One Step Beyond Coaches and History

Marty Gaal started coaching swimmers and triathletes informally in the mid 1990s. Since 2002 he has worked professionally with twenty to thirty athletes each year to help them achieve their athletic goals. Marty left his day job to focus entirely on endurance coaching in 2005. He is a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), USA Triathlon coach, USA Track and Field coach, and is a member of the American Swim Coaches Association. Marty swam for The Florida State University and remains competitive as an age-group triathlete, open water swimmer, and runner. Email Marty here.

Brianne Gaal has been coaching since 2006. Brianne (Bri) has been a competitive runner and triathlete since she was eight years old. She was a multiple state champion in track and cross country in high school, ran for the University of Central Florida, and has been a USA Triathlon All-American each year since 2003. Bri is a USA Triathlon coach and USA Track and Field coach. Click Bri's name to read more about her and her coaching philosophy. Email Bri here.

Craig Dobson began running competitively at the age of 5. He has competed at a high level in cross country, off road events, track and field, and in many road races for over 36 years. He has won local road races from 5ks on up to ½ marathons and has been a competitive age group triathlete for over 11 years. Craig is a certified USA Triathlon coach and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Click Craig’s name to read more about his coaching philosophy and email Craig here.

Jennifer Patzkowsky Jennifer Patzkowsky has been a dietitian for 6 years and has provided nutrition counseling for athletes since 2006. She has worked with many different athletes including runners, cyclists, and triathletes over the years. She is also a competitive age-group runner and triathlete. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in nutritional sciences with an emphasis in health promotion and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is a registered dietitian and is licensed by the State of Florida as a dietitian and nutritionist. Click Jennifer's name to read more about her nutrition coaching options. Jennifer also has a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association. Email Jennifer here.

We coach age-group athletes at all levels along the spectrum - from pure beginners just getting off the couch, to advanced age-group athletes training for World Championship events. We enjoy both the pure results driven aspects of coaching relationships as well as the teaching and education that helps our athletes grow as competitors and individuals.

In addition to triathlon & swim coaching, One Step Beyond is the producer of the Powerstroke®: Speed through force and form freestyle swimming technique DVD and co-hosts both the Triangle Open Water Swim Series and Old School Aquathon Series.