Tri . . . and Accomplish!

What some of our athletes have said about Coach Ken's training programs:

Thanks again for all your help to make this happen for me. Without your class, I may not have improved by so much. I'm hoping to get better each year, since I intend to continue doing triathlon!

M.D., 2007 Danskin Training Class, who improved almost 13 minutes over 2006

I took one of your swim classes over the winter and improved my Danskin swim time by almost three minutes and I had much more energy coming out of the water this year. Thanks!

S.E., Tri Swim Clinic participant

I just wanted to send a note to say thanks for all your help leading up to the Danskin. This was the first year I trained properly and it showed in my time -- 1:33 (versus 1:50 first year and 2:09 the second). Most eventful was that I conquered the mental part of the open water swim. I think your real-life training sessions really helped with that. Thanks again for all your coaching!!

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

I had a great time and am going to do the Pleasant Prairie Tri in Aug. The class was great and I felt pretty prepared for the Danskin, thanks for all the tips.

J.M., 2007 Danskin finisher

Can't thank you enough....almost all in the bike and a little faster on that HOT run. Count me in the tri brick classes throughout the year. I need to work on the run, and shave off a few minutes on both the swim and the bike. Thanks again!!! Your help and encouragement is much appreciated!!

W.W., 2007 & 2006 Danskin Training Classes, 5+ minutes improvement in 2007

What was the mantra? "It may be like this on race day"? Well it was! Thanks for the preparation.

C.W., 2007 Danskin Training Class

Thank you so much for your help with my training for the Danskin triathlon.

Even though I couldn't compete this year, I learned so much about swimming, bike handling and running (I don't clench my fists any more!) from you. I would recommend your triathlon courses to anyone. Weren't the ladies in my training group THE BEST this past Sunday!!

Thanks again for everything, especially for your continuous encouragement.

J.E., 2007 Danskin Class Participant

Thanks for these great newsletters. I really enjoy them. I've been out this season as I'm expecting my third baby, but I'm eager to get back into it after August. Hopefully, I'll be able to benefit from taking some of your classes...maybe even participate in the Turkey tri in November! You (and friends of mine who've taken your classes) continue to inspire me.

M.M.

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 have made some great friends in Ken's classes and they make it fun to workout and always challenge me to work harder. I am continuing to train with Ken for the rest of this tri season and will be back for another Danskin next year.

J.M., 2006 Danskin Training Class and #2 Elite Finisher

This is my second training season with Ken Johnson. I began training with him in the spring of 2005 to compete in both Danskin and Pleasant Prairie triathlons. His training program helped me finish with a time of 1:26 in the 2005 Danskin and 1:22 in the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon where I finished fifth in my age group. 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!

C.S.R., 2006 Danskin Training Class and age group champion

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'm excited to continue my triathlon training in the future.

H.S., 2006 Danskin Training Class and top 5% age group finisher

Thank you very much for holding the Danskin Training class. This year was my second Danskin and second year training with your group. The first year I was nervous but felt prepared and I account that to taking your training class. This year I joined the intermediate training class and recognized familiar faces from the previous year and some new faces. I really love being able to train right on the Danskin course, so the course is very familiar. I really appreciate your coaching style. You work well with women of wide ranging athletic abilities and give everyone equal importance and attention - Thanks for that Ken. I really did appreciate all the hard work you gave to the class - thanks for giving us the "tools" and information we need to really do it! It's pretty amazing to be able to say I've done a triathlon and training with a group helps keep me motivated to go back for more.....Thanks Ken!

K.U., 2006 Danskin Training Class

As you know I began training for Danskin in January with the Swim and Brick classes. As I look back, I realize how important it was to get the basic swim stroke down and to condition my body with running and biking. I knew going into these classes I would be in shape by Danskin - and let me tell you I was!
     I am proud to say that this was my first Danskin triathlon and I couldn't of achieved the results I did, without the training I took. I personally set a goal of 1 hour 37 minutes but beat that with 1 hour 31 minutes.
     By the time I started the Danskin class - for swimming I already knew the importance of the sweet spot, and keeping your head down. On the run/bike side, this is where I feel I really improved the brick workouts. I think the thing that helped me mentally prepare for the race was the day-by-day schedule you put together for us. I remember when I first looked at the calendar 9 weeks out and then saw "Race Day" I was a bit nervous, but soon realized I could do this.
     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!
     Ken, thank you for everything you did to make my triathlon such an enjoyable experience. Not only am I a tri-geek, but I have also gained new friendships. Not to mention, the caliber of people I trained with. Jodie, Cheryl, Vicki, Kate and Heidi and the rest of the class we all did extremely well and you should be proud of your girls!
     It has been an honor to be part of your training classes and I look forward to taking classes with you in the fall.

K.F., 2006 Danskin Training Class and top 20% age group finisher

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. I'm looking forward to my second triathlon soon, and will be returning to Ken's coaching through the offseason to improve for next year. Thanks, Coach! You're the greatest.

K.S.T., 2006 Danskin Training Class

This was my second danskin and with the help of Ken I was able to take 20 minutes off my time. I was also better prepared for the race mentally and physically

R.S., 2006 Danskin Training Class

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!!     The Danskin motto is 'The woman who starts the race is not the same one who finishes it.' I now know that to indeed be true! The journey was a terrific experience and the end result was more motivating and satisfying than I ever dreamed.

R.A., 2006 Danskin Training Class

I would have been a fish out of water with out Ken's help. I went into the class with the goal of just finishing. About half way threw I had enough confidence to set a goal (which I reached). The day by day training plan kept me motivated and on track. The additional inside outs of transitions, race day info and equipment was a huge help. I shared Ken's wise words with a friend that was also competing with me and many that were our cheering section. I have a handful of friends ready to sign up for Ken's class and do the Danskin with me next year. Thanks Ken for making me a triathlete.

