What lures triathlon stars like Mirinda Carfrae, Jodie Swallow, Mary Beth Ellis, Rebekah Keat, Yvonne Van Vlerken, Paula Findlay and still-rising talents Amanda Stevens, Valentina Carvallo, Carrie Lester, Ellie Salthouse and Dede Griesbauer to work with coach Siri Lindley?

By now, she has a long record of world championship success, elite victories and striking improvement of the athletes under her guidance. The secrets? Very personal observation of form and fitness, precise application of her experience of winning tactics, and knowledge of exercise science. Perhaps more crucial, working on the psychology of success and application of the power of positive thinking.

But maybe it’s simpler than all that. Lindley’s positive energy makes working hard and smart in pursuit of excellence ridiculously fun.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

At 6:55 AM, Siri Lindley gives Mirinda Carfrae a bike interval workout – a few loops consisting of a short steep climb and return on a rural side road and an out-and-back on Highway 36.

Mirinda Carfrae on the descent.

Paula Findlay climbs during the bike workout. Findlay was able to return to world class form on the bike while making cautious progress from her injuries on the run.

Lindley offers precise guidance to Jodie Swallow during the bike workout.

Valentina Carvallo of Chile (left center) during stretch exercise for Siri Lindley’s squad at RallySport Health and Fitness Club in Boulder.

Amy Quirion leads strength training session for Siri Lindley’s squad at RallySport.

Squad mates Jodie Swallow (foreground) and Valentina Carvallo (top left) plus Ironman star James Cunnama (not coached by Lindley) at the strength workout.

At RallySport pool: On deck L to R – Lindley, Scott DeFilippis, Carrie Lester. At pool edge L to R – James Cunnama, Paula Findlay, Dede Griesbauer, Ellie Salthouse and Valentina Carvallo (backs to camera) and Mirinda Carfrae.

Dede Griesbauer, wearing a swim training snorkel, jumps in the pool with Valentina Carvallo and Ellie Salthouse in background.

Kick set - Valentina Carvallo foreground, Ellie Salthouse background.

With ominous clouds in the background at the RallySport pool, Siri Lindley outlines the next set for her squad.

Paddle set with Amanda Stevens in foreground, Dede Griesbauer facing camera in background.

The irrepressible Siri Lindley is living proof of the power of positive thinking.

Siri Lindley tells Paula Findlay “You’re adorable!” When shy Canadian Findlay demurs, Lindley says, “Let’s see that smile!” When Findlay complies, Lindley is triumphant. “See! Yes you are!”

When Amanda Stevens speaks of her deep disappointment at finishing 4th at Timberman 70.3, Lindley rallies her spirits by reminding Stevens that her performance was excellent considering weeks of training lost to injury.

Lindley meets with Valentina Carvallo and her boyfriend Jose Zirpel after the swim workout.

Siri Lindley gives Jodie Swallow a double high five before a track workout in Niwot.

Lindley with Paula Findlay before the track workout in Niwot.

Lindley lays on the track to get a better smartphone shot of James Cunnama, Paula Findlay and Jodie Swallow running together during a track set at Niwot.

Lindley checks Paula Findlay’s run splits at the end of the workout.