Coaching Staff Testimonials
Joe LoPresto
Judie Refvik
Christa Krause
Kurt Woodward
Laurie Schubert
Events, Classes, Clubs and Program Testimonials
“I’ve partnered with Experience Triathlon coaching for 2 years now. Completed my first Ironman with a smile and looking forward to continuing the journey in 2025! The programs are highly individualized and the coaches are right there with you giving advice on a daily basis. The club is packed with amazingly supportive folks from all experience levels and ages. Consider Experience Triathlon this year and start building some memories you’ll cherish the rest of your life. Do you still wonder what you might accomplish with some expert help? Here’s your opportunity!” – Tim M.
“Thank you so much for the excellent private lesson. Since then, I have been practicing the arm timing you taught me, and I’ve made great progress. I’m amazed at how you identified the most important point to correct. Just one focused adjustment has impacted other aspects of my swim as well. As a result, my swim time has improved by 30 seconds per 100m, and my stroke count has decreased by 5 per 25m. This progress was also reflected in today’s race in Florida.”
“Thank you to Coach Christa for believing in us and pushing us to go the distance at ET Summer Camp in Madison. It was worth it! Looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to my big race. Thanks Coach Joe LoPresto. It was a wonderful weekend. Everything was perfect! You and Christa did an amazing job hosting this camp for all of us.” #etrockstars
“Completed ET Pleasant Prairie Sprint Triathlon this morning. The best part of racing with Experience Triathlon is all the friends and team mates cheering one another on. This is one of the BEST reasons to do this sport. Sure, its an independent sport and how you finish is yours. But you don’t have to do the race alone! THANK YOU for supporting us not matter what!” – Elizabeth N.
“I’m telling you my friends this organization is top notch. Any coaching team that can take 20 strangers, pull us all together based on our own individual capabilities and lead us all to a finish at IM Wisconsin this year is proof enough of their expertise, but the quality of the program is best represented by the relationships I built over my 1st season with coach Joe LoPresto and the ET Team!!!” – Sean C.
“I learned about Experience Triathlon Coaching Services after I competed in an Indoor Triathlon sponsored by them in January 2022. I’m preparing for my first Ironman 70.3 (Steelhead) on June 26, 2022 and competing in Indoor Triathlons helps keep me motivated during the winter months of training. The event was well organized and the staff was great, it was a positive experience. I thought my wave coach, Joe Lopresto had a soothing, positive presence about him. Several days after the event, I received an email offering a discounted coaching lesson from Coach Joe at ET because I participated in the ET Indoor Tri. I knew I desperately needed swim coaching, especially since I self taught myself how to swim at age 50 watching You Tube videos. The Experience Triathlon facility is far from my house but I thought I would only go for 1 session. Prior to this, I went to a Master’s swim class by my house and it did not help me at all. No one pointed out to me what I was doing wrong, they just made me do generalized drills. I often felt humiliated in this local class due to my size and speed and the anxiety it caused me was not worth it. I then searched for a triathlon coach and interviewed someone local who’s plan was to take my money every 4 weeks but was never going to meet me in person. At this point, I resolved to read books, online plans and train uncoached but would take advantage on one discount private swim lesson. Coach Joe helped me tremendously after only 1 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
“I would recommend the Advanced Triathlon Classes offered by Experience Triathlon. Coach Joe is a great listener, and it is obvious that he wants to help you to achieve your fitness/race goals. I love the fact that he will provide you with the training and guidance that is unique to you. The facilities, programs offered, classes, & professional support staff will give you all that you need to be successful. The staff as ET is committed to ensuring that you are respected, that your questions are answered, and that you feel fully supported as you continue to train. The classes are a great way to meet other triathletes, have thorough discussions about your training and racing, and learn all about what you can do in order to set and achieve future goals.” – Allison G.
“#ETway – Was introduced to this group right before completing my first Sprint Triathlon. Once I was hooked to the sport, I joined because I was drawn to the friendly comradery of both the coaches and the members. It really doesn’t matter what your skill level is. If you want to train for a triathlon, no matter your age, weight, etc, and you like people, then this is your group! There is no elitism. Only positive encouragement to do your best. To be your best. I’ve been attending various classes for about 2-3 years and cannot wait to attend my first Summer Camp in July 2021. Coach Joe, Coach Suzy, Coach Jada, among so many other great coaches, are amazing human beings. They are here to help you in any and every way possible to reach your individual short or long term goals! Thank you, Experience Triathlon. Looking forward to a great season!” – Elizabeth N.
