Ben Nessmith – Statesboro, GA
Jamie, I keep saying this every few months – but I am amazed at how you keep taking me to a new level. A year ago I would have said 13 miles is completly out of the question (much less sub 2 hour). I am finaly in the top 50%. I will never be “fast” but I feel like I am in the “real deal” level on the run. I realize that the improvement may slow at some point since I had no athletic training previously. However, I am just having fun and feel like I am fortunate to have called Go Tri about a coach. I am racing, as you know, for self satisfaction not awards – you are a big part of me feeling self satisfied in this aspect of my life – thanks.
Scott Brooks – Anderson, SC
In April, this year, I did not even know what a 70.3 or Sprint was.
I did not know anything about “tri’s”.
Anyway, my wife wanted to do a ‘tri’ and I am turning 40 this year so I decided, midlife crisis I guess, that I needed to get into shape and wanted to try to have some fun while getting exercise.
So, I purchased a used road bike in April and purchased my wife a New bike.
She seemed to be more ‘into it’ than me.
We did a Sprint Tri in May.
I had fun!!!
So, we did another Sprint in June.
I met a few people and got interested in the sport.
I started trying to ‘train’ myself. But, I did not really know what I was doing.
I started asking a few more questions to a few guys that I had met that seemed to be ‘good’ guys and ‘fast’.
I met Vance Rowland here in Anderson and some of his buddies.
Vance told me about Jamie.
So, I talked to Jamie and signed up for 12 weeks of coaching.
I was thinking that I would be better off with help / training than trying to figure out myself.
I signed up for coaching with the intention of just trying to learn what I need to do. I never imagined that I could do Half Iron 70.3. I just thought that was for ‘elite’ athletes.
I wanted to get into shape and have some fun doing tri’s.
I was thinking who could complete 70 miles without feeling like you would die!!!! Unless you had been exercising since you were in High School.
My first workout week with Jamie was 2nd week of July.
I had not ridden over 20 miles before starting training with Jamie.
I had not swam more than 600 yards.
After about 6 or 8 weeks or so, I do not know for sure, I asked Jamie if he thought I could do a 70.3 and he said yes!!
In basically 12 weeks I went from doing 2 Sprints to just finishing my first 70.3!!!
I completed the SC Half at Greenwood State Park 10/4!!
I am proud.
I am also happy with my time, 5.34.04!!
I actually enjoyed the experience.
It was a lot of work, but I think well worth it.
I have since signed up for 12 more weeks of training!!
I have several friends now thinking of training for tri’s b/c of the fun experience that I have had and enjoyed these past 12 weeks.
Now, I have people asking me if I am going to do a Full Iron.
Who knows?
I now know that with the proper training that I could do Full 140.6. I am confident in Jamie’s coaching / training.
The question now, do I want to do the training?
IF I do, I think I will go all out and even get the tattoo!!
Tim Cunningham – Florence, SC
“A big Thank You to Coach Jamie Church for getting me RACE READY for the SC HALF .. your workouts gave me the confidence to know that I could go the distance .. Thanks , Jamie .. for my first HALF IRONMAN”
Eric Hunter – Easley, SC
“I first decided to train with Jamie and ‘Tri Your Best’ when I registered for Ironman Florida. I had heard through others about TYB and how great the coaching was. I am a local triathlete, so I obviously knew who Jamie was and I was aware of him being one of the best triathletes in the state, but I didn’t know him personally. After meeting Jamie and talking to him, I immediately knew that this was a guy that I would enjoy being around and having as a coach. Jamie is a first class guy who operates a first class coaching service. He is a great example of what an elite athlete should be.
One of the things that stuck with me from very early on after first meeting Jamie (and before he was officially my coach) is this: he and I met before a local race, and he told me to go out and just have fun – not to worry about anything else. For some reason, coming from an elite athlete like Jamie, that statement surprised me. Anyway, that simple statement has stuck with me throughout every race since then and I now approach every race with that same attitude – no matter what else, my goal is to have fun training and racing.
My fitness level and abilities have greatly improved since joining up with TYB. The training plans are customized personally to fit my individual goals, races, and abilities – he considers your lifestyle and the amount of time you have to put forth into training. You often hear triathletes and coaches talk about “training smarter, not harder” – that is true with Jamie as well – you do train MUCH smarter - however, don’t think that you aren’t going to train hard. Jamie indeed trains you very hard and you WILL see results. His coaching methods are proven and they work. He is a ‘hands on’ coach who is very active in your training and your progress – he doesn’t just sit back and toss you a generic training plan. He puts his time and effort into you and strives to help you reach the goals that you set! Having Jamie and TYB as a coach is the first step in becoming the best triathlete that you can be.
Andrea – Anderson, SC
“Coaching with Jamie and Tri Your Best has made all the difference in the way I approach training. My main reason to contact Jamie was to get help to fit the increased training demands for an Olympic Distance race into my life without feeling that I should be training every spare second. By having custom programs prepared each week – I was able to spend the time I had for training rather than scheduling. It has been a great season. I have improved significantly in my cycling and swimming. Jamie’s constant optimism and laid back manner are perfect for my goals or enjoying triathlon, improving my skills, and having fun! Jamie is a proven winner and competitor, but as a coach, he understands those who wish more for a healthy lifestyle and the fun of competition even if they do not always come first. He truly allows each athlete to live the motto of Tri Your Best by Striving, Believing, and ulitimately Achieving your personal goals whatever they may be!”
Jonathan – Easley, SC
“I started to train for the Hilton Head Triathlon in January by myself. It wasn’t until march that I asked Jamie to be my coach and help me with my triathlons. Since April I have competed in three triathlons and have had a blast. Jamie’s workouts are awesome because you don’t always train hard, you just train smart. Jamie and myself have also been meeting down at the Cleveland Street YMCA, where he has improved my swim stroke, which was one of my goals for this year. Jamie is a great coach and friend and I look foward to having him coach me.”
Martin – Greenville, SC
“Let’s face it, Life is about setting goals and achieving them. I did Triathlons over 6 years ago and my times were “good” for just starting out. Since Jamie has been my coach my times have significantly improved and I am 6 years older!
I have co-workers that I have a friendly competition with. They do not have Jamie as a coach and are consistently suffering from injury and mind you, slower on race day. I was always wondering why, I mean these guys are younger than me, I am not a freak of nature, I don’t have more time than they do. The reason is because Jamie takes a good look at what your goals are and customizes them to your life style. He does not allow you to over train and get injured, at the same time when race day does appear on your calendar, you are ready.
I enjoy the races because I am not completely zapped at the end. I feel good and I have a blast. If you want the same, don’t take it from Jamie, take it from his customers!
What are your goals? mhuttig@charter.net ”
Bill – Greenville, SC
“I started competing in 8K’s & 5K’s in May 2006. In July 2006, I decided to take on Jamie as my coach after a couple of friends talked me into doing a Duathlon; my first ever multi-sport event. It’s the smartest thing I could have done. I was over-training and getting sick doing it on my own. Jamie uses Heart Rate Zone training. I had trouble understanding how one could train slower and end up going faster in the races, but that is what is happening for me. In just 3 months both my 5K & 8K paces per mile have improved by over 1 minute. I am 52 years young and I believe that through the training program that I am on, I will end up running faster than I ever have. I just started cycling in April of 2006, but in the same 3 months as for the run, my cycling skills have also improved a great deal.
Thanks Jamie.”