Ali Brauer and Caroline Shannon - Healing From a Toxic Training Environment

Caroline Shannon and Ali Brauer were experiencing national success in triathlon and were on a rapid upward trajectory in the pro ranks. They sought out an elite-level coaching program to foster their athletic growth. This new program included a full-time training environment (or DTE) where athletes live and train together on a daily basis. It sounds exhilarating, doesn’t it? Eat, sleep, and train under the guidance of an expert coach and supportive squad?

But what was at first exhilarating, quickly became poisonous.

Today, Ali and Caroline share their story of what can only be described as living and training in a toxic and abusive training environment.

Both recount experiences of extreme gaslighting, food restriction, verbal abuse, manipulation, and egregious abuse of authority.

They discuss what that looked like for them, how they handled it, and the physiological and emotional repercussions they have suffered. They both also share why they stayed at the time and how the healing process has continued since they left. Most importantly, they talk about signs and red flags of an abusive coaching relationship and empower listeners to trust their instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it simply isn’t.

Knowing this and taking action to leave the relationship may just save your life and your career. As Caroline and Ali can attest, you can emerge and start to heal.

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