My First Ironman Experience
by Danni D. If you had told me that I’d one day complete an Ironman, I would have laughed and said, “There’s no way—I don’t even know how to swim!” I have run...
06Nov
16Oct
Running Famous at the 2025 Chicago Marathon
by David H. Chicago Marathon 2025! I’ll pat myself on the back for two things. From my last participation, in 2017, I knew to have warm-ups for the long, cool wait...
07Oct
Stay Present to the Journey, Always Race with Gratitude, and Never Give Up
by Christa L. My Ironman Wisconsin 2025 race day was such an emotional and JOYFUL day! I absolutely could not have had the day I had out there without the...
20Sep
Ironman Wisconsin 2025, The Year of the Unexpected
by Eric R. As people and as athletes we tend to like to be able to anticipate life’s events as much as we can. Naturally, we get surprises, but, overall, we...
03Sep
“If your goal doesn’t scare you a bit, is it even worth it?!” – Ironman Florida 2024
by Coach Christa As Joe and I spent many hours driving to Florida from Illinois to celebrate our #ironmoon at Ironman Florida 2024 (because who doesn’t celebrate their honeymoon...
28Jun
From Injury to Olympic Triathlon Finish Line
by Joanie K. After 2 years of physical therapy following ACL/meniscus/LCL surgery in 2023—and a lifetime of battling injuries from overtraining—I finally found a better way forward. Thanks to Christa’s coaching and...
06Nov
Another Successful Race Day at Ironman Florida 2024
By Coach Joe A few days before the race, a friend asked, “So, what are your goals”? I told him… Have fun, Race hard, Don’t quit, and Enjoy our honeymoon (#ironmoon)....
28Sep
What if…
by Joe C. Ironman Wisconsin 2024 became a spiritual journey. Of course, there were many challenges that day, both physical and mental, but I felt the need to share about...
31Jul
You never know what you are capable of until you try and challenge yourself
by Jill D. Two years ago as I was driving south on Washington Street in Naperville, I saw the sign for the ET Naperville Sprint Triathlon. I started to wonder...
09Apr
Trust the Process, All the Way to France!
by Lauren M. For the past few years, It's been a goal of mine to run a spring break marathon abroad. Last year, I ran the Rome marathon in Italy. It...
15Nov
Whatever You are Going Through, Right Now is Your Ironman
by Christine K. Last fall, I completed an Ironman triathlon after six months of training almost every day. I placed second-to-last in an age group of nearly 40 athletes, finishing with...
26Oct
A Podium, A PR, and a Near DNF-Oh My! How Challenges I Faced During 2023 had Different Results
by Eric R. Anyone who has been in triathlon or any endurance sport has heard the phrase, “you can’t control the weather on race day,” or maybe you’ve also been told...
14Oct
Almost Last
by Tara G. Whenever I sign up for a race the thought of finishing last runs through my mind. Race days are uncontrollable in many ways, from the weather to what...
20Sep
More than a medal… “Epic”
by Joe C. We all have our why triathlon … mine started when i cross-trained to maintain fitness while I rehabbed runners knee. I got in the pool and learned to...
20Sep
A life changing journey!
by Vishal K. Ironman Wisconsin 2023 race day is here!! PreRace: I began my day at approximately 4 am, enjoyed a good breakfast, did my warmups, packed all my belongings, and made...
15Sep
The Team
By Michael P. Ironman Finisher I have discovered that in life there is something very unique about the joy that is found in sharing experiences with others. As athletes, we all have our...
15Sep
Anthony Cesaretti – You Are An IRONMAN!
Thank you, Coach Joe, for your checking-in text. I'm doing great today. A bit sluggish yesterday, but up and about today doing errands. I followed our race game plan. Your...
10Aug
The beginning of my journey
by Shashwat C. Coming from a running background, one day I just got motivated to up my game and enter the world of triathlon. So far I only had heard stories...
