Personalized coaching for youth and adult endurance athletes — strength, nutrition, and mental focus all working together around your sport. Not three separate programs. One coordinated plan.
I'm Lindsay Johnson — a former four-year varsity swimmer at the University of Michigan, a mom of four, and a coach who spent years in corporate sales before following my passion for investing in the lives of athletes and their families.
I started Build Up Athletics because I kept seeing the same problem: athletes working hard with a coach here, a trainer there, and nutrition advice that had nothing to do with their training load — and nobody addressing mental preparation at all. Everyone doing their part, but nobody talking to each other.
I bring it all together. Whatever we work on, we're always considering the whole picture.
Head Coach · FGR Women's Swim & Dive
Assistant Coach · Huron Valley Swim Club
Instructor · Wolverine Swim Clinics
Private Instructor · Techniq Group
4-Year Varsity Swimmer · University of Michigan (1999–2003)
Triathlete · 2017–Present
NASM Certified Personal Trainer · 10+ years building strength programs for swimmers
NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
TLC Institute Certificate of Coaching Excellence
"Whatever we work on — strength, nutrition, or mental focus — we're always considering how it all fits together. That's what makes the difference."
Most athletes have pieces of the puzzle. Strength over here, nutrition advice over there, and mental prep that nobody's addressing at all. I connect all of it — around your sport, your season, and your life.
Sport-specific strength programming timed to your season — so your body feels powerful in competition, not wrecked from the gym. Built to transfer to the pool, the boat, or the race course.
→ Faster. Stronger. More resilient.Fueling strategies matched to training load, competition timing, and recovery. Practical guidance that works in real life — for youth athletes, busy adults, and everyone in between.
→ More energy. Better recovery.Race-day nerves, mid-race doubt, performance pressure — we build the tools to compete confidently and consistently. For athletes and the parents who support them.
→ Consistent. Confident. Clutch.Whether you're a parent supporting a young athlete or an adult competing yourself — if you're putting in the work and something isn't clicking, this is for you.
"They work so hard. Why aren't they dropping time?"
"I train constantly. I still blow up on the run."
"I love this sport. I just want to keep doing it."
Also working with youth rowers, runners, and other endurance sport athletes — if your sport demands sustained effort, the same approach applies.
Every athlete is different. Here are the ways we can work together — virtual or local, individual or group.
Fully customized coaching across strength, nutrition, and mental focus — built around your sport and season. For athletes anywhere.
Virtual · NationwideThe same integrated approach in a small group setting — great for athletes at similar levels or parents looking for a community-based option.
Virtual · NationwideSeasonal strength, nutrition, and mental performance programs for swim teams, rowing programs, and running clubs. Built around your team's competition calendar.
Virtual & LocalIn-person strength training and coaching for local athletes. Limited availability — reach out to discuss options.
Southeast Michigan"After years at the same pace, an adult triathlete and Ironman World Qualifier took 10 seconds off her 100m time in just 9 weeks — and left with the tools and confidence to keep improving on her own."
"She dropped almost 7 seconds in the 100 free and got a state cut. She was so proud and happy — I attribute a lot of this to you. You've really helped her with confidence and believing in herself."
"I have no clue how you got her to just swim. She is having fun and not in her head — and that is the fastest I have ever seen her. She's so happy to come to swim, even at 6:30am!"
"He said the only reason he went that time is because you fixed his fly."
"She has never realized her true potential until this year with you."
Whether you're a swim parent, a triathlete chasing a PR, a masters swimmer, or a coach looking for a team program — let's talk. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest conversation about what it'll take to get you where you want to go.
Or reach me directly at lindsay.buildup@gmail.com
Virtual coaching available nationwide · In-person available in Southeast Michigan