Triathlon Coaching
Testimonials
Jacquelyn Neary, 23, Student, 3rd Place Finisher F20-24 - New Balance 1/2 Ironman 2006
I met Carolyn when she was a guest speaker at a running clinic that I attended; her passion for healthy living and specifically triathlons were a huge inspiration and motivation. Carolyn coached me through my first half Ironman this past year.
As a beginner to triathlons, Carolyn's training program and expertise were so knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to continue with running commitments and races that have been a big part of my training schedule while still training on the bike and swimming. Carolyn made a training schedule that worked wonderfully with my busy schedule and I never felt over trained or run down. The recovery aspect of Carolyn's training program and steady increases in training work wonderfully for a beginner, but the experience and organization that Carolyn has also works well for a competitive athlete.
Carolyn was available and quickly answered any question that I had through all of my training as well as provided specific training sessions including transition training, open water swimming, and race day preparation.
Because I'm moving in the fall, I'm looking forward to continuing to work with Carolyn over the next year via online coaching as I prepare for my goal to do a full Ironman triathlon in 2007.
Alison Keighan, 46, Coast Guard Search & Rescue Coordinator, Ironman Canada 2005 Finisher
I've long admired Carolyn Gebbie, even before she was my coach. She brings to her clients the same energy and level of dedication that she applies to her own training.
Under Carolyn's care I reached my 20-year dream of completing an Ironman triathlon. For anyone, finding the time to train for an Ironman race is a huge challenge. With two young daughters, a husband who is out of town a great deal of the time and a full-time shift work job, I needed a plan that would maximize the benefits, but still allow me to maintain some form of balance in my life. Carolyn worked closely with me, adjusting my training schedule to meet my strange demands. She even customized a strength training program I could do at work during those long, slow night shifts. The range of knowledge she shared with me was vast; it included proper technique, mental preparation, nutrition, race strategies and all those small but incredibly important race details. I arrived at the starting line at Ironman Canada this year healthy and well prepared, both mentally and physically. Carolyn invests a lot of herself in each of her clients. When I crossed the finish line at Ironman, I truly believe she was as thrilled for me as I was for myself.
I highly recommend Carolyn as a coach and I look forward to working with her again next season.
Jan Frith, 40, Ironman Canada 2005 Finisher
Carolyn brought me to the Ironman Canada start line fit, strong and motivated. Signing up for IMC becomes a very long training season and it's easy to lose motivation or to over train. Not once this season did I encounter this and I attribute a big part of that to Carolyn's focus on balancing training with the rest of life's components. Her training schedules are flexible with a strong focus on injury prevention. I highly recommend Carolyn as a Triathlon Coach.
John Fyfe, 47, Research Scientist
After completing an assortment of short and middle distance triathlons I began training for my first Ironman with Carolyn as my coach. Carolyn prepared and guided me through a no-nonsense injury-resistant program which got me to the beach at the 2005 Ironman Coeur d'Alene totally prepared, both physically and mentally. I especially appreciated the flexibility that the program provided, allowing me to train while maintaining a busy work and travel schedule. Right to the finishers tape I raced strong and smiling. Without reservation I highly recommend Carolyn as a triathlon coach.
Jim Kerr, 49, Architect
Carolyn served as both a great trainer and a wonderful mentor. The six month training program for my goal race of the 1/2 Ironman this year gave me needed direction and confidence in all aspects of triathlon including daily workout schedules, nutrition planning, gear advice, transition techniques and race day preparations. Carolyn's ability to share her knowledge and experience coupled with her obvious enthusiasm for the sport made working with her a great all round experience.
Debi W., Administrator
Being fairly new to the sport of triathlon I asked Carolyn to help me out in preparing a training schedule as I embarked on my journey towards completing my first Half Ironman race. Carolyn laid out a 3 month plan that was very detailed in what I should be doing daily in all three disciplines. She carefully considered my starting fitness level and increased the training distances in a steady progression. Carolyn was always available in terms of answering the many concerns and questions I had in regards to nutrition, equipment, and race details. She was always supportive and encouraging and I felt like my success was important to her. Carolyn got me to the start line prepared and uninjured. I had a wonderful experience and she was right there with me every step of the way.
Bob G., 51, computer security specialist
First place finisher in age group - New Balance 1/2 Ironman - Jun/04
First place finisher in age group - Panorama Classic Triathlon - Jun/04
Second place finisher in age group - Garden City 10km - Apr/04 (PB 38:08)
First place finisher in age group - 2003 TriBC Races Series
Carolyn's triathlon programs enabled me to achieve a fitness level which met and surpassed my personal goals. Last year I won the Triathlon British Columbia Race Series for my age group and qualified for the Provincial Triathlon Team. This year I have already placed first in two local races and second in another and am on track for Ironman Canada in August.
Carolyn's programs are comprehensive, yet simple to use. After considering lifestyle as well as family and work commitments, she designed a calendar of training activities to gradually build my fitness and skill levels. In the off-season I followed a detailed weight program and maintained good fitness and nutrition. For the triathlon race season, my training calendar was periodized. Each training block consisting of two heavy weeks of training followed by 1 week of recovery activities. Each day specified the duration in hours for each specific activity (ie weights, swimming, cycling, running, cross training, pool running, hiking, etc).
The CompuTrainer proved to be invaluable for cycling technique and performance measurement. Periodically my performance was measured in watts and heart rate to track my fitness improvements over time. However, the CompuTrainer's true value lay in its bio feedback feature. When adjusting my cycling technique, the Spinscan readout told me whether I was utilizing the correct muscle groups in my legs for optimum power output. Additionally, Spinscan was also great for bike fitting to ensure I was correctly positioned on my bike for maximum power.
With Carolyn's comprehensive triathlon program I can keep my training on track. Instead of expending my scarce free time on planning for each successive week, I can enjoy other pleasures and concentrate my energy on the actual training.
