|
|
"I spent most of my youth as a competitive swimmer and was always part of a team with a coach. So, after trying a few sprint triathlons last year (after being non-competitive and just minimally active for 20+ years) and stumbling along by trial and error, it was only natural for me to conclude that it would be a heck of a lot easier and more successful with the benefit of a team and/or coach. I had 3 primary objectives when I first went looking for a program. 1) Expedite the learning curve- at the ripe young age of 43, I didn’t want to waste years trying to figure out all of the best methods of this 3 dimensional sport 2) Optimize my time- I am a wife, mother of 2 young children and have a full time job that requires a fair amount of travel. I wanted a program that could fit into my schedule and keep my family as the first priority 3) Prevent injuries- my age plus my competitive personality told me I would be headed for trouble if I didn’t learn how to train smart.
After a brief phone call with Mike, I immediately felt comfortable with his style and knew I was in good hands. I really liked the customized and interactive one on one approach that was tailored to me on a week-by-week basis. After just one year under his coaching, I achieved all of my objectives above and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my results. Not only did I place 1st in my age group at my first Olympic distance but went on to place 2nd at the very competitive Boulder Peak and then finished up with another age group and regional masters championship at a sprint distance. Even more exciting is knowing I have just started tapping into my potential and can count on Mike to help me break more personal records next year."
Kathleen Steffe
1st Overall Female Master, Rocky Mountain Region 2005
1st Overall Female Master, 5430 Series 2006
Qualified for 2006 Olympic Distance World Championships
|
Kathleen Steffe
|
Gretchen Harvey
|
"I am a triathlete! I can say this now! I am also a 39 year old mom, wife, and a business owner. This year I finished my first Half-Ironman, The Timberman Triathlon, in New Hampshire. And, most importantly, I don’t think I could’ve done it without Mike’s help. I was a novice to triathlon, and the idea to try one was jokingly given to me by a few friends I ride with. I got bit by the bug after doing a few sprint races, and decided that I would give a longer race a shot. I found a lot of information on-line, but no one answered my questions with the down-to-earth and positive attitude that I got when I spoke to Mike. He didn’t act arrogant and helped me feel comfortable about being a novice in a sport that can be pretty intimidating. We started from the very beginning; he took me through base-building, understanding heart rate training, gave me important nutritional advice. Mike understood the importance of creating schedules around the rest of my very busy life; his help and prodigious knowledge of triathlon was absolutely invaluable. Sure enough, I put in the hard work and long hours, but Mike kept me focused on my goals. He kept me from over training, and helped me make the most of the time I did train. I am looking forward to working with D3 Multisport again and participating in more events in the future, but I don’t think I will ever forget the euphoria of crossing the finish line of that first race. It was a great day! Thanks Mike!"
Gretchen Harvey
Timerberman Half Ironman Finisher 2004
|
|
"I came to Mike just a few weeks before doing my first Ironman at IM Vineman in 2002. The person I had helping me before moved away and I was desperate. I talked to Mike on the phone and he agreed to do what he could in the time we had. I finished the race with the confidence that Mike knew what he was doing. In 2003, I trained very hard but only raced twice, ½ IM CA, and IM Coeur d'Alene. I did not finish IM CDA and was very down. I talked to Mike afterward but he did not blame me or give the "we'll get them next time" spiel. He listened to me and told me what he thought went wrong. Within a few weeks we were working on 2004. I even went to Boulder to get fitted on my bike this winter. I raced ½ IM CA again, Wildflower, IM CDA, and ½ IM Vineman this year. I set a personal record in each event. Mike was at CDA cheering us D3 athletes on. He was with me before, during, and after the race. It was awesome. I was so confident in my training this time I was just so relaxed going into it. I ran the race we trained for and I took 90 minutes of my IM time. I passed 393 athletes on the run! That's what he helped me do. I have a rotating schedule with 24 hour shifts and a family and Mike makes the schedule work great. He understands my needs and works with them with no complaints. Mike has become more than a coach, I consider him a friend. He cares about his athletes and how they do. I plan on going even faster in the future, and I know it is just a matter of time with Mike helping."
Sean Truchard
Vineman Full 2002 – 13:08
Ironman CDA 2004 - 11:31
Ironman FL 2005 – 10:28
|
Sean Truchard
|
Joe Lavine
|
"At the end of my 2003 season I had completed only two sprint triathlons and two Olympic distance triathlons and for some crazy reason I decided I wanted to do an Ironman. At least I was smart enough to know I didn’t want to do it without some professional help. I spoke with and met a handful of coaches and easily decided on Mike Ricci of D3 Multisport. Mike understood and was willing to work with my crazy work schedule. I knew right from the first meeting this would be a great pairing.
From the beginning the workouts were fun and challenging. Every step of the way I felt like I was moving forward. Baby steps. The variety of workouts kept me very motivated. Every few weeks I eagerly waited for my new workout schedule from Mike.
Leading up to my big day I raced some 5k runs, a half marathon, and two half ironmans. I think every week for a month prior to my ironman I would ask Mike, “am I ready for this?” He would just remind me of all the work I had done in the pool, on the bike and on my runs. Mike would say I was ready and to trust my training.
He was right! On August 29th, 2004 I became an Ironman.
I am already looking forward to our second year working together. If anyone has any questions about what Mike can help you accomplish please give me a call."
Joe Lavine
Ironman Canada 2004 Finisher
|
"In May 2003 I entered the Wildflower long course triathlon. The weather was horrible and I was filled with dread and fear that I would not be able to complete the event. My training was sporadic and frankly I did not have the confidence required to do my best. The horn went off; I went into the water with a light wind and some chop and about half way through the course, I concluded that I was not prepared and raised my hand to jump on the boat and exit the race. If you know anything about me, quitting is not in my DNA, but on that day I was not prepared to endure what would have been ahead of me. I decided it was time to find a coach!
I searched online and looked at five different coaches, reviewed their programs, methods, level of communication and assessed their overall interest in me. When I discussed my experience with Mike, I felt he immediately understood and also gave me insight into how, if I committed myself, I could really build the level of fitness that I aspired to. Mike put my plan together, while working in all my personal commitments: 11 hour work days, family obligations and the desire to be an Ironman. I followed his program religiously. It is remarkable how Mike's insight and confidence has allowed me to maintain balance and to sustain the level of training necessary. Not only is Mike a great coach, but also a nutritionist, psychologist and friend. He has passion for the sport and is committed to supporting you as an athlete no matter what your level. A testament to Mike and his coaching is the fact that I finished the "Great Floridian Ironman Triathlon" in October 2003. In 4 1/2 months, I went from DNF (Did not Finish) to Ironman, which is why I would recommend Mike Ricci and D3 Multisport as my first choice for a coach."
Taylor Hawes
Great Floridian Triathlon Finisher 2003/2004
Ironman CDA Finisher 2004
|
Taylor Hawes
|
|
|