I signed on with Team Hendryx in January 2010 with a goal of completing Ironman Coeur d’Alene on June 27, 2010.  During my 1st discussion with Coach Sean he said “… my primary job is to get you to the start line [healthy].  If I can do that you will finish this Ironman.”  This concept resonated with me as I attempted to train for an Ironman 8 years prior only to fall victim to my own ignorance and stubbornness regarding distance training… and overtraining.  As it turns out, I don’t know everything!

In the months that followed Coach Sean worked methodically and uniquely with my demanding career and family schedules to have me realize successes I didn’t think were possible.  In the six months leading up to IM CdA we scheduled three “prep” races.  I’ve been racing for 20 years.  Now, at age 42, I’ve achieved PRs in 2 of the 3 races; 15K 1:04 (previous 1:09), ½ Iron 4:59 (previous 5:07… at a much younger age!).  With each success came confidence.  So, I stuck with the plan and completed the assignments week by week.  Before I knew it, the tapering began (Ahh!)….  And then there was the race.

Coach Sean and Coach Rene’ made the long trip from Florida to Idaho to support their Team Hendryx athletes.  At 4:00 am on race day they were up with their athletes.  Before the cannon blast I get those profound words of encouragement; “The work is done- You are prepared!  Stick with the plan, and enjoy this day.”  Throughout the day I heard the cheering and support from my coaches on the course no less than a dozen times.  With less than a mile to go in this epic journey I saw my Team Hendryx coaches one last time.  With the cheering crowds of the finish around the corner I hear Coach Sean yelling “Soak it up, Steve!  You’ve earned this!”  After 12:08:20 I crossed the finish line, and heard those words that defined my greatest sporting achievement to date; “Steve Gillis, Gainesville, FL… YOU are an IRONMAN!!”

Thank You, Coach Sean and Team Hendryx for taking me to a level of achievement I once thought was impossible for me.

Steve Gillis
Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2010 FINISHER!

"I’ve been a member of Team Hendryx for four years and have immensely enjoyed training and racing with the coaching staff and other team members.  The many hours of personal attention I’ve received from Sean, Rene', Steve and Bill are much appreciated and have allowed me to reach a level that far exceeded my expectations.  They have  also given me great memories and led to friendships I hope will last a lifetime.  The diverse talents, level of professionalism, athleticism and  coaching experience of the staff, combined with their  ability to tailor training to an individual’s needs, are a rare combination."

-Michael Radi, MD

 

"As an endurance athlete with a hectic work and life schedule I rely heavily on a coach to help me reach my athletic goals. After talking with Bill (Team Hendryx) about my move into ultra distance racing I knew he would be able to balance a training schedule with my work schedule and still give me the confidence I need when I get to the start line. My first couple races of the year finished with solid times and placement and one happy client. I look forward to working with Bill in my next two adventures, Ultraman Canada and Boulder 100."

-Kellie Smirnoff,Jacksonville,FL

“I started running about 1 year ago and doing sprint triathlons a while after that, but was unhappy with my performance as it compared to my training. I decided to hire Coach Bill to train “properly” and to have race results that reflect the training. My early goals were to complete a full marathon (which I did in 12/09) and to set a PR in the half marathon. I ran a 1:45 half marathon in the same race I ran a 1:59 the prior year, before I was coached by Bill. I have also completed my first Olympic distance tri.

I look forward to working with Coach Bill and continuing to exceed expectations. He works within my schedule and makes sure I have time for “life” while still being able to train and improve. Hire a coach is the best investment I have made for my training“

-Rich Couglin