“One of the many unique things about this team and club is the comprehensive services they provide including coaching, performance testing, group or individual sessions/lessons (swim, bike, and run), CT, massage, mental skills, sports medical coverage, nutrition, training camps, affiliation with a top award winning bike shop, you name it. They leave no stone unturned from the beginner, to the elite level athlete, and all those inbetween. This comprehensive approach is really unrivaled in the Chicaoland area. Great job!” – Steven M.
“If you’re not doing Treadmill Track with Coach Bob, you’re missing out on a fantastic workout with one of the best coaches there is. My favorite workout of the week! #mylegsarejello #thanksbob #ETway” – Kate W.
“Coach Joe and the rest of the ET crew – thanks for putting on a fabulous event today! It was my first ever tri and everyone was incredibly encouraging. Already looking to see if I can juggle my schedule so I can race again in Feb!” – Beth Y.
“Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for letting me help at the ET Indoor Tri today. The more I get involved with “ET” the more I enjoy it. You guys have really created something special. More than just a team — more like a family!” – John D.
“I just wanted to extend a huge thanks to you and all of the volunteers who made today’s experience such a positive one. The team was extremely light-hearted, helpful, and encouraging all around. From adjusting the bikes, to providing water and towels, to ensuring everyone was performing safely within their limits, I was blown away by their tremendous efforts to help the participants in any way they could. I’m very much looking forward to the next indoor tri” – Mike S.
“The ET Indoor Triathlon was such a great experience and an amazing way to celebrate my birthday. All my friends had a good experience and want to do it again. Thanks to you and your staff for making today a great day for all the athletes. We are so grateful.” – Brigid
“I just wanted to comment on what a pleasure it was to participate in the indoor Tri this morning! It was my first attempt at this kind of activity, and I don’t think it will be my last. You and your wonderful staff made this a wonderful experience! Everyone was friendly, helpful, and very encouraging from when I signed in to when I left. I can’t wait to suggest this event to my friends! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!” – Kathi C.
“I had such a great time today at the ET Indoor Triathlon! Thanks so much to my super awesome wave coach, Coach Suzy, for getting me through the event. And thanks Coach Sarah for your encouraging words at the end of my run! Also can I just say this event was a great example of how important volunteers are at a race. The encouragement from everyone was awesome! Thanks to all of you for helping to make this a great event. I look forward to the next one in February!” – Allison O.
“I can say I leaned on Coach Jim Levesque, and Coach Joe LoPresto.. Leaning on an experienced coach at Experience Triathlon is certainly worth the investment or even an initial discovery conversation. I have been a coached athlete with ET for two years and could not have enjoyed this sport the past 2 yrs. as much as I have with out them. In 2014 alone; I got married; my wife and I had our first child; and we bought a house! – If that does not blow your hair back-While my wife and I achieved all of the above; I completed a handful of triathlons in 2014 and completed my first marathon and all systems are functioning well. I want to say thank you to the entire team at Experience Triathlon for all of your support.” – Tom Z.
“I just signed up for my first full session of Masters Swimming. I am so grateful to all of the coaches for working with me to bring my swimming to the next level. Coach Darryl, Coach Suzy and Coach Cathy are all amazing, and I can’t forget Coach Joe, who told me I am now a swimmer. Having just learned to swim, I was so happy that all of the time and effort I had put into learning how to swim paid off.” – Sharon K.
“Thanks Coach Bob for a fun summer at track this year. You’re work outs kept us engaged and your constant encouragement kept us motivated. Not to mention that we improved as runners. Looking forward to your indoor track sessions.” – Jim R.
“Experience Triathlon is a great and accepting club for all skill levels. Coach Joe, Coach Darryl, and the other coaches truly care about your well being and future in triathlon. After working with ET for about a year my confidence in the water has gone from 0 to being 100% ready for the Ironman swim. The workout schedule that was personalized for me by Coach Joe has not only shaped me as an athlete for my goal race (Ironman Wisconsin) but has given me the strength and confidence that will stay with me for a lifetime. Over the past year, Coach Joe and the ET crew have helped me get through shoulder injuries, mental blocks, and some pretty grueling workouts. Thank you ET for the past year it has been truly amazing!!” – Nate D.