08Jun
Fewer People Have More Fun During Race Weekend Than I Do
by Chris H. I did my first outdoor triathlon in June 2014. I had to learn how to swim, and had to borrow a bicycle because I did not have...
22Dec
Between the Corrals – The Ironman Experience
by Andrew F. It's pre-dawn and the day is young. The feat ahead seems daunting and impossible for those in the arena and the bleachers alike. The veins are flooded...
14Dec
What if I Become the person I want to see at the starting line?
by David H. I’m training for my next Ironman as my next-level Ironman. My first Ironman finish, Ironman Wisconsin 2021, was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life,...
25Sep
From NEVER to Ironman – Achieving the IMpossible
From "Never" to Ironman - Achieving the (IM)possible by Eric R. It’s been 4 days and I’m still wearing the athlete wristband after my finish at Ironman Maryland. I guess it’s...
16Sep
The Journey – No Zero Days
by Jeff R. Ten years ago I may have been the last person you imagined would finish an Ironman. I wasn’t particularly athletic growing up, including a season of Little...
22Aug
I am an Athlete
I am an Athlete by Nicole C. I am many things. A loyal friend. A devoted wife. A tired mom of two littles. A focused leader at work. But until recently,...
08Aug
My Journey to Age Group Nationals
My Journey to Age Group Nationals by Jeff R. January 14, 2020: l said out loud I was going to qualify for USAT Age Group National Championships After some good performances in...
22Mar
Climbing Hills – Taking on the Cary March Madness Half Marathon
by Jeff R. I love to run hills. That’s a lie. But I love the challenge for running up and down hills, and what it reveals about us as runners...
25Oct
A Story of Redemption and Slaying My Demons
by Laura L. My story of redemption started long before this year (2021). In order to understand it all, I’m splitting it up into chapters so you all can get...
25Jul
My Return to Triathlon at Ironman Eagleman 70.3
By Tara G. We all know how 2020 turned out. When My CT Half ironman race in May of 2020 was cancelled and not offered in 2021 I had to...
28Jun
Finding Balance and Flow within the Journey
by Christa K. It’s been over 48 hours, and I am still trying to process all the emotions and put those into words here after completing my first Ironman 70.3 race....
17Jun
Becoming a Swimmer
by David H. I chose to compete in Leon’s Triathlon, June 6, 2021, because of when it was scheduled. At two weeks before Ironman 70.3 Des Moines, the Hammond, Indiana, the...
27May
Rediscovering the Love of Triathlon
by Jeff R. My first goal was to race with love and to enjoy the day. I wanted to remember why I loved this sport. I wanted to not judge my...
07Oct
Stop Tinkering and Start Executing
by Jeff R. I had been a self-coached triathlete for over 5 years. I saw nice progress, finished two 70.3 races, was serious about training, and generally thought I didn’t need...
23Sep
IMBC: The One Race That Didn’t Get CANCELLED
by Elena D. What a s**t show! An absolute s**t show with the most prolonged ending ever. I never thought I would see the finish line. As I sit here now...
11Mar
7 months to go!
by Tara G. It’s getting real-the workouts are getting longer, my body is feeling stronger. Ironman Wisconsin is officially 7 months away now! Training in the winter in Boston can be...
15Jan
A Change of Course
by Elena D. Dear Boss (a.k.a. Coach Suzy), While I was feeling great at lunch and was under the delusion that I would make it through this shit show with my...
18Dec
How the World of Triathlon Saved My Life!
by Marijo W. When I became a Triathlete, I knew it was a life changing decision. What I didn’t realize is was a lifesaving decision. The “C” Word On March 26th, 2018...
06Nov
I Carry a Little Suzy On My Shoulder
by Claire B. Shoulder to shoulder, chest deep in the water of Centennial Beach, we stood on the concrete wall and focused on the smiling blonde woman treading water in...
30Oct
I can do ANYTHING! My Journey to The Chicago Marathon
by Debbie B. Running the Chicago Marathon for the first time took 25 years. The dream was born while watching an old boss run the Cleveland Marathon to celebrate his...
