#2: Some like to weave willow baskets, others have fun running the Iron-distance
ALEKSANDAR SØRENSEN-MARKOVIC: In this second article about the Danish pro-triathlete Aleksandar Sørensen-Markovic, he shares his passion about triathlon seen from his life as personal coach.
What made you dive in to the world of coaching, short of challenges?
I have immense enthusiasm for many things. This is why it is a matter of choosing with care, which challenges I feel is the most interesting. Coaching always has and always will be a natural part of who I am, and was apparent to me, because my reason for being in triathlon is not only due to my own results.
I have both tried finishing as one of the last in the pack, and I’ve also tried winning a few races. I can with sincerity say that there is absolutely no difference in the thrill, or the personal gain and value whether you are racing to win or your aim is to complete in sports like triathlon. It´s all about yourself! 
The medals are great to dangle at the job, it keeps the co-workers at bay while telling, point by point, your thoughts and considerations when your where racing an iron-distance. The bottom-line is that the real value and challenge lies in the journey leading up to the start line. The amazing thing is not that you can finish an ironman, it´s that you can actually prepare your body to finish.
How does it feel to pass on your wisdom and experience to others?
I have worked with people in many different ways: from diving instructor in the Caribbean for rich Americans to a home for unstable young people in Copenhagen. What I have learned from all of my jobs is that I enjoy when I get the privilege to get personal and when I experience that people have faith in me. The coach is an expert on how and what to train, but we are all experts on our own bodies – even though we might not always be aware of it!
Describe the feelings flowing trough you, when a triathlet trained by you achieves good results?
I am glad and proud whenever a result is achieved, but what makes me most thrilled is when they discover the qualities in the process. For example, I have worked with people who wanted to run a marathon, but were appalled by the idea of running (yes people are funny :-) Not breaking into details, but it is actually a classic problem. It makes me very proud and glad when they, after doing the marathon, continue to run, because they have come to love and cherish the healthy and active lifestyle. That’s just f...... great!
What kind of athletes do you have under your wings? Experienced or Newcomers to the sport.
I coach everyone who is interested in developing. Both runners and triathlets. One of the most important things to me is that I can feel I am making a difference to those who contact me. It has nothing to do with the level or skills – it is all about personality. I have runners who have weighed over 100 kg, and has never ran a single km to some who has the skills to race an iron-distance in under 9 hours.
Read more about Aleksandar
