 20 years as a bike shop mechanic, manager, and eventually an owner. My time in the shop made me extremely conversant on all facets of gear option and fostered my ability to meet any athlete where they are. In addition, I've worked as a soigneur/support staff for dozens of events, ranging from professional cycling to amateur charity rides.
My wife and I have recently had our first child, so I am acutely aware of the struggles that many time-crunched athletes are up against, and I work to find a balanced training:life ratio for each athlete I work with. There is a way to balance it all and still get after it! I believe deeply in the transformative power of endurance sports, fostering resilience, discipline, and a deep appreciation for our bodies and their inherent potential. It is my pleasure to help any athlete on their own path toward personal growth. It takes a village to get anything worthwhile done, and I hold it as a distinct privilege to be welcomed into any athlete's village.
Certifications held:
USA Cycling Level III Coach
USA Triathlon Level I Coach
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
Licensed Massage Therapist
Notable races and experiences:
Athlete Testimonials
Matt is an exceptional coach. His coaching style is hands-on and he takes the time to teach you the fundamentals of each discipline in triathlon. Matt also takes the time to provide athlete specific training to fit the demands unique of your lifestyle, whether that be a demanding career, children, or unforeseen circumstances, he will help you accomplish your goals in the midst of what life throws at you. Because of this, going into my first Ironman, I had no doubt that I was ready. Not only has Matt made me physically and mentally stronger as an athlete, he also taught me to believe in my ability as an athlete. Matt's coaching has been invaluable to me and has changed my trajectory as an athlete. - Jennifer M.
I recently finished my second Ironman (IM Copenhagen 2017) and had 1 hour 43-minute PR over my first Ironman (IM Lake Tahoe 2015). Big gains on all disciplines including sub-1 hour swim. One of the key factors to my successful second Ironman was the high-quality coaching and personal support I received from my coach Matthew Tague. Matthew Tague is very skilled and highly experienced coach and accomplished ultra-endurance athlete who understands the sport incredibly in-depth level and elevated my fitness and mental strength to a whole new level. Matthew is constantly looking at the bigger picture and taking into consideration all the external factors in athlete’s life in order to ensure the training stays balanced with family, work, and personal life. During my preparation to IM Copenhagen Matthew also taught me the importance of recovery, rest, stretching, massage and that going hard all the time isn’t necessarily valuable. Matthew is very responsive, always available and great in keeping the athlete constantly informed. Furthermore, I truly enjoyed doing the key-workouts together which added nice personal touch to my training program. I can highly recommend Matthew Tague to anyone who is looking for a knowledgeable, experienced, and inspiring coach to elevate their fitness and mental strength to the next level. - Aki L.
Matt was my coach for my first triathlon. He was an immense help with the physical and mental ups and downs. He pushed me when I needed to be pushed and was a great listener when I needed someone to talk to. I really appreciated his consistent calmness and focus on the "the bigger picture." I feel fortunate that our paths crossed when they did, and I will never forget his approach to training, and to life. Thanks for everything, Matt. You helped me realize I’m capable of anything I put my mind to. - George H.
Matt has asked the right questions regarding my training and has adjusted my training appropriately. - Thomas A.