09Oct
My day at the Tunnel Light Marathon
By Amy B. WARNING: If you want to run a rain-free race, do NOT sign up for any marathon that I am participating in. Based on true statistics, if you...
15Sep
A Look in the Mirror – my reflection on Becoming an Ironman
by Todd H. It was the summer of 1982 when the thought of trying to be something like a triathlete first came up. A friend at the time, Cam W.and...
11Sep
Just don’t quit – My day at the Mighty Mac Swim
by Bob M. First, I am overwhelmed with humility and gratitude as I look back on the Mighty Mac Swim. For me, the race was a true bucket list accomplishment. Over the...
14Aug
Stuck in Transition
by Brittany E. So there I was sitting across from my new boss discussing what was going well (bedside manner) and what was going less well (efficiency slowed down by...
07Aug
When quitting isn’t really quitting …. the ET Way!
by Kathy S. Hello fellow Triathletes, Yesterday was the first day I actually said those words out loud “I am a triathlete”, after finishing the Olympic distance Tri at the ET...
31Jul
Deciding it was time to get a Coach
By Tara G. January 1, 2019. 2 kids, self-made career, and busy life later I longed to get back to my high school and college track and field team workout...
24Jul
First half Ironman race experience of a lifetime!
by Jennie F. It started as a bucket list idea to complete the full Ironman by age of 40, and I got reminded of this bucket list item as I...
21Jul
My Journey Toward ET Personal Coaching
by Trish S. This was my retirement year. After spending several years as an Illinois state employee and watching new retirees get diagnosed with stress related illnesses with some dying,...
24May
Breaking Through at Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga
by Chris H. Without a doubt, my first thank you for Ironman Chatta 70.3 this year must go to Coach Joe LoPresto of Experience Triathlon Personal Coaching Services. My...
22Jan
You Take What Race Day Will Give You
By Mike S. I had been looking forward to Ironman Wisconsin 2018 for a year. Some would say I was obsessed with it. Maybe I was. It was certainly one...
28Nov
Dropping the Rope!
By Kim S. About a year ago, I started thinking that a full Ironman may be in my future. But I also knew that, for me, the most challenging aspect...
27Oct
If I can do it, so can you!
by Amy B. If you had asked me 5 years ago which would be more likely – me winning the Mega Millions Lottery or me finishing a marathon (let alone two...
18Jul
A Proud Ironman 70.3
by Ganesh P. My wife Latha and I got into running in 2012 to embrace a healthy lifestyle, inspired by my brother Harish and sister in law Aparna. Over the...
15May
Writing My Story-Wicks
by Kirsten W. From an early age my dad always told me everything that happens in life is part of your story. Sometimes things are going to happen to further...
06Dec
The most incredible experience – Ironman Louisville
by Jill S. To understand my story, you need to know a little about me to start. Growing up, I was never an athletic kid, I was more on the...
29Nov
Glitter and Grit: The Trials and Tribulations of a First Time Marathoner in NYC
by Amy B. Dedicated to my husband Charlie for agreeing to go on this crazy journey with me and for continually pushing me. To my wonderful coach, Coach Suzy...
10Oct
The Long Road Back
By Jayme C. After finishing my first half Ironman in August 2015 and having a fantastic race year overall, I herniated a disc playing touch football with my kids Thanksgiving...
27Sep
Third Times a Charm – Ironman 3X
by Steve B. Before I share my day with you, please allow me to say thank you to several people that were a key part in getting me across the...
23Aug
The Growth Factor
by Maggie W. Today I completed the ET Naperville Sprint Triathlon for the fourth time. This is the only race I have raced each year since starting triathlon in 2014. ...
16Aug
6 Leadership Lessons I Learned from Triathlon Training
By Nicki Anderson. CEO. Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce I’m a runner, always have been. Well, at least for the last 35 years. Sure, there were phases while raising my...
