Testimonials for Coach Joe

“To be a great coach is to know more than crunching numbers and analyzing data. To be a great coach is to know your athlete. When you know your athlete because you have built a relationship with them, you know their fears, and the stumbling blocks that they put in front of them and their potential performance. To be a great coach is to know how to listen, look into that athletes eyes and know how to pull out the best in them. That’s only possible when you have a relationship with your athlete. I’m grateful to call Joe not only my coach but one of my best friends. Because of that he pulls out the best in me.” – Jada B.

“Guru devo bhava!” means “Teacher is God!” in Sanskrit. Joe LoPresto from Experience Triathlon is the BEST tri coach ever, and I am so blessed to have him as my teacher in this Ironman journey. He took me under his wings, patiently worked through all the issues I was dealing with to help me prepare and pursue my dream. He picked me up when I was down, challenged me to push my limits when I was up. A true role model, an amazing human being, and a great friend. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Joe. The KING of the ET Village.” – Ganesh P.

“Truly so very thankful for this human. I believe that one of the marks of a great teacher/coach/leader is that they go above and beyond to try and help each student/athlete/person reach their full potential whether it be in that specific field or life in general. Coach Joe LoPresto has done that for me time and time again and goes out of his way to help everyone. THANK YOU for being you, Coach! You are truly changing the world one athlete at a time!” – Christa K.

“Coach Joe took me from nobody to a two-time 70.3 World Championships qualifier. We spent two years together, and he opened my eyes to what a difference a coached athlete vs someone doing it on their own can really be. I had competed in triathlon races for almost a decade before I took the leap to challenge myself with the half Ironman distance. At that level of commitment, I recognized I needed help. Coach Joe and I worked exclusively through the Training Peaks platform, and he delivered everything I needed. Scheduled and customized workouts, phone coaching, and an outlet for expressing my feelings and challenges throughout the process. I was also impressed with the additional resources he provided me, like access to a nutritionist and specialty bike coach. In our time together, I went from never having completed a 70.3 to 289th at the St George World championships and a 2-time qualifier. I also achieved 5th place in the Virginia State USAT Championships and finally 58th in the USAT National Championships. Thanks for everything you did for me, Coach; I’ll always remember this journey and what you did for me.” – Jay P.

“Coach, thank you for all the guidance and support. I believe the journey I went through changed something fundamentally inside me. Previously, I would have been afraid to pursue goals that I thought were too huge for me, but training for the Ironman has taught me a lot, such as breaking down things into smaller pieces and sticking with a plan to accomplish the goals. And this would have never been possible without your help.” – Suyash K.

“Coach Joe is always supportive, helpful, and knows the right things to say at the right time.  Even though I know he has a lot of athletes, he has the natural ability to make you feel like you are the only one he is coaching!  A sure sign of a true leader.” – Chris B.

“Recently Fitness Magazine made a call for stories.  Their question… “Have you met a fitness person who changed your life?  We’re looking for women who met someone significant in their lives through a fitness activity or sport.”  This made me think about my first triathlon.  I wanted to do one, but could not swim.  A friend suggested I get a coach.  That’s when I found the amazing, Coach Joe LoPresto. I would not have been able to do this without his kind heart, patience, and coaching. The triathlon event was the scariest and most fun I’ve had.  I didn’t have anyone waiting at the end of the tri for me, but as I leaving, there was Coach Joe and his heart warming hugs.  With amazing people around you amazing things can happen.” – Angie D.

“This amazing human, Joe LoPresto, has taught me so much about how to be a better athlete and my best self. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support during my triathlon journey The road to my first 70.3 would not have been the same without you and the Experience Triathlon team. It’s been absolutely PERFECT #ETathleteoftheday #ETsn80 #ETrockstar” – Lia Z.

“My coach, Joe LoPresto is a great athlete and a true inspiration! He’s coached over one hundred athletes across the Ironman Wisconsin finish line, not to mention the accomplishments of many other athletes with other goals. Joe has certainly inspired to reach beyond what I thought was possible.” – David H.

“Thanks for everything, Coach! Without a doubt, the biggest impact I received from your coaching was doing more with less. When I used pre-built workouts for previous races, I was doing twice as much work, and I truly believe I was overtraining and stressed as a result. Thanks for helping me keep the right balance and find a pace that was much more sustainable for my fourth Ironman finish with a 50-minute PR to boot!” – Ben P.

“Coach Joe has guided me from starting in indoor and sprint triathlons through six Half Ironman races, training for my first full Ironman Triathlon this fall, and some big race plans for 2022. He has also helped me survive my overloads of personal turbulence, and he has saved me from myself far too often. He has tolerated (at least I think he has) my previous race antics, or just shook his head at me, so I promised him no craziness at Chattanooga. If you already know Coach Joe, you are remarkably fortunate to have him as part of your life. If not, then you “donut” know what you are missing!” – Chris H.

“Coach Joe helped me tremendously after only one swim session! He truly listens to his clients and uses that information to tailor an individual coaching plan. I noticed increased measurable speed(via Garmin) immediately. After 3 sessions, my swim speed went from 3:46 min/100m and swolf of 74 to 2:39 min/100m and swolf of 51 with my best pace as 0:57m/100 yards! I do not feel pressure to sign up for more sessions or classes but I return because I benefit from these lessons and enjoy them. Coach Joe makes you feel capable of accomplishments and you start believing in yourself when you produce results! I highly recommend Coach Joe and Experience Triathlon.”- Yolanda

“Special thanks to Coach Joe for getting me to the Ironman Wisconsin starting line healthy and ready to get it done. As I always say, no one succeeds alone.” – Jim R.

“I truly appreciate having a coach who takes the time to teach his athletes about ALL aspects of being an athlete and how that ties into life in general. I have learned so much already, but know I have much more yet to learn!” – Christa K.

