Exactly five years ago while working at a large company and managing 100+ people I had an epiphany. It was simple. I love to encourage people but I do not necessarily like to manage people. I know the new “buzz word” in business is that you do not manage people, you LEAD people. I wasn’t sure I wanted to LEAD people either.

Eighteen months later I started what I will call my God-given purpose in the form of a sports training business called IronWorks. Things started slow just like in most businesses, yet I was truly “joy-filled” helping others reach their spiritual, physical, and mental goals. Fast forward another 2 years, my dream company is experiencing rapid growth. I reach what is called the Tipping Point; stay small & niche or add staff to satisfy the need of the market? Unfortunately, I kept getting stuck on the idea that I am the “brand” of the company and adding staff will diminish the “brand”. So, I did what I do best when faced with tough challenges & decisions, I prayed. I didn’t pray just any old prayer, I prayed hard, I prayed for the “right” people to be put in my life. I prayed for the type of coach that I felt comfortable giving the “keys” to my business with no fear. Well, God does answer prayers……Nearly 1 year has passed but IronWorks and Coach Loran are proud to announce the addition of two new coaches: Coach Pam Bissing and Coach Adam Bohach. Here are their stories:

Coach Pam has coached athletes from 19 to 70.  All but a few were “newbies” to the sport of endurance running or triathlon. In high school, Pam was a competitive swimmer. Despite always considering herself a “non-runner”, she started running marathons at the age of 43 and has completed 8 marathons, 2 of which were Disney’s Goofy’s Challenge (1/2 marathon on Saturday, full marathon on Sunday).  Shortly after running her first marathon, Pam started participating in triathlons.  She has been on the podium twice for her age group and once for overall female. She completed her first Ironman at the age of 47, and has finished 3 additional Ironman events… and counting. With regards to injury and medical issues, Pam has had a few bumps along the way.  These have ranged from repair of a congenital heart defect to bilateral hip surgeries for torn labrums from FAI (femoral acetabular impingement). Pam understands how to avoid and/or recover from injuries.  Pam has a Bachelor of Science in both Biology and Nursing. She worked in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and eventually became a supervisor for the Critical Care Division. Pam is a member of USAT, ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) and a certified Newton Running Coach. Pam and her husband, Mark, have lived in West Des Moines since 1995. They have 3 adult, children – Jenny, Dana and Doug. Pam and Mark are proud grandparents of 3.  Pam is excited to help anyone reach his or her goals in the sport of running or triathlon.

Coach Adam Bohach has spent half of his life as a competitive athlete.  For the past five years he has been involved in coaching co-ed, middle and high school runners.  For three years Adam was assistant cross country and track coach at Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa.  More recently, Adam moved to Des Moines to train full-time as a professional triathlete and help Loran Storts coach young runners in the area.  Before coming to Des Moines, Adam worked as a full-time high school biology teacher in Clinton.  While teaching, Adam also coached, worked toward a master’s degree and trained as an age group triathlete.  Adam was able to find balance in his busy schedule and qualified to compete in the 2011 Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, where he placed 11^th in his age group in 9:17.20.  That same year, Adam was ranked first in the nation by USAT (ages 25-29).  In 2012 Adam made the transition from amateur to professional triathlete, despite recovering from hernia surgery in 2012.

Adam is a member of USAT and has a coaching certificate from the state of Iowa.  He has not only done triathlons but also marathons and is a two-time finisher of the Comrades 56mile ultra.  Adam is confident that with his experience, he can help any athlete on the journey to becoming a more competitive age group finisher or transitioning from amateur to pro. To Learn more about Coach Adam, visit his website at http://www.strivingadam.com.