Tri . . . and Accomplish!

What our Danskin athletes say:

Coach Ken Johnson's beginner triathlon class was awesome! I was well prepared physically as well as emotionally for my first Danskin triathlon! Coach Ken took the time to answer all my questions and gave me the confidence I needed. When I began the class, I thought, "I'll be happy when I'm finished"! I was very happy when I completed my first Danskin triathlon, but, I'm not finished! In fact, it's only the beginning! Thank you Coach Ken for opening a new door and inspiring me to challenge myself in ways I never considered before!

J.S., 2007 Danskin finisher

The ten week training plan that we received was a great guide to follow and prepared my body for the race, the workouts were very "do-able" to complete with a busy family weekly schedule and the tips given for transition set-up and equipment use were extremely helpful.
Thanks Ken, I enjoyed the class and the race!

J.M., 2007 Danskin finisher

Thanks for all your guidance, support, and encouragement. I really felt prepared on Sunday and I can't believe I could be whipped into shape in 10 weeks. I'm so happy with how far I've come and I plan to keep up my workouts. I know I won't have any trouble beating my time next year. I've learned so much in such a short time and I have you to thank! I'll probably be checking out one or two of your classes this winter!

B.R., 2007 Danskin finisher

What a difference the Danskin training class made. I had done two Danskins, but chose to train on my own. This year, I decided to seek some expert advice and signed up for the Danskin class. It was great to get the information/training plan, train with other people and make some new triathlon friends along the way. I also took the swim class, which gave me a much needed real-life swim experience. I truly appreciate the support Ken and the class provided. With these classes combined, I improved my time by almost 20 minutes. I'll be back in these classes next year! Thanks Ken.

K.M., 2007 Danskin Top 15% Overall Finisher, Top 20% Swim Split, Top 15% Run Split

I've never been an athlete, but agreed to race in the Danskin after my neighbor told convinced me that it would be a rewarding experience. I was extremely nervous about the triathlon, since I've never done anything like this in my life. So I signed up for Ken's Danskin class. By the time the race rolled around I felt completely prepared, and more calm than I could have imagined. I know that I could not have done this on my own, and have recommended Ken to many of my friends who are interested in training for a triathlon. In fact, I've registered to race in the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, and will be taking Ken's class to help me transition between the two races. Thanks, Ken, for everything that you've done for me!

A.M., 2007 Danskin Finisher

Thank you Ken!
This is my second year in the beginning class (too scared to go forward!!!) and you've helped me improve major time! You've always supported each of us and telling us that we can make this without a doubt; you are awesome!
Thanks for everything!

M.D., 2007 Danskin Top 30% Overall Finisher, Top 30% Swim Split, Top 10% Bike Split

I would highly recommend any athlete who is contemplating participating in the Danskin Triathlon, or any other triathlon, to take a "first-timers" training course with Coach Ken Johnson. As a first time triathlete, I was pretty confident that I could finish the race but was very unsure of the whole process including transitions, equipment, expectations and etiquette. By taking the training classes, I learned all about transitions and how to minimize my time, what equipment I really needed and, come race day, I was confident enough to proudly walk towards the swim start line knowing that I belonged there. Many kudos and thanks to Coach Ken and his staff for educating, training, and encouraging all of us "first-timers". Ken's love for the sport is evident in all of his actions.

C.W., 2007 Danskin Finisher

I've been taking the Danskin classes for three years now and it is a great experience. I always meet new people and have new experiences.

H.N., 2007 Top 15% Overall Finisher, Top 15% Age Group Finisher, Top 20% Run Split

I always knew I wanted to "enter" a triathlon, but never knew where to start training. Ken's class took me step by step...week by week through everything necessary to prepare - down to changing a flat tire without outside assistance. Being held right at the Rec Plex, also gave us the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the course a bit better. I had a great time, and know that I will be signing up for the Danskin again next year...maybe even trying the Intermediate Training course!

S.J., 2007 Danskin Top 1/3 Overall Finisher

Thank you for your help....after having my little boy in December, I really didn't know if I would be able to get in shape for this race but really wanted to. The class was very non-threatening and helped me ease back into an exercise program.

J.D., 2007 Top 15% Overall Finisher, Top 20% Swim Split, Top 20% Bike Split

I surprised the hell out of me. Never thought I could make it across the lake especially, in January I couldn't even swim 1 lap in the pool. Never underestimate the power of a woman!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your help....

C.V., 2007 Top 25% Overall Finisher, Top 25% Age Group Finisher, Top 10% Bike Split

From our 2006 Danskin Training Classes:

In my second year of training with Ken for the Danskin, I again exceeded my expectations. I trained with Ken all winter- his cycle, brick and swim classes kept me motivated and excited for the upcoming tri season. The intermediate Danskin class challenged us with more intense workouts so we were ready to improve over last year's performance. I did just that by improving my overall time by 4 minutes and bettering my place by 30, coming in 4th overall. I placed 2nd in the Elite division; something I was nervous about competing in, but Ken eased my fears and said I was ready for it.

I continued training with Ken through the winter and joined his 2006 Intermediate Danskin training program. I wanted to improve my time by at least 10 minutes. My 2006 Danskin results surprised me. I finished with a time of 1:13, I was first I my age group and 13th overall. I enjoy Ken's training program. It's very comprehensive, fun, and flexible enough to fit into my busy work and home life. In addition I have met some fantastic women who are now my friends and we can continue to train together. Thanks, Ken!

The beginner's triathlon program gave me the confidence to compete and excel in my first triathlon. I had no idea how to train for such a race and this program offered so much excellent information which I believe really gave me an edge in the race. I really enjoyed the program and I would highly recommend it to other first-timers interested in completing a triathlon.

I also feel, the time you spent on hydration, nutrition and transition was well worth it. You also prepared us mentally for the race and part of doing these is mental. On Sunday, when I crossed the swim finish line, I said to myself, I just finished the swim, I can do this. I was also fortunate enough to see you in transition and get a high five from you - what a vote of confidence!

I can never run out of good things to say about Coach Ken. His positive mentoring, sense of humor, and obvious passion for triathlon imbue everything he says and does. As an Athena with a capital 'A', I had plenty of people doubting my abilities -- but not Ken. He helped me find my inner athlete. I've weighed less, but I'm in the best athletic shape of my life, and I finished the race with my head held high, and under my goal time.

With my 40th birthday looming only months away, I decided to do a Triathlon this year. Fearing injury and/or the inability to complete the mission, I decided to take Ken's beginning Triathlon training class. With the help of his regimented, yet easy-to-follow training program, the weekly discussions and the camaraderie of my classmates, I not only finished the race, I exceeded my goal time by 20 minutes!