“Some of you have asked how my event went this weekend, so here’s the story. One year ago I set a goal to complete an Olympic/International #triathlon I hired the best Tri coach around, Joe LoPresto and started the journey. This past year here is what I discovered, I’m not too old to run faster, I’m not too afraid to swim in open water, and snap in shoes for a bike aren’t as scary as I thought. I realized whether it’s in #business or #life, you have to stretch yourself, #challenge yourself to do the things you think you can’t. I believe to really engage in life you have to invite challenge in, get close to it and figure out how to go through it, not over it, not under it but through it. Yesterday I completed my goal and finished! I came out of it and said, “Wow, that was hard, but I did it!” #Chineseproverb “Those who say it can’t be done, shouldn’t interrupt the people that are doing it!”  Thanks everyone at Experience Triathlon for the support! #believeandachieve #workhard #nogutsnoglory #proud” – Nicki A.

“Without a doubt, my first thank you for Ironman Chatta 70.3 this year (2019) must go to Coach Joe LoPresto of Experience Triathlon Personal Coaching Services. My first half Ironman triathlon (Racine “16) was total misery, even though the swim was canceled and the bike was shortened because of bad weather. I told Avery for two days that it was my first and last long distance triathlon. Coach Joe lifted me up and pulled my head out…” – Chris H.  Read the rest of his testimonial HERE. 

“A huge thanks goes out to my coach, Joe LoPresto, for guiding me and supporting me throughout my Tri career and especially getting me to the Ironman Wisconsin finish line yesterday! Couldn’t have done it without you coach! Thanks as always!” – Cathy O.

“Had a great swim lesson today with Joe LoPresto from Experience Triathlon! Very quickly he found a couple issues and it was SO much easier after that! Now it’s practice, practice, practice for the Naperville Sprint Triathlon! I CAN do this; I WILL do this!!” – Pam A.

“What an incredible feeling running down the finish line chute at Ironman Wisconsin!!! The energy was overwhelming! I need to Thank Coach Joe for putting together a training plan that help me over come injuries to get this short 140.6 miler done.” – Kevin M.

“WOW!!!! That’s all I have to say about a SPECTACULAR Ironman weekend experience!!! I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE…those that came to Madison as well as those who supported the Experience Triathlon athletes from afar this weekend…you are all AMAZING!!! And another special thank you to Coach Joe LoPresto for his top notch coaching and support of all the Ironman WI athletes and for turning me into 140.6 Mile Suzy…love you, Baby!!!!!” – Suzy C.

“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.

“Coach Joe, I just want to say thank you for helping me to this point so far in my tri-endeavors. Thank you for your encouragement, your guidance, and a great group of people that you have let me become part of. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my book.” – Richard M.

“Hi Coach Joe, I wanted to give you a sincere thank you for all the help, encouragement, smiles and motivation you’ve given me over the last several months. In May, I knew I could finish a triathlon if I trained appropriately. However, as the weeks went by it became so much more than simply finishing a sprint race. It evolved into a reoccurring ego boost after every small goal was reached. Running for an hour with run-club, swimming over 2000 yards at Masters, learning (and feeling) what drafting actually felt like in the pool on Monday night open water swim, a full sprint distance brick workout at home, having an avg mph of over 17 on the bike… and on and on. THESE are the accomplishment’s that take a single goal and transform it into an amazing and empowering experience. It has been such a pleasure working out with you and fellow ET members. There was never a lack of friendly faces, or helping hand. I look forward to the next goal… 10K and eventually an Olympic tri. THANK YOU!!” – Emily E.

“Coach Joe LoPresto is the epitome of an outstanding race director. He has many talents and qualities that allow him to be very effective at managing the multiple roles necessary in order to be an excellent race director. During 2012, I’ve worked closely with Coach Joe during four indoor triathlon events and the ET Batavia Triathlon. Joe was the race director for all these events and he did an amazing job. Not only is he highly organized and structured, but he is also a great communicator and leader. His calming presence and his “Sunny and 80” positive attitude speaks volumes about the way he’s able to manage people and handle pressure type situations. More of Joe’s strengths include visualization, rapport with people, confidence and dependability. Additionally, Joe is a very accomplished coach and believes that success exists within all of his athletes. He’s able to transpire that spirit within his athletes and instill a newly born confidence within each of them. He is truly an amazing coach! All of these qualities make Coach Joe a very effective Race Director and I highly recommend utilizing Coach Joe LoPresto for future race events!!” – Cathy O.

“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’d like to thank Coach Joe of Experience Triathlon for his help getting me to a PR in the marathon. After six months of working with him I shaved 45 minutes off my previous best.” – Mike L.

“Joe is a detail-oriented professional with a focus on the customer. His work ethic is extraordinary. I have observed, from direct interaction on the ET Batavia Triathlon Race Committee, he is exceedingly prepared, understands the issues and works diligently to align all of the various resources within the triathlon’s scope to a single vision. He is a joy to work with. Joe gets things done and done well. I recommend him with enthusiasm.” – Anne D.

“I’m 47 with a background in powerlifting. I’ve also enjoyed running and other fitness activities throughout my life. I wanted to incorporate swimming into my fitness routine to remain active as I grow older because it is easier on the joints. It also seemed like it would be a nice stress outlet. So I hit the pool but I had never had formal training and my first sessions were extremely frustrating. I tried reading books and watching youtube videos to learn proper technique but it seemed like the more I tried on my own the worse I got. So I turned to ET. Within four lessons coach Joe systematically corrected all of the major flaws in my form. Now swimming has become my primary form of cardio and is extremely enjoyable. Lessons with ET was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.” – Jim B.

“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.