“I went from not working out consistently for over 2yr to finding a sport that I love (especially cycling!) and completing two sprint triathlons this summer! Thanks to my wife Christina, Coach Joe LoPresto, Coach Jim Riga, and Coach Sarah Farsalas!” – Jake K.
“I’m amazed at the quality of the coaches at ET and the respect shown to all athletes. This is a top notch group of people and I’m proud to be a member.” – Ryan F.
“Thank you ET for finding my picture and posting it as one of your athletes. I am honored to be called an athlete by you amazing people. I couldn’t have made it through my training, especially the swimming without all of you, especially Coach Suzy. And on race day I was continually inspired every time a coach saw me and wished me luck or told me to have fun, cheered for me as they saw me go past and congratulate me when I was done. After my experience with you and the Naperville Sprint Tri it isn’t “one and done” it’s “when’s the next one?!” – Valerie W.
“Great turnout tonight for ET Group Track. Coach Bob probably doesn’t hear it enough, especially after a hot and tough workout tonight, but he is really doing a great job. I really do enjoy his workouts including tonight’s. He really watches and listens to everyone to maximize their performance, stride, turnover, and everything else. He always helps to find everyone’s true potential. I especially like the way Coach Bob looks and listens to us.” – Damon G.
You won’t find a better group of supportive people than right here at ET! Coaches Joe LoPresto and Suzy Cerra are the best of the best and are great mentors whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet. It just doesn’t get any better than Experience Triathlon! – Marsha W.
“Thanks for a great experience today. You and your team made my first tri a real joy. Hope to see you out there again soon.” – Dave M.
“Thanks for making what was for many of us our first triathlon experience, a great one! The ET Indoor Triathlon is one of many events SoleTri Sisters will be doing with ET! Joe LoPresto, you, Suzy and your entire team of staff and volunteers rock!!” – Kim R.
“Coach Joe did an awesome job of preparing a first time triathlete! I attended a clinic at NRC, the swims at Centennial and his clinic before race day. What a patient AND enthusiastic TRI advocate. You gave great advice and wonderful encouragement to all participants. I LOVED MY FIRST TRI (Naperville Tri presented by ET). I thought I would be panic’d the morning of, but NO, I was eager to jump in and get started. THANK YOU” – Shelly S.
“The combination of coaching during the Master’s training sessions is the right level of speed work, drills, and endurance training that has helped me become a well rounded swimmer. So much so that at my last triathlon I shaved a minute off my time for a 660 yard swim…amazing results. Thanks Coach Joe, Coach Sue, and Coach Darryl for doing an awesome job during Master’s swim, you truly make a difference.” – Jim R.
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the spring ET half marathon class. Coach Suzy and Coach Jim were fantastic. I was surprised at how much information could be squeezed into the 15 minute “coach’s tip” but it was all helpful and valuable. Plus the training program for the actual runs was challenging but doable. I did one half marathon in 2012 and while I finished it, I had a hard time at the end and ended up walking most of the last few miles. I signed up for the half marathon class with the intention of running in the Soldier Field 10 mile race. That was race was last weekend and everything went really well. My 5 mile splits were within a few seconds of each other, and while I was tired at the end I felt great at the same time. I know I was much more prepared for this race thanks to the class. I would highly recommended it to anyone who is newer at the half distance, even less experienced or slower runners such as myself.” – Mary S.
“Coach Joe, once again, great job this morning running the ET Indoor Triathlon. I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the experience. I look forward to doing it again!! Please let all of your volunteers know they did a great job and were very encouraging to all the racers. It made for great energy and a great atmosphere.” – Andy O.
