Services

Endurance Coaching

  • Individualized Training Plans structured around daily life commitments
  • Technique Analysis
  • Evidence-Based Progressions

Performance Nutrition

  • Nutrition Education
  • Performance Nutrition Basics
  • Customized Nutrition Plans
  • Athlete Plate Education
  • 1:1 Nutrition Counseling

Strength & Conditioning

  • Assessment
  • Customized Plans focusing on muscular strength, power, endurance, and hypertrophy
  • Speed & Agility Training

Media & Brand Work

  • Nutrition Workshops
  • Media Interviews and Expert Guest Appearances
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Freelance Writing
Connect with Me!

THE CATALYST DIFFERENCE

I distinguish my coaching through my integrated approach, combining expertise in endurance coaching, endurance-specific sports nutrition (as a registered dietitian), and strength training to offer a comprehensive coaching experience.

My approach to coaching emphasizes integrating triathlon training into your daily life commitments through strategic planning and flexibility. This ensures your training sessions are effectively scheduled around work, family, and other responsibilities, optimizing both training consistency and life balance.

As both an endurance athlete and a cancer survivor, I bring a unique perspective to supporting these distinct populations. My personal experience allows me to deeply understand the challenges faced by endurance athletes striving for peak performance and cancer survivors navigating recovery. This firsthand insight enables me to provide compassionate, tailored guidance that addresses the physical demands of endurance training as well as the emotional and physical aspects of life after cancer.

In terms of nutrition, my philosophy focuses on a “food first” approach to support overall health and optimize training performance. This approach prioritizes balanced meals that provide sustained energy and recovery. Supplementation is used strategically to complement dietary intake and enhance performance.

Together, these elements enable me to offer personalized, effective coaching that supports you in achieving your nutrition and performance goals.

“Cassandra is an AWESOME coach! I never would have made it through my first Triathlon without her expert training and her unwavering encouragement. Her expertise and the analogies she used during our training sessions enabled me to swim, run, and bike more effectively than I would have without her coaching. Cassandra’s enthusiasm really shines through and is infectious.

I highly recommend training with Cassandra!”

Greg H.
Triathlon Client

“Cassandra is extremely knowledgeable and has an understanding of the necessary physiological mechanics to successfully challenge her clients in a safe and yet athletic manner.”

Pam B., Strength & Conditioning Athlete

“Coach Cassandra has pushed me and encouraged me to accomplish things I never thought I could! I LOVE training with her!”

Kelli S., Cancer Survivor, Strength & Conditioning Athlete

“I crossed the Celtic Canter finish line thanks to my favorite trainer!”

Lauren W., Runner and Strength & Conditioning Athlete

The CPL Process

Assess

  • Athlete Interview
  • Athlete Assessments
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Goal Setting
  • Video Analysis

Train

  • Individualized Training Plan
  • In App Coach workout feedback
  • Monthly coach call
  • Unlimited Coach communication

Race

  • Pre-Race Call
  • Performance Strategy
  • Taper Plan
  • Race Day Nutrition & Hydration Strategy

Review

  • Post-Race Review
  • Review & Reassessment of Season Goals
  • Mindset Work
  • Race Season Overview

In short, I’m an athlete just like you. I have my own coaches because I believe that training with a coach produces superior performances than not training with coaches. CPL utilizes evidence-based science in coaching and nutrition practices, drawing on my over 27 years of scientific expertise. My approach focuses on helping cancer survivors and age group athletes achieve their goals through personalized strategies. My philosophy here at CPL is Challenge Yourself to Cross Your Own Personal Finish Lines. Let's work together to cross yours!

My coaching style is detailed-oriented and analytically driven, with a positive outlook on life. Each client is met at their current stage in their journey, and strategies are tailored to fit their individual goals and lifestyle.

Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN) must complete a minimum education of a Master’s degree with either the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree being in nutrition. After completion of educational requirements, RDs complete a 1200 hour dietetic internship with experience hours in clinical, community, foodservice, and other specialties such as sports nutrition and performance/tactical nutrition. In addition, Registered Dietitian’s have to pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) board exam and be licensed in the State(s) where they practice. In order to maintain their licensing status, RDs must complete 75 hours of continuing professional development over the five years between their licensing renewals.

 

There are no formal requirements to become a nutritionist. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their knowledge and education about nutrition.

Yes! Generally. For endurance and strength & conditioning clients, I use Training Peaks or Final Surge. For sports nutrition and nutrition counseling clients, I sometimes use an app such as MyFitnessPal on a limited use basis. For nutrition, I am not an advocate of tracking food on a long-term basis. I do think using a tool such as MyFitnessPal for a couple days to establish a baseline can be beneficial. However, for some clients these tools may not be beneficial due to their history with food. As a result, use of any apps/tools is established on an individual client basis.

Yes! I work work with clients both in person and remotely, using apps and video services like Teams or Zoom for remote sessions. HIPAA-approved services are used when applicable for client confidentiality.

Absolutely! I provide sports nutrition counseling to complement existing coaching arrangements. Collaboration with the client's coach ensures nutrition plans align with training needs. In order to provide you with appropriate nutrition counseling, I would work with your coach to have access to your training plan.

Yes, I provide race day nutrition planning as part of some services, alongside general nutrition for daily life and nutrition strategies to support performance goals.

For coaching services, CPL accepts payments online.

Currently, CPL does not accept insurance for nutrition counseling, but efforts are underway to make counseling available through insurance carriers in 2025.

GET IN TOUCH WITH ME!

If you are interested in working with me, email me at cassandra@catalystperformancelab.com. I value your interest in CPL and will get back to you within 24 hours!


Catalyst Performance Lab
Finksburg, MD 21048