About 5 or 6 years ago, my son suggested that I use Kevin Coady of Triforce who had been his online coach and had helped hin prepare for a couple of Ironman races. I contacted Kevin who agreed to take me on.

Kevin provides daily workouts and every week provides feedback. He gives tips to help prepare for race day as well as suggestions for the race itself.   I have found that using Kevin as my coach has had distinct advantage over trying to do my training on my own. The workouts that Kevin supplies are planned over the year to address needs – strength building, speed work, endurance – and so I do not have to think about what type of workout to do each day.

With my personality, I am motivated to do the scheduled work outs. As a result, I rarely skip a work out and so I maintain consistency in my training. He understands that there is a life outside triathlon and so is flexible in scheduling workouts when there are family and work issues that may affect my ability to train. He also works with me to make the amount of training to fit within my schedule.

Since using Kevin as my coach, I have completed two Ironman distance races as well as a number of half-Ironman and Olympic distance races. For each race, I have been well- prepared.  [Coach note: Rick is modest- he has finished on the podium at most of these races]

Finally, I find Kevin to be an incredible encourager. He is very positive in his feedback and encouragement.  He not only coaches, but he continues to compete and so clearly understands the sport. He has a wealth of information that he can pass on.

I sought Kevin’s coaching expertise during a pivotal time in my life when I was changing professions, entering menopause, and my decades-long running career had become rather stale.

Running had always been a part of my life, but I was not looking forward to the daily efforts anymore, and I’d really started to wonder why. After learning about my background, Kevin provided me with a great training program that started way back at ground zero. It created the right amount of structure and was easy to digest.

Within a relatively short time, I found my love for running again and even put a goal race on the calendar…and then received a cancer diagnosis – devastating. 3 years later, we’ve endured and recovered from cancer, major surgeries, family-life events, and other more minor hiccups.

Through it all, Kevin has listened, helped me set reasonable goals, kept me honest with maintenance, flexed through setbacks, and he’s always supported my quest to be better/stronger/faster.

Since joining Kevin’s team, I’ve run 3 marathons, qualified for the Boston Marathon, and am headed for my first ultra-distance race in 6 years.

I’m so incredibly grateful for this partnership, and at 52 years old, I’m excited for “what’s next!”