“I LOVED the Indoor Tri today. It was fun watching myself swimming on the channel 7 news too! Thank you for everything and can’t wait to do it again in March.” – Tiffany D
“I really want to give you guys a VERY LARGE THANK YOU for all the help that I received from you, especially on Monday nights, I tried 3 other tri’s before today, the swim’s were all the same; panic, frustration and hanging on to whatever I could. Fortunately, I was introduced to Experience Triathlon at the ET Batavia Tri and been swimming with you since and have learned more about tri swimming in 9 weeks then in the previous 10 years. Today’s swim at the Naperville Tri presented by ET was great… no panic, no frustration, no hanging on, just swimming. Without your help, I would not have been there today. I’m already planning my next triathlon. THANK YOU AGAIN. Please pass this on to Coach Suzy, Coach Cathy, Coach Joe and Coach Jim.” – Gary H.
“Yesterday’s Cycling Hills Class was great! It reinforce some the good things I was doing and gave me the tools to add to my biking regimen. All of you were very encouraging and gave great positive feedback. I am really glad I saw Coach Joe at the 2011 SheRox expo–and signed on to be a part of ET. The benefits are showing in my run and now my bike. The ET group of athletes are an awesome bunch, always there to encourage, give good advice, and accept all no matter what level or goals a person has. Thanks for putting this together!” – Victoria K.
“Coach Joe – I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that the ET Batavia Triathlon on Sunday was AMAZING! I could not have asked for a better experience for my first Tri. The race itself was enjoyable and very well organized. It was so great to see all of the familiar faces from the ET team along the course too! Thank you for taking the time to do the pre-race clinics as well, those helped tremendously. I would definitely recommend this race to others and already can’t wait for the next one! Woo hoo! :)” – John
“I enjoyed this testing immensely and would recommend ET Testing Services to anyone looking to improve their training sessions and fitness. Its an amazing tool, thanks Coach Joe for offering such a world class service. Its just one of many offerings that puts Experience Triathlon at the pinnacle of their game.” – Jim R.
“Good morning Coach Joe, I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for an amazing triathlon experience yesterday at the ET Batavia Triathlon. Each one of our team members from Aidan’s Army had a great time. We had 4 athletes who were tri-ing for the first time…they had so much fun that they have already committed to racing again for Aidan’s Army next year! You should be very proud. Congratulations on your success!” – Kathleen M.
“What a fantastic time we had at Summer Camp 2011!! It truly was a breakthrough weekend and exceeded all of my expectations!! Thanks to Coach Joe, Coach Suzy, Coach Laurie and Coach Sue for making this weekend the best!!” – Tanya L.
“The Open Water Swim sessions that you offer have been a critical part of my swim training this year and it’s why my swimming has improved so much! It’s an absolute perfect environment to absorb the conditions of a triathlon race and it’s been the catalyst to help me overcome my weaknesses and fears. I’m so much more confident in the open water now! Thanks to all your swimming coaching staff: Suzy, Karli & Sue. They’re so knowledgeable and they make Monday nights a blast. I love all the services that ET provides and I appreciate all that you do to make us love the sport of triathlon so much more. Thanks!” – Cathy O.
“I completed my first Indoor Triathlon this morning and wanted to let all of the ET peeps know how much I enjoyed the event. I appreciated the organization of the event and the enthusiasm from all of the event staff. I am interested in learning more about your swim instruction as per my conversation with Coach Joe too! Thanks for a perfect beginning to 2011!” – Mari Anna
“Just would like to thank you and your staff for a great experience at my first indoor tri today. Everyone was so helpful and encouraging. Such a positive atmosphere. Well done! Looking forward to joining your tri club. Seems to be a good fit for me. What a great way to start a sunday. 🙂 Thanks again!” – Terri H.
“ET Masters has been an amazing help to me with my swim technique…every time I swam Masters Class, the coaches were able to pinpoint one particular area for me to work on, and with those minor changes and their encouragement, I was able to take my swim to a whole new level! Thank you, ET!!”
“Great CompuTrainer class today. I can really feel the benefits of CT and its rewarding to see the improvement in myself. It’s not only been fun but will setup a great race season. Thanks for offering this program!” – Jim R.
“ET Bike Clubbers are super nice. The riders made me feel welcome right away and the coaches were super helpful. They had route maps and made sure that nobody was dropped or left out on the road. They even stopped and did an impromptu tire changing clinic right on the side of the road when one of the riders got a flat. I enjoyed the whole experience and plan to come back every week.”