Testimonials for Coach Joe

“Coach Joe, Thank you for helping me understand the need for setting the proper goals in racing and in life. My success in the marathon last week was due to your counseling during our race planning. The guidance you provided me made that race by far the best I ever had to date from a planning, a training, and the achievement of every important goal I set standpoint. I went into that race with the confidence that I was fully prepared for the challenge ahead and knew if I stuck to the plan it would all work out, and it did, tenfold. I now know firsthand the difference between a coached athlete and a self coached athlete. The coached athlete trains with a sense of purpose and the understanding that if you lay the right ground work every reasonable goal is well within your reach. You’ve taught me that while times are important they usually are not the most important. I can honestly say I’m a better person first and athlete second because of my relationship with you and the ET organization. Words can’t express the gratitude I feel to be part of Experience Triathlon. My trust in you is unwavering. Thanks for caring a much as you do.” – Jim R.

“I have been with Coach Joe since Aug of 2006. At that time I had no idea what I was getting into other than I was looking for that next challenge in my life. Boy, what a ride it has been so far! With Coach Joe’s help, I have been on a continuous journey to discover my physical and mental capabilities for endurance athletics. Having Coach Joe there is invaluable as a guide to training safely and productively. He also serves as a source of accountability that I need to stay on the path. We work together to develop yearly goals around which my training program is tailored. As a result of having a personal coach like Joe, I have been able to see improvement in my races from year to year. I am now more physically fit than I was as a teenager and I view life in a more positive way than ever before. Lastly, Coach Joe is one of my biggest fans, cheering me on at many of the races I have participated in. It doesn’t get any better than that! Thanks Coach Joe!!” – Jeff P

“I would like to express my gratitude for Coach Joe. I approached him on the pool deck after watching him instruct swimmers a few times in the winter of 2008. At that time I swam like a wounded turtle and I asked him if he could teach me to swim. Not only did he teach me, he inspired me to want to be great at it. I was able to achieve a life goal of swimming a mile and a half in open water from shore to an island in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Since then Joe has rekindled my love of fitness and instructs me in running, biking, core training, and still swimming. I actually competed in three indoor triathlons in the winter/spring of 2009 and won two and finished second in the other. The biggest thing about Joe that I cannot express enough is that he keeps it real. To him you are more than an athlete. I came from the background of a soccer player all my life. So being a power sport athlete I always wanted to put the pedal to the metal. And I can over train too easily and throw other things in my life out of balance. Joe has always been there teaching me that balance of family, work, fitness, and fun. One day I plan on competing in an Ironman. And Coach Joe will be the one who gets me ready for it. Thanks Joe!” – Karl P.

“Coach Joe, Over the last 48 hours I’ve had a chance to reflect on everything I’ve accomplished athletically over the last twelve months both before my relationship with you and EXPERIENCETriathlon as well as after. While my successes before have been substantial I believe the successes I have achieved with our relationship over the last three months surpass those before. These successes have been made possible by your training program, your guidance, and your friendship. Your willingness to share your experience and knowledge about the sport, whether it be running, biking, or swimming, have made me a much better athlete and a more confident person. You’ve taught me what being resilient really means in both racing and life and how to make sure I’ve set the proper expectations in both areas. Your training program prepared me to race at my best each time I went out there, and on top of it and I hate to say it, the race seemed easy because I was so well prepared. I would have never imagined I could finish 11th in my division at the Naperville Tri and 4th at Chicago, the largest Tri in the world (unbelievable still). While I realize I have to do the work, these successes are in no small part due to the ET Team and your training program. I look forward to our continued relationship and the support I get from you, it’s absolutely fantastic. I’m glad I’m part of the ET family. I’m so glad I found you when I did. Thanks Coach Joe!” – Jim R.

“Coach Joe, I wanted to say THANK YOU for teaching me how to swim! I completed my 1st olympic distance triathlon (1500 meter swim) this past Sunday and for some reason this race it really set in… I’m doing triathlons & a little over a year ago I couldn’t even swim! If it weren’t for you & the Masters swim class, I wouldn’t be experiencing this awesome sport. I wanted to toss you an extra thanks!! I absolutely love it & have set my sights on an Ironman 70.3 race next year.” – Cathy B.

“Coach Joe, I just wanted take minute and say thanks. Now that my tri season is over, I’ve been looking back on this summer. I’ve had an absolute blast working with you and the ET team. When I met you, I was already riding the high of getting back in shape and you’ve helped bring me to a whole new level of fitness. I couldn’t be any more satisfied with where I’m at and excited about where I’m headed. Thanks Joe!” – Jason K.

