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"When I first thought about using an on-line coach I was not sure what benefits I would gain. Since working with D-3 coach Amy Kuitse, I feel I have gained confidence in my performance in all three aspects of the sport. By Amy's personal success and knowledge in the sport, I am confident that I am getting the best advice in improving my performance, which has shown in my splits and total race times. I was also able to compete in and finish my first Half Ironman this year.
"Amy may have many athletes she coaches, yet she still addresses my personal needs according to my schedule and ability. I credit Amy for a great deal of my racing success over the last two years. She has, on several occasions, demonstrated her commitment to me as an individual. One example of her commitment was in my first year working with her she drove over 1 1/2 hours to watch me race after she had traveled and competed the day prior. I would recommend Amy and D3 coaching to other athletes looking to improve their performance."
Beth McGrory
Laura Duncan
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"Had I known going into this season what my life was going to entail, I would not have contacted you about coaching this year. I knew that the single factor of being a shift worker made coaching a viable option for me as none of the published training plans I looked at take into account 12-hour work days that sometimes fall on weekends. Certainly none are tailored to accommodate a geographic relocation on short notice, arguably a change in career, a couple of funerals of family members, and the unpredictability of Army training. My performance in triathlons and my life have both been enhanced from your coaching.
"I like structure and your willingness to keep my workouts posted in advance even when you know my schedule will change provides some stability in my planning. At the same time, you've provided practical advice about when to be flexible with the training plan to adapt to life events whether from an internal or external catalyst. Thank you for balance.
"You've cheerfully put up with the times I use the workouts as my personal playground to experiment with how they work rather than following them to the letter. Sometimes curiosity and fun sidetrack me. You have chosen to be amused rather than irritated at this playfulness. Thank you for laughter.
"My questions have been answered knowledgeably when I've bothered to ask the hows and whys of specific workouts and general season layouts. This has saved me from spending hours in the academic training of this sport. Thank you for teaching.
"At times when I've been ready to through in the towel, you've provided encouragement to keep me going. In the end, I've felt better for going on. Thank you for motivation.
"When I've pushed myself too hard for psychological, not physical reasons, you've let me go and have adapted other disciplines to allow my body to compensate for the physical release I've needed. Thank you for understanding.
"You've patiently put up with the demands of the Army, learning our culture and language. I hope that this closer encounter still leaves you believing that this bureaucratic organization really does secure the freedoms we know in America . Thank you for your support.
"No one is told what might have been, so I do not know what my season would have looked like without you as a coach. As I look back on the successful completion of three triathlons and a marathon, I see no reason to second guess my decision to work with you. I look forward to continuing to work together through next season."
Laura Duncan
Maureen Kennedy
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"I signed up for my first IM - IM Louisville the day it opened. I believed I could get all my nagging injuries taken care of before the training really would start in January. After consulting with a sports medicine doctor, he strongly suggested a coach to get me through, based on my history of sports injuries.
"I consulted Amy in regards to injuries, my ability to do an IM and that fact that is was almost March and I still hadn’t gotten those injuries cleared up. She always said yes, you can do it and that I had plenty of time. Her positive outlook and attitude are qualities needed in a coach and Amy has them many times over.
"Early in the training my running was hampered by the injuries and we started with 4 minute runs/1 minute walks and slowly built on that a week at time. Amy always remained positive and gave me lots of feedback, always telling me I was in good shape and I would be ready by August. I had a lot of self-doubt and she constantly reminded me that I was going to do it, I would be an Ironman.
"Along with the injuries, I had to balance a full-time job, 2 children and teaching step aerobics. Amy designed a great plan for me that allowed me to maintain a life and train for the IM. Her enthusiasm and passion for the sport are incredible.
"Through the many emails of my latest "injury", Amy stuck with me and on August 26, 2007, I could say that, "I am an Ironman". I remember seeing Amy at mile 14 on the run course, as she jogged along with me telling me I could do it, that I was going to do and she would see me at the finish. I was grinning like an idiot at the finish, but enjoying every moment. Crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling.
"I think without Amy’s coaching I would have injured myself and not been able to compete. I cannot thank Amy enough for all her help, encouragement and support over the seven months of training to get me to the Ironman. Thanks Amy!"
Maureen Kennedy
IM Louisville Finisher 2007
Tracy Eaves
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"I don’t believe that you can quite grasp the amount of physical and mental commitment and time required to train for an Ironman until you have done it yourself or have shared home and family responsibilities with someone who has done it.
"Signing up for my first Ironman – IM Louisville, 2007, I was somewhat in the dark about the amount of time and dedication, not only me, but also my family, would need to give in the months to follow. I work full time and have a husband and two young children & was about to add IM training to an already full life. I quickly learned that there are two primary must haves in order to make my IM journey successful – a very supportive spouse & a terrific coach. I was lucky enough to have one and would soon find the other.
