About the coach
I'm Dan Mercer.
I have coached endurance athletes in Bend since 2012.
I raced for eleven years: nine Ironman finishes, a best of 9:48 at Coeur d'Alene.
I stopped racing long course in 2019 and kept the notebooks.
Most of my athletes have jobs, children and seven to ten hours a week.
The plan has to fit that week, or it is the wrong plan.
I coach about twenty-five athletes at a time and no more. That is how many I can read every file for, every week.
Results from this season
Initials only, with each athlete's permission. Improvement is on their best time at the same distance before coaching.
| Race | Athlete | Time | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ironman Coeur d'Alene | J.T. | 11:42:10 | −48 min |
| 70.3 Boise | R.K. | 5:21:36 | −31 min |
| Portland Marathon | A.L. | 3:14:52 | −22 min |
| Pacific Crest Olympic triathlon | M.S. | 2:28:05 | −14 min |
| Bend Half Marathon | J.M. | 1:52:40 | −19 min |
| Smith Rock sprint triathlon | E.W. | 1:19:44 | First race |
Certifications
Renewed every two years, with the courses that keep them current.
- USA Triathlon Level II CoachSince 2016
- USA Track and Field Level 1Since 2013
- Open-water swim instructorSince 2014
- Sports nutrition for endurance athletes2021
- CPR, first aid and lifeguardRenewed 2026
Two places open for the spring season
Ask for one