09Aug
140.6 Miles of Smiles
by Kendra F. I’m a marathon runner. I’ve been running for years. I even Boston Qualified last year in Chicago. So what’s the next challenge? Well, it had to be an...
02Aug
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
by Maggie W. This past weekend I accomplished my goal of racing in a half Ironman at Racine. However, getting there was not smooth. In fact, my journey to Racine...
26Jul
The Year of First
by Sue S. Around 10-12 years ago I started doing triathlons at the encouragement of a co-worker, who has since passed away. Julie inspired me to "tri." I did and...
19Jul
The Good, The Bad, The Amazing
by Emily O. As I’m sitting on a plane flanked by my mother and sister on our way to Napa for some POST Ironman R&R, I finally had the opportunity...
22Jun
3 Clicks
by John D. 3 clicks? What the heck does that mean? 3 clicks was my comfort, it meant my day was wrapping up and everything for the rest of the day was...
16May
Racin Fuel
by Laurie S. It was going to rain and I was not happy about it. All week, the weather had predicted anything from a drizzle to a downpour for the 2017...
25Apr
Finding #runlove
by Amy B. I do not like to be told I can’t do something. So when I suggested to my husband last Fall that I wanted to do the
09Nov
Being Grateful – My Journey to Ironman Louisville
by Chad B. Five years ago I was standing in the men's department at Sears staring at the clothes rack in disbelief. I knew I needed size 38 pants because...
02Nov
My Journey to Ironman Wisconsin
by Robert D. Looking for a change in my life, I started running about five years ago. When I first started I couldn’t run a block if my life depended...
20Oct
Becoming Unlimited – The Road to Ironman 70.3 Augusta
by Elena D. My journey to Augusta can be summed up with the above two phrases. The first: You are unlimited. You are unlimited came to me through my...
13Oct
I couldn’t help but smile – My journey to Ironman Wisconsin
by Dave J. It’s been a couple weeks since I was standing on the helix looking out over a lake as smooth as glass thinking about what was about to happen....
11Oct
I’m a Believer – My Journey to Border Wars 70.3
by Dick J. Ok, so have you really ever eaten crow, or had a huge helping of humble pie???? Well this past year I am happy to say that I had...
26Sep
Relax on the swim, be patient on the bike, and rock the run – My journey to the Ironman
By Jeff D. How do you write a blog about the last nine plus months of your life? Where do you even start? Where do you finish? Well, I know...
10Aug
Conquering a rain soaked course and crazy run hills at the Door County Half Iron
by Jeff P. I debated about writing a blog post about a race that could have been another one of those races we all tuck away in our memory and...
03Aug
Becoming a Triathlete
by Marijo W. My name is Marijo. I’m a triathlete. I am a triathlete. At times, I still feel weird telling people that. Not only because this is still a...
27Jul
Nutter Butters and Defogger: Never leave home without them!
By Kirsten J. When I started out on my journey to Muncie Ironman 70.3, I had just finished out my 2015 season of a few sprints, and had witnessed my...
20Jul
Team is spelled ET
by Traci K. Coach Joe regularly talks about the world famous ET Cheer Crew and #ETsn80, but I never really knew what that meant until this season. First a bit...
31Mar
What if I could do a Triathlon?
by Elena D. I came to the sport of triathlons in 2014 after watching several Naperville events while working traffic control. I was so moved by the athletes (women specifically)...
01Jan
Who Dares Wins!
by Cathy O. As I reflect on my Ironman race in Arizona, I recall having a plethora of emotions ranging from excitement, doubt, solitude, misery, worry, elation and, of course,...
02Dec
My day at Ironman Arizona
by Bob H. I looked forward to Ironman Arizona every day since deciding it would be my next Ironman in 2013. The only time that excitement waned was during the...
15Nov
Unfinished Business
by Aaron A. When I signed up for my first marathon six years ago, I figured I would start with just doing one and see how it goes. After finishing...
