Athlete Testimonials from our Triathlon Training
What our Athletes are Saying
I participated in Coach Ken's three week Open Water Swim session. I signed up for the Danskin, my first triathlon, and I was nervous about the swim portion of the race. I saw this class as an opportunity to swim in the same lake as the triathlon. However, I got so much more out of the class. Not only did Ken provided useful tips and excercises realted to open water triathlon swimming in general, but he provided swimming, biking and running information specifically related to the Danskin. His years of experience with the Trek and Danskin events were a real added bonus to the class. I would not hesitate to participate in another of his training sessions no matter what triathlon I decide to do next!
Colleen S., 2010 Danskin Triathlon Training participant
I want to thank you so much for your excellent coaching which contributed so significantly to my successful first triathlon this summer.
When I arrived at the first session of your Open Water Swim clinic, in preparation for the Danskin race in August, I was terrified of the swim portion of the race. The first evening made me believe I could do it, despite realizing that I was going to have to change my swimming to accommodate the wetsuit. Your calm encouraging attitude made all the difference. A few days later, I attended the Danskin Prep Camp with my daughter—another confidence booster, and a treasure trove of good practical advice and information. By the end of the second Open Water Swim class, I had begun to enjoy the water, despite my apprehension. The race simulation a week before the race was another great opportunity to prepare mentally and physically. And by the end of the last Open Water Swim, I had been in the lake where the race would be held five times, swum the race distance, and learned to relax to an extent I had not thought possible.
On race day, the coaching and preparation paid off. I had promised my mom I would use the help of a swim angel, and started out with an angel shared with another swimmer. The other woman was in trouble from the start, and ultimately left the water by boat. I was confident enough to take off on my own, and complete the distance with no stops—something I had not expected to do. Without the open water experience and coaching you provided, that panicked woman could have been me. Instead, I reached the other side of the lake ready for the challenges of the rest of the race.
I would strongly recommend that everyone planning to do this race take advantage of your classes, especially the Open Water Swim sessions. It was so worth it!
Mary D., 2010 Danskin Prep Camp and Danskin Open Water Swim Workout participant
Thank you once again (my fourth summer!) for helping me achieve multiple fitness goals. Your extreme patience and guidance are gifts that I've taken advantage of!
Here's proof how well your training has worked (look who had the fastest swim time and second fastest bike time in the "the oldest ladies class" at the Chicago SuperSprint this past Saturday!!)
Thank you for being the best coach!!!!
Janet E., 4-year Triathlon Training class participant
Last spring, I attended an informational meeting for people interested in participating in a triathlon for the first time. I had my doubts, but after attending the meeting, seeing Ken's energy and passion for the sport, I signed up to do the beginner triathlon training. Ken provided a training program that was interesting and fun, while providing activities needed to succeed. Ken's training class helped me succeed with my first triathlon. It was an awesome feeling crossing the finish line!
Brenda M., 2010 Danskin Triathlon Training participant
First, thank you so much for all of your training expertise and words of support that you offered to all of us in the summer beginner training class. You really went out of your way to make sure we had the best experience and got the most out of our training.
I honestly don't think I could have performed as well I did on 8/22 without your help. I was amazed at how good I felt during the tri and was pleasantly surprised with my overall time :)
Have a great fall, I'll see you next year for sure!
Maggie M., 2010 Danskin Triathlon Training participant
"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing you think you cannot do." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Ken Johnson of 3-Fitness Training is the guide every tri newbie should have to help get them to the starting line. Everything you could possibly need to know through the course of your classes, he provides. For me, there has been no finer feeling in the whole world than what this journey has given me. I started out afraid of the water, not having ridden a bicycle in twenty years, but entered Ken's orientation class just the same. And then I found myself standing at the swim start at Lake Andrea, looking across the water, about to begin the last leg of the amazing adventure I'd begun when that quote came back to me. I was doing the very thing I thought I could not do. And what made all the difference in my training was the fact that Ken knew I could, even when I didn't. If you've ever secretly wondered what it would be like to do a triathlon but thought, "Oh I could never do that!" believe me, you absolutely can! Don't wonder! Do it!
Brenda K., 2010 Trek Triathlon Training participant
This summer was my first and second triathlon and I am so thankful we heard of and joined your class. I had no ideal of what I was getting into and thought you just go for it. I did not work out before your class and was shocked when you gave me my triathlon training package. But I followed everything and listened to what you said. I knew what to expect and was ready by the time of the race, I also lost weight in the process. My goal is to continue to train this winter and join your class again next spring. Thank you Ken I highly recommend your class to anyone thinking of doing a triathlon!
Joy T., 2010 Trek Triathlon and Trek to Danskin Triathlon Training participant
This was my first Triathlon (Danskin 2010) and the one thing I had never tried was open water swimming. It took some getting used to, but Coach Johnson's advice and instruction during swim clinics helped me tremendously and made all the difference on the day of the race.
Colleen K., 2010 Open Water Swim Workouts participant
