I came to TriLife with very little athletic background. Before beginning the program, I candidly discussed my lack of experience and lofty goal of completing an Ironman with the coaches. Based on extensive personal interaction with me in a training environment, they were able to address my specific needs and guide me through the physical/mental/emotional development required to evolve from newbie to Ironman in a ten month period.

The program is top notch. It is intelligently designed by endurance sports experts who have been there/done that and get true joy from sharing their passion with others. Training plans are broken down into weekly, comprehensible chunks with ample coach context and commentary to make the impossible possible in small steps over time.

Teams are carefully selected and purposefully kept small to ensure maximum coach/athlete interaction and foster an environment of team camaraderie and bonding. I had never considered myself a "team" person, but I found that being surrounded by a group of truly great people (the coaches do an excellent job of team selection) from all different backgrounds striving to achieve the same goal was exceptionally motivational.

A final word on the coaches: Their professionalism, experience, and love of what they do is inspiring. I am proud to consider myself a "Lifer", and highly recommend the program.

Deanne Draeger (IronTeam 2008)

I did the 2008 Ironman Lake Placid program with TriLife. This was my third season doing triathlons. In 2006 I did a few Sprint and Olympic distance races and in 2007 two Half-Ironman races. I had no competitive swimming, cycling, or running background prior to starting triathlons.

Looking back, I don’t think I had any idea what I was doing until I started training with Trilife. The “building block” approach developed by Scott and Ross not only prepares every athlete physically, but mentally as well, which is just as critical for getting to the finish line of an Ironman.

Their results speak for themselves. Every single athlete who started the race in 2008 reached the finish line. This is not a simple achievement for a 140.6 mile event. I strongly recommend TriLife for every athlete wanting to take on the challenge of an Ironman.

Gil Schorr (Iron Team 2008)

I wanted to thank you for helping me achieve one of my dreams. This past year experience training for the Ironman with TriLife has been one of the best in my life. I had the opportunity to meet life long friends and share in a common goal with a terrific group of people. The coaching I received was by far and away greater than anything I expected when I signed up. From those cold winter days training in Central Park to the great weekends in New Paltz and Lake Placid your dedication to the team was truly astonishing. I really appreciate all you have both done for me as a coach and friend over the past year. Thanks again.

Robert Tuchman
President
TSE Sports & Entertainment
www.tseworld.com

In 2003, I committed with 25 other friends to take the challenge of training for our first Ironman with TriLife and have been part of it ever since. Little did I know when I jumped in head first that TriLife would be far more than just training for a race - it would become part of my life. I soon discovered I could be physically and mentally challenged beyond my limitation and I could achieve some amazing personal goals while being surrounded by coaches and teammates who offer unlimited support, mentoring and most importantly, friendship.

Jenny Hinshaw, 2 X Ironman, cancer survivor

I became an athlete through TriLife. When I first started training, I couldn't swim across the pool, and I was an 11 min/miler on the run. After training with TriLife, I am a two time Lake Placid Ironman, with a PR of 12:26:44. Most importantly, though, through TriLife coaching and methodology… I've embraced a new lifestyle. Thank you Ross, Scott, Earl, Lance and Kim.

Charlee Garden, PhD
www.charleegarden.com

I had only ever completed a single half ironman before joining TriLife (not even a sprint or Olympic) - I was terrified that I wouldn't be prepared for the challenge of an Ironman - but the athletes who had completed the program before me assured me that our coaches would prepare us in ways we would never realize until we were in the middle of the race. They couldn't have spoken a more genuine truth.  The TriLife coaches are incredible - beyond any training I could have dreamed up on my own - they offer support in ways that you wouldn't imagine that you need it - they give you both tough and gentle love - depending upon the brand you need - and solely because of them, along with a little mental tenacity that I happened to receive at birth - I completed two Ironman in two years. It was an honor to train with such amazing coaches and such an incredible group of human beings. You taught me how to suffer with dignity!

Stacey Spain

As a non-traditional IM candidate (a little older/slower than the average) I can say without a doubt that the TriLife program can work for anyone committed to training. I'll admit that I was worried when the season started that I would not be able to meet some of the challenges in front of me, but as the season progressed the results of the carefully-calculated program unfolded and left me ready to rumble right on time. I trained beside people half my age and almost twice my speed – I consider them some of the greatest friends and training partners I will ever have. It's a testimony to a well-crafted program that we could all train side-by-side but all team members got exactly what they needed to bring out their very best.

