Athlete Testimonials

    "Just wanted to touch base now that I am feeling human again :). Thanks so much for being at the race, all the fun leading up to the race was great, but really your impact was on the bridge. When I think of some of the high's and lows of the day-they occurred on the that bridge. The first loop was great, me making fun of you and the jacket, the second loop with the lip balm and the third and final time I saw you there I felt like I was on my 5 mile death march. I didn't expect to see you each time, and with every interaction I was so glad you were there with your humor, encouragement & smile.
    I'm so glad I did another, and choose Arizona to do it. The whole day was so nostalgic for me-the last time I was there with my Mom, Sean and his parents was the day we graduated from college. Sunday was such a pleasant reminder of all the good that has happened in my life in the last 17 years since our college graduation & it was a really cool feeling of how the circle of life works.
    I was a little disappointed in my time at first, now that its been a couple of days, I realize that I really did try my hardest that day and that was what I was looking to do- I know I couldn't have done it better. The irony of the swim was that I actually did enjoy that long time in the lake and despite being crawled over what felt like 500x never did I panic or want to turn and go back-that alone shows my maturity in the water-I may have not improved in my time, but in my head swimming is a much nicer experience.
    In the spirit of Thanksgiving, just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for you to have seen me through another Ironman and more importantly I am thankful for the cool friendship we have developed over the last 2 years. It was exactly 2 years go today that we met at Panera, I only remember because I was rushing home to brine my Turkey. Have a great holiday with your family!"
            ...Courtney R

    "Pete, I must thank you many times over. The Ironman is one of the toughest one-day endurance feats a personal can do. However, to finish the Ironman means more than showing up on a particular day to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run a marathon. A real Ironman is fashioned in the early morning swims, the late night runs, and the long grueling days of forming that bond between man and bike - Pete reminded me of this. When I decided to take that leap of faith to join the ranks of "Ironman", I had finished one sprint and one Olympic distance race. This is where Pete Alfino stepped into the picture. Pete took me under his wing and taught me the necessary aspects of triathlon training. From how to train with a heart rate monitor and what to eat before, during, and after training days, to fixing a flat (something I had sadly never done before), Pete carried me through the entire experience. He provided me with every necessary tool to finish 2008 Ironman Wisconsin in 12:45 and was there to encourage me across that finish line (something I will never forget). Between his training program, personal guidance, and dedication to my success, Pete did it all. There is no possible way I could have heard Mike Reilly tell me that I "am an Ironman" without Pete Alfino. Thanks Pete... I can't wait for another!"
            ...Jon Gentine

    "Alf- what can I say - few people love this sport more than you (maybe me?) Your energy is contagious. You were an awesome support fan and encouraging as always. We love you ALF! Now we just need to get you healthy again so I can actually race a course with you someday! We'll pull you out of Iron-retirement."
            ...Katie L.

    "First off, thanks for everything. I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life at the Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2008. Having never done more than a duathlon in my life, first off, thanks for even taking the time to train me. Looking back on the experience, there is absolutely no way that I would have been able to prepare myself for this race like I did with your guidance. The routes you chose for me to ride, the distances for the runs, and all the swimming you had me do made me feel like an Ironman before the race even started. Thanks again, and look forward to working with you on my 2nd Ironman (hopefully soon)."
            ...Sean Reilly

"Coach Pete,
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for an amazing season! There were a lot of external factors that went into my PR at IronMan Wisconsin this year, and none of them were more impactful than having you as my coach.
    This was my fourth IronMan and I am truly amazed at the sheer volume of stuff you taught me. Your support with my nutrition, gear, and focus was two or three notches higher than anything I received in the past. The most valuable part of the entire season, however, was the training schedule that you created and frequently modified throughout the season. Your attention and understanding to my specific schedule, strengths and areas to improve was so far superior to a generic schedule that there isn't anyway to compare the two.
    I also loved being able to pick up the phone and call you to talk about any situation that was going on at any time. Your enthusiasm for the sport and for my success was very evident in each of our conversations.
    I wish you all the best and hope to have the opportunity to work with you again. Be Free!"
            ...Eric P. - Ironman Wisconsin 2008

    "Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are an unbelievably good coach. And a very patient one."
            ...Jonathan Nixon - 10.41 Ironman South Africa

    "I did want to get a little sappy and say thanks for everything. You made a bigger impact in my life than you know. I don’t know why I got into triathlon – a challenge I guess – but regardless of the sport you inspired me to take a harder look at myself; from every angle. My life has been filled with lots of alcohol and self pity. I created problems for myself and was good at rationalizing why it was OK to be a flake. I needed something to help turn that around and sports seemed like the only answer, at the time. I met you when I was in a very weird place and I apologize if I was a babbling idiot most of the time – because I was.
    I was doing a writing assignment and the question was, "If you were an author, name 5 people from your life you would place on your dedication page and why". You were one of the 5. (Now this is sounding like a cheesy Hallmark card) Anyway – this past year I trained on my own (and my races showed it) but it really helped me think about so much. You and everyone I have met through the sport have helped me realize that there is no place for cry babies. You, Kat hy and other have such amazing dedication and focus. I wanted to know what that feels like.
    So – long story short – thanks. You are still in my head when I’m in the pool or on the road. I think about all the people who got the ‘that’s what it takes’ award and why. So I am trying to make changes for the better. It was fun racing with you on the field. It always made me feel a little better when I knew you were out there."
            ...T.V.