K.R., 2006 Danskin Training Class

After participating in your Tri Swimming class, I feel like I finally understand the freestyle stroke. My strength and endurance have really improved as evidenced by a decrease of 20% on my swim time.

M.G., 2006 Danskin Training Class

Your training program is already showing results. If you had told me in September that in a few weeks after riding for an hour I would knock out a sub-eight mile, I would have told you that you had me confused with someone else. I haven't run a sub-eight mile in years. Thanks.

E.H., 2006 Training Plan client

"Ken, Just want to say THANK YOU -- THANK YOU -- THANK YOU!!! My goal was to come in at 3 hours and to my surprise (and some very good coaching...) came in at 2:04!!!!!!!!!!!"

S.M., 2005 Danskin Training Class

I took the Danskin training class to help prepare for my first triathlon. Ken had a detailed training plan to follow that included biking and running the race course and swimming in Lake Andrea. Also in the class we practiced transitions and learned about all aspects of triathlons. During the race, I felt more prepared and comfortable because I knew exactly what to expect. This class is excellent for a first-timer or even people who want to improve performance. The whole Danskin experience was wonderful for me and I will be back next year!

J.M., 2005 Danskin Training Class and top 40 overall finisher

I have to tell you the first day of class I had my mind made up that I was going to class today, since I had signed up and paid but convinced myself that I could not do the triathlon. But by the end of that class you had changed my mind and gave me the motivation to attempt it. Your schedule and helpful hints were invaluable - and at each class you kept us motivated and on target. I was able to complete my goal of finishing- in fact I was able to finish with limited muscle soreness that day and the next. I would highly recommend your class/program to anyone.

M.W., 2005 Danskin Training Class

I really appreciated the Danskin Triathlon class given at the RecPlex. I was able to take more than 20 minutes off my time from last year and finish 9th in my division. Thanks to Coach Ken I met all my goals and had a great race.

D.D., 2005 Danskin Training Class

I had considered entering a triathlon for quite some time. After reading about the class at the RecPlex that would prepare women to enter the race, I decided to check it out. In the first class I was pretty confident that I wouldn't be able to complete the triathlon....especially the swimming. But Ken gave us a training schedule that began where I was.....one lap at a time. I hadn't jogged in quite some time and was worried about having to run 3.1 miles, but Ken taught us the 5/1 program and prior to the race, I was able to go 4.5 miles! I am planning on entering two more triathlons this summer! My next goal is to run a marathon and I am hoping that Ken will create a class to help me cross that finish line too!

C.D., 2005 Danskin Training Class

Being this was my first triathlon, the Danskin training really helped me be successful. The training class gave me a reasonable workout that I could accomplish with my work and family schedule. The coaching about transition and the course helped take the stress out of my first triathlon. Most of all at the end of the race I could congratulate fellow athletes I had trained with and celebrate our success. Thanks, Ken.

H.N., 2005 Danskin Training Class

Coach Ken's triathlon training class was excellent and provided me with all the tips I needed to successfully cross the finish line feeling like I had really accomplished something. I learned how to plan my race and race my plan, but gained even more personally. This class gave me the inspiration and the knowledge I needed to find my inner strength and to succeed in something most people would never even try. Most notably, I have never been a runner and signed up for the triathlon knowing that I could walk the entire 5K. In the training class I had a breakthrough moment when Ken taught us his running plan. I applied this through the entire race and successfully ran the entire thing with only the sporadic one minute walks according to the plan. This really and truly works and I owe it all to this training class. I LIKE to run now, I CAN run now. Beyond that, his training plan works, and I am now a triathlete. My husband and my son said they've never been more proud of me then the day I crossed that finish line.

W.B., 2005 Danskin Training Class

Everything about the class was extremely informative and practical. Without Ken's encouragement I never would have attempted the triathlon.
     I had just gotten into working out again after a four year absence due to some physical problems. Many times I felt like giving up because I was the slowest person on the class, but he always managed to say something that kept me going. Without taking the class and learning all that I did, I doubt if I could have finished the race. I am looking forward to taking more of his classes and doing better next year.

M.P., 2005 Danskin Training Class

I have wanted to participate in the Danskin for the last three years, but I could never motivate myself to commit to a training schedule. When I would begin to train, it was to late and I would over train myself into an injury.
     In 2005 I decided to join Ken Johnson's Danskin Training course offered at the Lakeview RecPlex. This Sunday morning class was perfect for a working Mom and the training schedule was flexible yet kept me on track. Training rite at the race site took the stress and anxiety away on race day.
     When I first signed up for the class my goal was to just finish, no matter what my time was. Halfway through the class I changed my goal to complete it in 2 hours or less. I am happy to say that my official time was 1:51:55.
     Next year, I hope to beat that time.
     My sincere thanks to Ken Johnson, the RecPlex and to a group of wonderful woman who gave me the motivation and inspiration to become a Triathlete.
     THANK YOU!!!!! KEN.

K.G., 2005 Danskin Training Class

Thanks Ken. The transition tips were especially helpful in making it easier to get out to the next leg.

C.R., 2005 Danskin Training Class

That was just what I needed to hear about swimming, breathing, and conserving my energy for the rest of the event. I already feel like I've gotten my money's worth out of this class with the experience and knowledge I've gained.

K.C, 2005 Pleasant Prairie Training Class

Thanks for the great training plan.

R.M., Personal Triathlon Training & Training Plan client