Connie C.

Although I was new to triathlons, as a 9-time marathoner with a 3:14 PR, I thought I knew what I was doing when I joined TriLife, at least when it came to running. WRONG. You have to let go of EVERYTHING you think you know about your strong sport(s), and you have to put your "life in your coaches' hands" so to speak, and trust that they will train you to become an IRONMAN TRIATHLETE - not a stronger runner, or a better swimmer, or a faster cyclist. And you must put your full trust in them for the entire length of the training - ten full months - and have faith that they will successfully guide you across the finish line. I did, and there was not a speck of doubt in my mind when race day arrived that I would finish, and I did of course, with faster overall time that I thought possible.

Kristen Bowes

Big big thank you to all of you guys. Until Sunday, I had "run" two half marathons, both stand-alones, and both times had to walk much of the last 3 miles or so. My run time on Sunday was way faster than either of those stand-alones. And I knew it would be - you had me ready.

The system TriLife uses is great for training. But the fun, friendly, smart atmosphere you guys foster is at least as important. I really appreciate the technical understanding you impart as well as the upbeat, personal, and motivating way in which you impart it. Seriously great stuff!

Looking forward to new goals and new challenges next year.

Michael Williams

Personally, I joined TriLife because I knew Scott and Ross from Team in Training and I was confident that if I joined their team, I would successfully complete Ironman. An event I never thought I'd be able to do. A few other things happened along the way. My goal of completing Ironman turned into competing in Ironman. This happened for a few reasons. One, the hands-on coaching is incredible. Two, the camaraderie of the team, everyone pushing and supporting each other. Three, the structure of the program. Four, the diversity of the workouts.  Five....support. When you join TriLife, you are supported throughout the season and on race day, by both coaches and your teammates. You have more support than any other athlete/team on the course. My knowledge in regards to racing, training, resting and nutrition increased thanks to TriLife. My passion for the sport, even after a 10 month Ironman season, never dipped. The coaches (all 6-7 of them) are very hands-on and know each of their athletes strengths and weaknesses. No matter what your goal is prior to joining the team, they will do their best to help you achieve it. I can also speak of the Half Ironman team. For me, I had different goals/reasons for joining their Half Iron team. My goals for this distance were to increase my speed. Through intense/diverse workouts, I have seen improvements in my swim, bike and run. Especially my bike and run.  TriLife provides the program, knowledge and coaching to achieve all your goals. Although triathlon is an individual sport, TriLife is a team. These are some of the reasons I will continue to train and race with TriLife.

Jason Fleischer 

What can I say - hands down one of the best experiences of my life. TriLife gave me the strength, the skill, the confidence and the discipline to complete my first Ironman. I seriously can not imagine doing it on my own. In fact, I know that I would not have succeeded at the level that I did without this team. The coaches are without question incredible. Not only are they accomplished triathletes, cyclists, swimmers and/or runners - they are also absolutely in love with this sport and it shows.  What they put into this program and what they put into each individual athlete is like nothing else you will experience. It doesn't matter what your ability is, they find ways to tap your potential and push you just that much more - most of the time without you even knowing it!  I know it all sounds very intense and don't get me wrong, it is. But anyone who knows me knows that I am anything but serious. So yes, I did manage to have some fun during training and more importantly I met who are now some of my best friends when I joined TriLife and that alone made it all worth while. Oh, and now I can say "I am an IRONMAN" which is also pretty cool!

Brandi Bailey - Lake Placid, 2006

Why you should consider TriLife:

You will accomplish more as a part of this group than you'll ever accomplish on your own. Your new friends will push you harder than you can push yourself and you'll have "fun" doing it.

There are things that you think are hard before you start the program that won't seem all that difficult as you're going through it - these workouts will make the thought of an Ironman race not all that daunting.

You will be well prepared for the race and enjoy cruising past other teams training at Lake Placid over Memorial Day weekend - they will be impressed by you, as will other athletes during your training half Ironman races.

The TriLife coaching team is great and you will soon love them more than you hate what they are making you do.

Kevin Nee

A challenge worth the effort. Believe it, an Ironman distance triathlon can be fun. With the TriLife program you should feel more than confident you are getting access to exceptional expertise and excellent coaching. It is what ultimately ends up making an Ironman triathlon a potentially fun event - the long but well paved road of preparation. Trust in the program but feel ready to question and learn too. You'll find enjoyment and success in a Team that prepares you for an event as an individual.

