2009 HVTC Summer Tri-Series

2009 HVTC Summer Tri-Series -

Wednesday, June 10th
Wednesday, July 8th
Wednesday, August 12th
Wednesday, September 16th
(Swim 400 yards, Bike 12 miles, Run 2 miles)
Wilson State Park
845-679-7020
Mt. Tremper, NY 12457
5:45 pm start time
Contact: Mark Wilson (845-679-8602, mark@hvtc.net)

CAUTION:  Participating in the sport of triathlon and HVTC may cause radiant health and spiritual well-being!

Testimonials:
About three years ago, I participated in my first Half-Ironman event, the Timberland Triathlon in New Hampshire. Well, I finished the race...in over 7 hours. A summer later, I joined the Hudson Valley Triathlon Club and heard that Mark Wilson was a triathlon coach. At first, I felt hesitant; I knew I needed a coach but I wasn't sure who to ask. After a few conversations with Mark, I felt that I trusted him and our coaching relationship (approaching its third year) began. Last summer (August 2004), I completed the Timberman Triathlon in 5 hours and 49 minutes (it was actually 5 hours and 45 minutes but the penalty bean counters slapped a four minute penalty on me for drafting...I'm innocent I tell you!!!! I should have pushed them off their motorcycles when I had the chance). After two years of Mark's coaching, I continually achieve personal bests in triathlon after triathlon. This year, we will begin training for Ironman Lake Placid. Although a part of me is terrified, I feel very secure in the fact that Mark will be preparing me every step of the way.

Mark has numerous qualities as a teacher that I find so inspirational. First of all, his expertise is admirable. His coaching philosophy of "fitness for life" not only appeals to the elite athletes that he coaches but also for someone like me who participates for the sake of participating. Second, Mark is patient. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to throw in the towel, thinking I couldn't achieve my goals. Mark simply wouldn't let me quit. He taught me that patience, consistency, and dedication were values that was the basis of a solid triathlete...in fact, he models those behaviors. What makes Mark so unique as a person is his trustworthiness and integrity. He's a loyal coach and friend. I'm so proud to work with him and I look forward to working with him in the years to come.

-Omer Alptekin, NY

When I met Mark nearly 5 years ago to discuss coaching I was impressed with his caring and focused approach. We discussed my goals and he immediately started me on a long term plan that turned me into a competitive athlete. Mark has committed himself to his own development as a coach and I have truly benefited from his learning. He guided me from my first IM finish 2 years ago in 13:14 to an IM PR of 11:59 this year.

Mark's training program is extremely efficient, maximizing time by emphasizing skill development along with strength and endurance. I've become consistently stronger and faster while avoiding injury, and have done so while maintaining a training load that allows me to live a full life. During Ironman buildup this year he balanced distance training and speed development without my once experiencing symptoms of overtraining. At the same time I placed well in several sprint triathlons.

One of the most important factors in being coached is trusting the person coaching you. Mark impressed me enough the first time I met him to commit myself to follow his program 100%. In the next 5 years I developed as an athlete and achieved far more success than I ever imagined for myself. Most important to me however is that I am stronger and faster than I have ever been, yet know that I will continue to improve. My love of the sport persists and, despite finishing an Ironman 10 days ago, I feel recovered and ready to take on the second half of my season. None of this would have been possible without good coaching. Thanks Mark.

-Kathryn Loyer, CT