"When a good friend, and fellow Ironman, found out that I had signed up for IM Louisville, the first thing that she told me was "you HAVE to call Amy." Out of all of the advice I would receive over the next five months, that was by far the best.
"Amy assessed my life requirements, my training base and my IM goals. She laid out a schedule to meet my training needs while balancing the requirements of IM training with my life. Knowing my goals, it was important to her that I not only prepare for the IM, but that I also keep my mental health in check and allow enough time and energy for my family during the training.
"Throughout my training with Amy, never once (barring something completely outside of my control) did I doubt that I would become an Ironman. Amy prepared me physically, mentally & nutritionally – all equally important – to finish the IM.
"As Amy & I worked more & more together, I grew to trust her completely as she laid out & adjusted training plans, suggested different nutrition strategies, taught me about heart rate training techniques, and answered an endless amount of questions. No question was off limits to her – I can attest to this…I asked them all.
"There was one critical element of the IM that I hadn’t realized the importance of in the past - nutrition. Amy helped me understand how a good nutrition plan was essential for completing the IM. She helped me formulate just the right plan, which was not an easy task given that nothing seemed to work with my stomach. She was very patient and continued to suggest new things until finally, we found the right nutrition plan for me.
"You’re right where you need to be," she would tell me over and over as the day got closer. One by one, she would help me tick off my worries until amazingly, I had nothing left to worry about on race day. It was my first IM & I expected to be a nervous wreck. However, I woke up calm & excited & was able to sit back & enjoy the experience - taking in all of the IM excitement knowing that I was prepared.
"Many times throughout IM day, I would remember things that Amy had told me. As the day went on, I found myself adjusting nutrition & output as conditions dictated.
"As I learned during training, some things are just out of your control, such as the weather. IM day turned out to be very hot. As I was dealing with stomach & heat issues during the run, I found that I KNEW what to do to allow myself to continue. I knew how to alter nutrition, how to adjust my speed, how to listen to my heart rate, how to maximize my chances of getting through the run and finishing the IM.
"In spite of not feeling well, I found myself smiling as it all became clear to me….Amy had not just trained me to finish the IM, she had given me the knowledge & tools to be self-sufficient during the event. Once I realized that, I knew for certain that I could deal with anything that day handed me & that, at Louisville 2007, I would finish my first IM.
"The IM was a tremendous experience that I will never forget. Amy’s coaching made it an incredibly enjoyable experience; I don’t know that I could say the same thing had I done it without her coaching.
"The day after IM, as I walked through downtown Louisville, proudly sporting my finisher’s shirt, my husband looked at me smiling. He laughed & said "are you…..strutting?!?!?" I thought about that for a second & replied, "Yeah…I guess I am strutting." The smile that I crossed the finish line with was with me then & still spreads across my face every time that I think about the IM (which is still fairly often!).
"I owe my "finisher’s strut" & that constant smile to the two people who made this not only possible, but really, really enjoyable – my husband & coach Amy. Both of them are already involved in discussions with me about IM #2!
"Thank you both!"
Tracy Eaves
IM Louisville Finisher 2007
Joe Pozsgai
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"When I entered the 2006 Ironman Arizona, at age 52, I only had seven years of mostly Olympic distance triathlon experience. Initially, I had every intention of using an eighteen-week training program I cut out of a magazine in June 1999. After all, that was more structured than any training program I had used up to that point. Thankfully, I recognized early on that there was much more to training for an Ironman distance race than stringing together a series of swim, bike and run workouts. Coaching was something I knew others used but I had never really thought about it for myself. However, I’m convinced that deciding to contact Amy provided a solid foundation for the preparation that was so key to a successful race day.
"One of my biggest concerns was how to make Ironman training fit with business, family and other commitments. That is one of the first things Amy addressed and tailored a program not only to meet my race goals but also my personal obligations. Having a well thought out and structured training program turned out to be one of the most positive new experiences I had while preparing for Ironman Arizona. I stayed motivated and challenged without getting run down. Amy brings a passion and enthusiasm to her coaching that is contagious and makes the entire process very rewarding. I never had any doubts about my training program, either prior to or during the race.
"Training during the winter in Northern Indiana for an Ironman in April in the desert also presented some additional challenges with pacing, nutrition, hydration and overall race strategy. The time Amy spent with me discussing these areas and the perspective she gave me on adjusting my strategy and goals to meet the race conditions turned out to be absolutely critical for me on race day. Amy constantly reminded me to trust my training and make decisions on race day dictated by conditions and events during the race.
"On April 9, 2006 I became an Ironman just like Amy predicted so many times leading up to the race. I’m convinced my first Iron journey would not have been nearly as positive or rewarding without the care and guidance provided by the person I call "Coach K". She was with me every mile!
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Joe Pozsgai
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