Athlete Spotlight: Steve Titus

Tell us a little about yourself. What does life look like outside of training and what drew you to endurance sports:

I live in Tucson with my wife, Sara. We moved to Tucson just over two years ago to be near my mom at this season of life. Sara and I have two adult daughters who are amazing young people. Professionally, I serve as an executive coach and spiritual companion for senior leaders in colleges and universities and in the Catholic Church. I played football through college and switched to marathons after college to trim down my offensive lineman physique😊.

I switched to cycling about 15 years ago after my knees were done either running. I loved - and love - the long rides. It is my therapy, makes me feel strong, and brings me joy. And it allows me to eat Taco Bell every now and then🤗!

Where did my journey begin? I am 62. When I was 47 I had reached my heaviest body weight at 286lbs. I was a bit desperate, so I bought a bike. I just starting riding, made a few modest but important lifestyle changes and a year later is was 182lbs. I’m at a healthier weight now and just like being in the bike. I enjoy a couple of events a year. My biggest challenge is my travel schedule and consistent training. Also, I am appreciating the importance of strength training in my 60’s.

What have I had to overcome along the way?

Honestly, I think my mindset. Marilyn has taught me the value of consistency over intensity as a senior athlete. I don’t drive myself like I did as a young athlete. I’ve learned to set appropriate stretch goals, and she’s taught me how to maintain perspective better. And I respect the role of rest and recovery in new ways. I’m still learning how to train as a senior athlete and I am grateful and motivated.

What helped me move forward? The singular thing that has helped me move forward is partnering with Marilyn. I’ve never had a cycling coach before. It has taken a lot longer to get back on track and into a groove, but I stay with it - and she stays with me. My biggest opportunity is around nutrition off the bike and fueling on the bike. Definite growth edges.

How have Marilyn and I worked together as coach and athlete throughout my journey?

We have been working together for two years this month. I’ve been a serious and intense athlete much of my life. I have learned more the past two years than I did in the previous 50 years. Marilyn’s competence, experience, and expertise speak for themselves and I am certainly a beneficiary of those. I have appreciated her compassion, wisdom, and perspective. Her mindset coaching has been incredibly valuable. Her coaching has enhanced my life, not just my athletic performance. I appreciate her holistic approach to coaching! Our coaching is helping me embrace life as a senior athlete - appreciating and welcoming my 62-year old self.

What am I most proud of?

I think sticking with coaching. There have been a couple of occasions where I was feeling either inadequate or discouraged by a lack of progress. Marilyn was amazing during these moments. So, I am more grateful than proud. Again, she’s helped step into my present athletic self and step out of my past athletic self. I am able to set reasonable goals and expectations, and be a bit gentler with myself. This is huge growth for me.

What have I learned about myself in this process? Surprises? Changes?

Like Laura, I see myself as an athlete-a new kind of athlete. A senior athlete. I compete against myself, not others, and I care about an active and fit life more than performance. Performance brings me joy, confidence, and consolation. Marilyn’s coaching makes me a better professional executive coach. I have been surprised how much coaching has affected my whole life.

One lesson I would like to pass along:

Consistency and rest are the secret sauces to success.

What does this journey mean to me beyond sport?

In addition to things I’ve shared above, this journey is an approach to life. I’m conscious of health span in addition to life span. I’m going new tools for new challenges in this season of life. And I am inspired by all of you and the example you set for me. It helps me see what is possible and reminds me that I am not alone.

What’s next for me? What goal or experience am I looking forward to and does it matter to me?

The big what’s next is reordering my calendar and priorities so that I set better boundaries. This is important to me because I want to master the art of living to the extent I have mastered the art of working😊. I am looking forward to entering more gravel events in 2027. Earlier this year I completed a rigorous ride camp in Mallorca. In 2027 I look forward to a road ride camp and a gravel ride camp in Girona, Spain on the Costa Brava.

Peace, Steve