2011:  first-time 70.3 finisher

My goal for 2011 had been to complete a half-iron man. I decided I needed a little extra help with my training and my sister recommended Joe Company. It was the best decision I made. Originally, I was a runner and transitioned to triathlons. I put a lot of effort in my cycling, then my running suffered. I was struggling with shin splints.

Joe offered great, specific suggestions as to how I can regain my confidence with my running. He adapted a couple of the runs in the training program and adjusted accordingly if aching in my shins returned. I lived out of town and wasn't able to benefit from any of the group training rides or runs, but through Joe's prompt responses to my emails and questions I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.

As a single mother, working full-time, there were several weeks that I would not be able to fit in all of the workouts. I would email Joe my schedule and he would promptly reply with a training plan for that week which incorporated all of the necessary training and worked with my schedule.

One specific training piece that I learned to love (granted, I hated it at first) was the 30 second striders at the end of my "long pace" runs. It's the last thing I wanted to do at the end of a long run, but it was one of the most beneficial training pieces for me. It built my confidence when I would complete all 4-6 of them...thinking I didn't have anything left in my "gas tank" and yet being able to complete them.  

With Joe's training plan, I built up my endurance, speed, and confidence over 16 weeks. I entered Kansas 70.3 with the normal race morning jitters, yet filled with confidence. I was very pleased with my swim and bike, and I entered the run confidently. However, the first couple of miles were hard (but Joe had mentioned that it would be hard and offered tips of how to get through these tenuous first miles). I felt great and couldn't stop smiling the entire time! Joe was right there on the race course encouraging everyone. It was a great day and I was ecstatic when I exceeded my goal time by 10 minutes! Finishing in 6:19:16.