Tamsyn, Ironman Lake Placid 2005

Thanks to Ross, Scott and the rest of TriLife - coaches and participants - I was incredibly well prepared for race day.  While other athletes fell apart in the final miles of the bike and the run, I managed to stay strong and steady to the very end.  As the miles ticked by, I understood that every workout, skill session, nutrition discussion, and clinic I attended for ten months was designed with one goal in mind:  for me to finish an Ironman race to the best of my ability.  

Scott and Ross have an uncanny ability to get into their athletes' minds and to understand what makes them tick. They combine equal parts of traditional coaching and psychology to nurture their athletes, using a different approach for each participant.

Amanda D.

Ross, FYI - last week was the BEST bike session I have ever attended. Learned more in 2 hours from you than my entire biking history combined!

Cheers, Nicole
Nicole E. Faucher
CEO
Alt Partners

I just want to say Thanks!  Thanks for the best 10 months of my life. When I first decided to sign up for the Ironman, I was scared to tell people what I was doing.  I felt like it was ridiculous to say, because how could this newbie triathlete be able to complete such an amazing feat.  I'd say, "I am going to train for an Ironman and hopefully I will be able to finish...." but after a few months of training I really started to believe it was possible.  And after our camp up in Lake Placid and I didn't even question it.  I AM going to COMPLETE an Ironman!  You guys are truly great coaches. You took me through 10 months of hard training injury-free, you made me stronger, faster and more confident.  I always hear your voices when I race, and it gets me through. You know how to motivate me and to keep me positive.  I knew that if I just followed your plan and put the time in that I would get to this place, I had faith, and on Sunday I hope to do you proud. 

Thanks again so much. I hope you realize what a great impact you have had on all of us in TriLife!

Lisa G.

Voices from outside TriLife:

A very special thanks to the TriLife team and coaches as well.  TriLife was everywhere on the race course supporting and encouraging Asphalt Green as if we were wearing red too. As much as this is an individual sport, team spirit, defined as 'the spirit of a group that makes the members want the group to succeed', is what truly carries us all.  Please know that team spirit is very much appreciated by everyone - red or green - and you helped make it a special day! So congratulations to everyone who completed Lake Placid and many thanks to those who cheered us on in person or via email!!!  You all have huge spirit and determination - no matter what the distance!!

Best always, Allison

To all of the TriLifers at Lake Placid this weekend:

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank your entire triathlon club for the fantastic support on the Lake Placid course. You guys were really amazing. You made me smile every single time I went by you. I can't believe how supportive you were of every racer out there. What a kick I got going by you guys!  Thank you so much for bringing such enthusiasm and spirit to the course. You really did make it easier. It was great getting called by name all the time too.

At one point of the run, I was still a couple of miles from where my family was cheering me on and I was starting to feel the hurt a bit more. Then, I passed one of the spots where your club was and the pain went away for a bit.

Thanks for being out on the run and the bike. The bike was a bit lonely, but you guys were out there too. Really incredible support.

Thanks again, Dawn Tsiofas

I hope found the right trilife team, hopefully there is only one. I wanted to extend a huge Thank You to one of your coaches. I don't know his name, but maybe you can help me find him. He saved my race on Sunday at Lake Placid.  Just as I was making the first big climb on lap two of the bike, both of my quads locked up.  I have never had this happen before and have never felt such horrible pain. I couldn't move and thought I was out of the race. Since this was my first IM, I was completely freaking out! One of your coaches, a guy, with an accent was near me, ran over, got me off my bike, calmed me down and helped me work out the cramp. He gave me advice on how to proceed and sent me on my way. He didn't have to do any of this, but he did, and treated me like I was one of his own athletes. A true pro, and a good human.

Please pass on my thanks to him, and know that I will be forever grateful.

David Wallach
Vice President, New Business Development
KEF Media

I am from Maine and belong to a club called Midcoast Multisport. I did Lake Placid last Sunday and I have to say that your club was great at cheering everyone else on the course on. This was my first Ironman and I did ok; I finished. I had some trouble on the run and had to walk quite a bit. Your club was great at getting me and I am sure many others pumped up and going again. I just wanted to say thanks.

Tim V.

My name is Ted Wilson and I'm the vice-president of the Adirondack Triathlon Club. While at IMLP this past weekend, I met a few of your club members. All of them were so nice and seemed to have great races, too. You have an awesome club. It’s what we're striving for.
 
Thanks so much and best of luck, Ted