Like many that are inspired after watching Ironman Wisconsin in person I signed up the next morning. I was confident that I could do it even though I had never attempted a triathlon of any distance. I was also confident that I needed a coach. I knew that I needed technique and efficiency for the swim and the run and that had neither. I had heard about Mark from a couple friends. Mark said that he could help and we began working together in October 2005. Help he did. Mark quickly improved my swimming and running. More importantly, Mark helped me by developing a comprehensive training program to improve my conditioning and preparation for triathlon in general. Mark's coaching helped me balance family, work and training for a successful 2006 season. From zero to 5 tri's in my first year including a successful completion of IM Wisconsin in horrible conditions - I was hooked and could not wait to get started for 07. I continue to work with Mark on a regular basis. Mark helped me improve throughout 2007. My swim, bike, and run speeds improved significantly in all race distances. Even with a reduction in training time late in the season due to a change in my work schedule, Mark was able to help me focus the time I did have to maximize results. I was 24 minutes faster in half IM and almost 1 hour faster at full IM distance than in 2006.