Ian Mikelson - 1st US Amateur Ironman Hawaii 2009
Prior to working with Dirk I trained as many others do.
That is to say that I read articles, incorporated
what the various “experts” advised and hoped for the best.
I trained with partners & groups, executed intervals, tempo
sessions, long efforts, etc…
However, at a certain point I felt my training had reached a plateau.
I had resisted hiring a coach in the past because I felt many were
just about the money and that individualized attention to detail was
lacking in most “programs” I saw.
It was only after reaching this plateau that I sought Dirk’s help.
Immediately it was made apparent to me that while all the work
I had been doing had touched some of the bases, my training
regimen was far from complete. In only two months of working
with Dirk I felt significant gains had been made, and the Ironman
World Championships in Kona would be the proving ground.
With both my mental and physical preparation being laid out
by an athlete of Dirk’s caliber who has “been there and done that”
I found myself floating at the starting line calm, confident and ready
to race. Kona proved my confidence in Dirk was more than justified.
In just those three short months of working with Dirk I was able to
drop eleven minutes off my previous Ironman time on a much
tougher course! I placed 3rd in my age group, 43rd overall and
ended up the top American amateur!
I am 100% positive I would not have produced such results
without Dirk’s coaching. If you are dedicated, driven and willing
to sacrifice, I recommend Dirk’s services without reservation.
Charisa Wernick - 5th Ironman Hawaii 2009 AG 30-35
Dirk's knowledge in physical training, his education in nutrition
and exercise physiology and his ability to train me mentally
have taken me from a mid-pack age grouper to a pro triathlete
in only a few years.
Knowing that he has been a top-level pro and never given me
a workout he has not himself completed in training allowed me
to put my trust in his coaching abilities from day one, without
ever being disappointed in the coaching or the results.
Kevin Jaruzeswki - 1st time IM Hawaii Qualifier
After 5 progressive years of racing triathlon and being self coached, I felt that it was time to step up my game and try a new approach to training.
I had met Dirk through a friend in the later part of my 2008 season and we began discussing my race goals for the next year. Knowing that Dirk had once raced as a pro was very comforting, and he clearly identified with every aspect of having to train while balancing a career and family.
While it may still amount to long training hours at times, the guesswork is completely eliminated and the approach is so personal that it completely underscores the purpose of working with a coach. At the close of my 2009 season, I am happy to report that Dirk has helped me achieve every single goal that we set out to accomplish for this year (qualify for Kona, sub 4:30 at the ½ IM distance, and multiple new PR’s set along the way).
For the level of service that Dirk provides, and the fact that he works with such a small and select clientele easily makes him one of the most valuable coaches in the multisport world.
Diana Noble - Preparing to qualify for IM Hawaii 2010 at IM Arizona November 2009
Update Dec 2009: Diana achieved her goal and qualified
for Kona 2010...we are proud of Diana and she is the 4th
athlete that qualified out of 4 athletes coached in '09
I have trained with Dirk for the last couple of months.In the past I had tried a number of different coaching options but found each one to be lacking in some way. I was one of those who noticed how well my friend Charisa was doing at her triathlons and wanted to know who was coaching her.
Soon after Dirk set me up on a customized plan in hopes of setting a new PR at Ironman Arizona this coming November. The plan is very challenging but doable. I am a busy Mom of 3 who loves to compete in triathlons. The best part for me is that Dirk was able to design a schedule that allows me to train while my kids are at school and keep training to a minimum on the weekends when I want to spend more time with my family.
After only 6 weeks under his guidance I'm running intervals faster and more easily than before. Dirk has been very generous with his time and has taught me the purpose behind each workout. My story will continue as I race Ironman Arizona. Stay tuned...
