 | "Well, the race was Saturday and I was extremely pleased to say the least. While it was a very fast,flat course and I think I was one of the few who tapered (IM Wisconsin 3 wks), I placed 6th out of 50 w/a time of 5:12.22. Splits--31:14, 2:50.06 and 1:44.20. I felt as though I could have gone forever on the bike and held my own during the run with 7:58 avg split. I have always loved swimming so that wasn't a concern.
I highly credit your training program for allowing me to be so strong and to finish w/a smile! I jumped into the longer Half Ironman program after being in shape for Olympic distances. While some weeks were incredibly challenging, others weren't as bad and they all paid off in the end. I also took into consideration your nutrition suggestions and took in approximately 300 calories/hour not including sipping GU2O throughout." |
Author: Amy Busse
Race or Event Name: IM Wisconsin |
 | "Thank you, thank you, thank you for Gale's three part article "A Beginner's Guide to Tri." I decided to undertake my first triathlon and began training in December 2001. I competed in my very first triathlon on June 29th -- the Starved Rock Triathlon in Ottawa, IL. It was a fabulous experience and I completed the race 44 minutes under my goal. I could not have done it without Gale's wonderful training schedule! I have already signed up for my second triathlon! " |
Author: Christi
Race or Event Name: Starved Rock Triathlon |
 | "I successfully completed my first triathlon this summer, and I want to thank you for helping to make it happen. At age 38, I had no former endurance experience to speak of. For months I had been trying to design my own training plan, but I only ended up confused, overtrained, and discouraged. While visiting triathletemag.com I came across your 12-week training program for beginning triathletes.
I followed your program, which was simple to use and very practical. I also followed your email advise you were so kind to give me (Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised to find someone as busy, and as notable, as you willing to correspond with a novice triathlete like myself. Thank you.). The end result was that I finished my first race placing 6th in my age group, and 42nd overall out of a field of about 125 triathletes.
Your program not only helped me finish my first race, it also helped me better understand and apply some of the principles of training (and rest) I had previously read about, but was unable to successfully apply before turning to your program.
You can be sure I will continue to recommend your program to others who I think might benefit from a simple and practical training plan for beginners. " |
Author: Calvin Lamar Brown, Sr.
Race or Event Name: Not Mentioned |
 | Congratulations on your 6-week crash training for an Olympic distance triathlon. I started with a sprint triathlon in December after only 4 weeks of training, did more or less well (1:30), after not doing sports for almost 3 years due to my work. Then I came across your training plan and it just fitted to prepare for an Olympic distance triathlon in mid February here in Ecuador where I live. I finished it in 2:23 (correcting for the distances that were somewhat shorter, probably 2:38), which exceeded my wildest expectations.
9 months later I did my first Half IM, again in Ecuador, following your beginner's Half IM program, finishing in 5:48. Again, it was below my target time and I give you all the credit for guiding me on a fun and injury-free training path.
I am now preparing for IM Austria in July, again following your program. I will let you know how I did. |
Author: Alexander Zederbauer
Race or Event Name: Half IM Guayasman |
 | "I just wanted to write you a note to say "thank you". I accomplished all my goals this year. I just finished my first ever half ironman yesterday. My time was 6:30 which was right on target. Earlier this season, I finished my first ever marathon, and I improved my Olympic distance time by half an hour. All these done following the plans prescribed in your book. I've always been a slow poke.. I ran the slowest in my class in high school, and was never athletically inclined. It feels great to be able to accomplish all these. Thanks again. I would recommend your book to everyone. Regards, " |
Author: Jorge
Race or Event Name: Half Ironman |
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