“Words cannot express my gratitude for your coaching, support and guidance throughout these last 11 months. You promised to get us ready for Ironman Wisconsin and indeed you did! I felt great throughout the day and exceeded my finish time goals! I couldn’t have done it without you and the great support network you have built. I will cherish not only the memories of the day itself, but also of all the training events that led up to it. The feeling of accomplishment is indescribable and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me achieve it. Thank you!!” – JenM

“Dear Coach Joe, you have helped me to realize a personal goal and dream to become a Triathlete. I never thought this dream could come true. I imagined that it was beyond my reach. Then, last spring when I registered for your triathlon training program, my beliefs changed and grew through each workout. Since then, I have been on a journey toward health and happiness. You encourage, inspire, and motivate me to do my best. You challenge, but also guide and support me in working toward my goals. It’s always great to meet and interact on a one to one basis with you as well as be part of your ET Team. Every time we talk I find our conversations very informative, helpful, and uplifting. Thank you for being a great coach, and being a person who has had a transforming effect on my life.” – Agnieszka M

“Coach Joe, Ironman was one of the most amazing times of my life and I owe it all to you and the ET team. Words can’t express the sense of accomplishment. From our first meeting I had faith in you and never doubted the plan. I will always be grateful. Thanks again!” – Rich K

“I started working with Coach Joe about 2 months ago and I can already feel the benefits. The variety in training is something that really has helped me. Lots of intervals and alternating intensities has kept my workouts both fresh and fun and very beneficial. I definitely shocked myself at Batavia with a 13th place finish!” – Jim L

“Coach Joe can make an athlete out of any couch potato; shift the attitude of any naysayer into personal triumph; restore grass and sun to any winter wasteland. There is no one better. I am blessed he passed my way and plan to stay on his path.” – Nina C

“Coach Joe, your Next Level Challenge class was just the thing to break me out of my running ‘rut’. I had been trying in vain on my own to bring my 5K times down and maybe break into mid-level running distances. I lacked confidence and knowledge, and you provided both in plenty! Thank you so much for all of the time you took to make sure I understood the training concepts you introduced, and also for all of the injury-prevent tips. Since I took your class I have dropped my personal best in the 5K from over thirty minutes to 26:34. I also ran my first 10K in 6 years and blew away my old record. Now I’m enrolled in your weekly track workout class, and I am gaining in speed and confidence. The only thing I have lost to date is body fat. Thank you!!!” - Drew R

“Joe takes his passion, enthusiasm, and the love of triathlon and incorporates into his teaching. Whether you are the experienced triathlete looking to improve on times, or the novice beginner, whatever skill level, you will leave each training session inspired, confident, ready to take on any challenge. I’m hooked. Thanks Coach Joe!!” - Lynn B.

“Coach Joe has taken me from “couch potato” to “Triathlete in training”. I came into Triathlons as a way to motivate myself to get back in shape. I was in the worst shape of my life and going from a 34 inch waist to a 38 inch waist was the final straw. I finally realized how bad things had gotten. I decided it was time to make a change and lucky for me, I met Joe at the same time. I signed up with Joe and ExperienceTriathlon as soon as I met him and his positive attitude. Because of Joe I have been able to change my life not only physically but mentally. I know I can do anything I put my mind to now. When I started training with Joe, I could only swim about 2 lengths before being exhausted, I could barely run for 1 minute without running out of breath, and I hadn’t gone on a bike ride in a long time. Now I am able to swim over 1600 meters (a whole mile!!) in 1 training session, I have already run my first 5K race ever, and I log 15 miles on my bike like it is nothing. In a little over 6 weeks Joe has not only helped change my lifestyle, but maybe even saved me from a future of health related problems and illnesses. I fully recommend Joe to anyone who will listen. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me. Thank You Coach!!” - Jeff S.

“With a friend’s encouragement, I competed in my first triathlon a couple of years ago and was hooked! I decided I was ready to take my fitness to the next level but wasn’t sure how. After years of working out with no real direction, I decided to give ET a try. Since working with Coach Joe, I have seen a huge improvement in my strength and endurance. Even more importantly, I have learned how to push myself harder than I had ever thought possible. The phrase “I didn’t know I had it in me” definitely applies here! The support I have received from Joe and all of the coaches has been invaluable. I was looking for a group with like fitness goals and interests, and the ET family has provided that and then some! I am so glad I took the leap with ET, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Alicia R.

“Coach Joe, Thanks again for the CardiO2 Run class. You are truly gifted as a coach and I thoroughly enjoyed every week. You helped me achieve my goal of ridding my head of those “demons” and increasing my endurance/speed… so now I can honestly say: ‘I LOVE RUNNING!’” - Dawn B.

“I truly believe that surrounding yourself with good people will ensure you some level of success in our sport. Joe has been one of these people for me. I always have appreciated his perspective and straight forward approach!

Every year in Madison, I see Joe as I exit the water, twice on Observation Hill of the bike, and several times on the run course. It always means a lot to hear his words of encouragement.

One thing I have learned about triathlon is that you can never be totally self-sufficient. Eventually you will get to a point where you will need a physical therapist, doctor, nutritionist, bike mechanic, coach, etc… When that time comes, it is good to know where you can turn.” – Nick K

“Coach Joe, I really enjoyed your 5K Training Program. You and the other coaches were great motivators. I have continued to run and completed the Shamrock Shuffle 8K yesterday in 47.53. I now log about 15 miles a week on average with a long run of 5 – 7 on the weekend. I can honestly say that the tips and information I picked up from the 5K program really helped get me to this point. One of the best things about the program are the people that make it work. You and the other coaches were fantastic!” - Bob N.