12Nov
My First Half Marathon
by Maggie W. On Sunday, November 8, 2015 I became a half marathoner at the Naperville Half Marathon AND I became an official team member of
28Oct
A Crazy, Emotional, Roller Coaster Run!
by Susan G. After having no desire to race during the 2015 triathlon season, I entered the lottery for the Twin City 10 Mile “Shortcut to the Capitol” on a...
17Oct
My Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
by Kara R. My journey to becoming an Ironman started about four years ago when my friend Ariel signed me up for my first indoor triathlon. I remember thinking beforehand...
17Oct
Three words I never thought of when I said I’m going to do an Ironman
by Lida K. I’m still taking the whole race day in and thinking I can’t believe it is all over. Really, all those months of training and it is done?...
17Oct
Moving Forward One Buoy at a Time at Ironman Wisconsin
by Drew R. I’m a big fan of pizza. I don’t mean that I like to have the occasional slice of pizza with friends. Because that would mean I’d have...
16Oct
My Ironman Journey
by Sue A. “One foot in front of the other….don‘t walk off the course….let your friends pull you in…..” These were the words that were running through my head as I...
16Oct
Magic Moments at My Second Ironman
by Dale R. After hearing about the fun they have in Kona doing the underwear run, I decided to start out my pre-race fun with the First Annual Underpants run...
16Oct
Inch By Inch We Become Ironman
by Andrea S. I thought my Ironman Wisconsin journey was about recovering from a heartbreak. What I discovered, though, is that my journey was really about conquering my fears and...
16Oct
Becoming a Survivor at Ironman Wisconsin
by Ryan F. The most relaxed race morning I have ever experienced was September 13, 2015. The race that I was so calm and prepared for was Ironman Wisconsin. How...
03Oct
Becoming an Athlete
By Rose R. In July 2007, I weighed 273 pounds. I used food for several years to comfort me as my mom fought cancer for the third time and my...
19Aug
Reflections on My First Half Ironman
by Lida K. Once upon a time on my bucket list I said I would like to complete an Ironman. My husband sort of laughed it off and said, “You...
03Aug
There’s No “I” in Relay Team
by Laurie S. Everybody’s seen the small group of people hanging out in the corner of transition, lounging against the fence and watching the racers struggle by while they have...
28Jul
Can Proper Nutrition Really Make a Difference?
by Amy H. How can two races just three weeks apart have such different results? The races were both Olympic distance triathlons, Pleasant Prairie and ET Lake Zurich. The bike...
22Jul
8 Things I Learned Training for a Half Ironman Triathlon
by Nancy A. Eight years ago, I did my first half Ironman triathlon … on a dare. I had no idea what I was doing. So like any young, confident...
20Jul
Mind Over Matter
by Chris B. I tend to think of myself as a positive, mind over matter person. I truly feel if you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve...
14Jul
Overcoming my fear of lakes, Part 1
by Jamie G. It was 4:30 am on Saturday, May 19, 2012, and I was being rudely awakened by a panic attack. Not a good way to start a race,...
30May
It was a great day
by Richard M. I was not planning on doing Galena this year and only signed up the week before the race. Last time I did Galena in 2013 I did...
23Apr
Boston or Bust
by Jeff P. The life of an endurance athlete is filled with brief moments of exhilarating highs spaced by long periods of tedium, self doubt, misery and a never ending...
18Apr
Running in Circles
by Jim R. It was an interesting road training and running a spring marathon this year and for a time it looked like it would never happen. It started with...
15Apr
Ryan's Story – Time to not be afraid anymore
“Occasionally in life you meet someone that you somehow know will make a difference in the lives of so many people” – Coach Joe Please support Ryan in his quest to...
03Apr
No More Chi-bernation!
by Nancy A. There’s nothing like the first running event of spring. For me, it’s usually the Shamrock Shuffle 8k. But the Shamrock Shuffle usually kicks off something else: the end...