Testimonials for PoiDogSports & Coach John ... in their own words
Some past and current athletes share their thoughts on training and racing
after working with Coach John
Triathlete -- Seattle, WA
I first sparked contact with Coach John one year ago. I had a number of choices in coaches; however, as soon as I made contact with Coach John, I knew my search was over. He began as thorough and attentive and continued that trend from January to September 2008 as we worked together. He initially used a questionnaire, phone, and email to gain a clear understanding of my vision, goals, and seemingly every aspect of my athleticism. My goal was to undertake an Ironman at a young age and to simply finish. I was coming off an injury and wanted guidance on how to come back, and stronger. Coach John was instrumental to my success. He guided me and supported me through the challenging, but rewarding journey of training for the full distance. His support extended farther than I ever expected. Coach John and his wife Missy even made the effort to meet me in person. He turned out to be a coach and mentor, which is the best part. In my future endeavors, I will continue to trust his advice. He has a lot of experience, concern, and most of all, knowledge. His technical expertise is clear as well. As an example, my bike caused me problems with my back for a year before he set me up, fit me properly, and I was able to train the long hours in the aero position without back pain. Coach John helped me to not only finish my first Ironman, but to finish third overall female! This is definitely a feat I would not have accomplished without his coaching and undying support!
Triathlete -- Jacksonville, FL
John's dedication, enthusiasm, and expertise have enabled me to improve my performance in every discipline. The emails, logging of workouts, and the regular individual training long distance sessions have increased my success in triathlons. His time and willingness to put in more than any coach would ever think of doing, has provided me with the tools that I have needed to get the race results that he thought I was capable of. He aimed high with the race expectations and help me exceed them in every aspect. I would (and have) recommended John as a coach for triathlons or any individual discipline for anyone ranging from 1st timer to experienced IM distance athlete. He will bring out the best and more.
Marathon Runner -- Simi Valley, CA
I've been a runner for over 25 years. I ran 4 years of Cross-Country and Track in high school, but since then it has been mostly an "on my own" thing, including participating in events up to the marathon distance. Getting involved with Coach John helped remind me of the difference between just "running" and actually "training," and my training runs became more efficient. His training plan was easy to follow and required less time than what I was doing on my own. I ended up setting a personal record for a marathon on the fairly challenging (hilly) Whidbey Island course.
Marathon Runner turned Triathlete -- Seattle, WA
I came to triathlon after running a lot, bike racing and with a 30 year old dream of doing an Ironman. First year out, I hired a coach who was helpful for a beginner. Last year I attempted a Half ironman and DNF’d. My (faulty) analysis of that race was that I had not done ENOUGH training. So I fired coach #1 and hire coach #2 who I thought had THE ANSWER for me..more training. I was training 12-15 hours/wk in December having taken no break between end of season and beginning of new season. I wanted the coach to MAKE me work harder, which I believed was my weakness, and who would MAKE me a stronger athlete, because I did not believe I was strong enough or tough enough. What I wound up with was a coach who applied a formula that ‘works’ for 35 year-olds to this 59 year old athlete. I was fried, mentally and physically before the season even began. I am not intending to berate this coach or any other coach because truly the issue was not with the coach but with ME….I fired coach #2 and interviewed several other folks in the process. My path led me to John….
What became apparent from the start of my coaching relationship with John is that this was not going to be the application of some formulaic ‘training program.' I thought my ‘goals’ were to complete 2 half-ironman races this summer and to then set the stage to qualify for Kona next year. It became clear early on that this manner of thinking was NOT serving me..NOR was it going to get me anywhere except miserable/injured and out of balance. John did not hesitate to call me out on this stuff and we began our real coaching work which is working on the athlete from the inside out. This is no small task for this triathlete who is easily distracted, filled with negative self talk and ABSOLUTELY has to have things my way. With John’s guidance, I have been able to change my focus from external to internal…to begin to see that triathlon is indeed a metaphor for life and that it is a journey that I hope to be fortunate enough to enjoy in grace and joy. As I am recovering from a season-shortening injury..I wanted John to reassure ME that I am okay, going to race again, capable of doing a half iron this year etc etc. The “crux move” and what John does that NO OTHER coach that I know is capable of doing is to redirect questions back to me…ask yourself “do I want to do this..how do I want to do triathlon (in grace or in struggle?). In other words, can I be truly present for myself during training and racing and life..for whatever comes down the pike and to walk through it (or swim, bike run through it) in ease and grace?? What was missing from last year’s Half-iron was the emotional/mental/spiritual fuel, if you will to continue. THAT is what you will gain from working with John. You can go out and find any number of coaches who will assure you that they have ‘the way’ for you to get better…I can also assure you that anyone who does not see the larger picture or the connection between athletics and life …is not worth your money or time or effort. John has been on this path for some time, he gets ‘it’..He is on the path as well..he works at this stuff. John will be there for you as YOU forge your connections as you master the ‘game’ of life and find your path to excellence.
I will not rest until I have you holding a Coke, wearing your own shoe, playing a Sega game *featuring* you, while singing your own song in a new commercial, *starring* you, broadcast during the Superbowl, in a game that you are winning, and I will not *sleep* until that happens.
...I'll give you fifteen minutes to call me back.
- Jerry MaguireTracy Tyson
2008 Grand Columbian Triathlon
3rd Overall Female
(Coach John note: Tracy was a study in patience and trust ("and I thank you for that"). Leading up to her first Ironman, Tracy also collected an Age Group Podium finish at Lake Stevens 70.3. Thus far in 2009, Tracy qualified for the Army's 10-Mile Team and won her AG at the Issaquah Sprint Triathlon ...way to go, T!)
Kerry Mowlam
USAT All-American 2006 & 2008 (thanks to John)
(Coach John note: ironic, bcuz he's actually an Aussie...thanks, Mate! Kerry also received USAT Honorable Mention status in 2007. Look for Kerry to make waves in 2009!)
Doug Forman
Achieved Personal Best, 2007 Whidbey Island Marathon
(Coach John note: Doug & I go way back...HS teammates. It felt good to run side-by-side (again) during that last mile of WImarathon. Congrats, Sluggo!)
Joan Weisberg
Triathlete
(Coach John note: Joan has wisely decided to take the remainder of 2009 off to work on some biomechanical issues that have interrupted her training throughout the year. Just as Tiger Woods took the time he needed to retool his swing only to comeback better than ever, I expect Joan to emerge next season with a sweet stride and a burning desire to toe the line once again!)
Tri@PoiDogSports.com
Whidbey Island, Washington
PoiDogSports ... personal coaching & training plans for endurance sport athletes