"Pete,
    I finally got around to reading the blog and navigating through the site at length last evening. What a resource! I read through several articles that were not only of interest but addressed my needs. I really enjoy being a part of your triathlon community. Thanks again."
            ...Shawn Powers

"Pete,
    I don’t know if I can put into words the amount of personal satisfaction I have felt since I crossed that finish line. I never expected to feel so happy, relieved & peaceful – it’s like something I was missing deep inside has been fulfilled – what an amazing feeling.     "You were not only a motivation & inspiration – but a nice & steady voice of reason to me this last 6 months & all 15:20 on race day.     "Thank you for your time, your knowledge & your consistent faith in me – it made all the difference in the world."
            ...Courtney Ring, IMCDA 2007

"Coach Pete,
    What can I say. A chance meeting at IM Canada in 2005, remote coaching by internet & e-mail. I have found it easy to put my faith in his training program and to trust his experience. Although we’ve only met on 3 fairly brief and busy occasions I feel as though we know each other well. He is like a family friend who is here in the house with us. When I have questions I get responses as fast as if he is always sitting at his computer. In the depths if last winter when things fell apart at work it would have been easy to stop training. If I didn’t have Pete’s guidance I wouldn’t have known what to do. I just did whatever he prescribed for the day, put one foot in front of another and got though it, in a bit of a daze, without having to think about it too much."
            ...Jenny Thorpe, Alberta, Canada, IMCDA finisher 2007

"Hey, Pete,
    I'm happy to report that the few months of swimming I've done with you have already paid off.
    Yesterday I participated in the Tri for the Creek sprint.
    In the swim leg, I found the traffic to be heavy for the first 1/2 of the race, but sooner than I expected, the finish line loomed up - and I wasn't even tired. I know I could have swum harder and faster. But I was trying to get used to using my new full wetsuit and also trying to "hold my form" (which you say repeatedly!).
    It didn't seem to matter that I couldn't see very well - now that I can keep up with my wave, I can stay on course, too.
    Anyway - the last time I swam 750 meters (Tri for the Cure 2006), my time was 21:45. Yesterday I easily swam 800 meters in 14:51.
    Overall result, I placed first in my age group.
    So, thanks for all the swim workouts - they were key in helping me have a better overall finish."
            ...Lisa

    "As a 13 year veteran of the sport and a mother of two very small children, I decided to hire Pete as my coach immediately after signing up for Ironman Arizona. I have never had anyone coach me in the past, mostly because I thought I knew exactly what to do on my own. Even with my experience, having Pete develop a training plan that worked for me was the best thing I could've done, I really needed the structure to work around babies and a job. I have always put so much pressure on myself and there wasn't one time I felt pressure from Pete, as there were quite a few times I was really sleep deprived with sick children and had to modify the workouts. He remained extremely positive, even when I doubted myself a few times, and needless to say, I finished with a smile on my face and feeling great! Pete and Kathy also traveled to Arizona to watch their athletes compete so it was great to have them cheering me on during the race! I wouldn't even dream of racing another Ironman without Pete as my coach, plus he also has a very good sense of humor! "
            ...Kimberly Katz, Chicago, IL

    "Thank you Peter for volunteering your time and expressing such enthusiasm for the work you do for Seeds For The Future. We so appreciate your help with the golf tournament. Despite inclement weather preceding the event, we had a beautiful day and a great turn out. It can't be said enough, it is because of volunteers like you that Seeds For The Future continues to move forward, reaching out to the many children in our community who would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the life changing benefits of triathlon and sport.
    Peace and Thank You..."
            ...Betsy Ruckard, Seeds for Change

    "I never thought I could do an Ironman but with Coach Kathy's daily work outs, humor and expertise ~ my goal is within reach! I feel very fortunate to be learning from one of the best in the sport! Thanks Coach Kathy."
            ...Renee Ambrose

    "I spent a lot of time researching to find a coach to help me prepare for my first Ironman. When I met Coach Kathy, my search was over! Her knowledge, enthusiasm and response time have really helped me get to the next level. She is passionate, dedicated and really fun to work with...I am grateful to have found such an inspiring friend and coach!"
            ...Katie McGrail

    "Pete, I just have to thank you for being such an awesome coach; and friend. I was such a know-it-all novice when I first met you and you helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a person. I learned a lot about myself; what I am capable of and how strong I can actually be with a lot of discipline, consistency and determination. Working with you and Mile High Multisport has been a great experience. There is no better feeling than crossing a finish line and you were at the end of many races – full of support no matter how I did. You helped me narrow down my strengths and weaknesses and then gave me a diligent plan to follow to gain strength in all disciplines. I can’t believe I actually cut my swim times nearly in half! The end of the season leaves me grateful that I realized I can’t do it all on my own and thankful that I found you and Mile High Multisport to help me get focused on my goals and a plan to make it happen."
            ...Tamara Valdez

Testimonials cont'd