I have been coached by Rich for about 5 years, and I continue to be amazed at how he helps me push my limits. Sometimes my program has workouts that I think are out of my reach. Each time I see something in my program that I think I can’t do, I expect to be telling Rich afterward that he was wrong about my current fitness level. But each time I think this, as long as I put in the effort, I find that he was right – I could go faster than I thought was possible. Rich helps me push my boundaries, but at the same time, my training schedule is designed to work around my work and personal life. I was thrilled when he was right there at the finish line when I won my age group at the Muskoka Ironman 70.3, because I finished in the time that he predicted, but a time that I didn’t know I’d be able to do.
Deborah Powell
Professor at the University of Guelph
“No Goal is too big…..
My name is Peter Sutcliffe. Two years ago I was not an endurance athlete. Richard gave me a simple program to follow. The volume and intensity was designed at a level that I could handle. Richard’s programs gave me the ability to compete for 36 hours in an adventure race, but this was to be just the beginning. Last year, 2002 I asked Richard if it was possible for me (I am not a typical endurance athlete. I weigh about 230 lbs on any given day, and am about 5′ 8″ tall.) to not only train for, but to complete an Ironman (3.8km swim / 180km bike/ 42.2km run). Without a word of a lie, Richard looked at me straight in the eye and said anyone can finish an Ironman as long as they train smart. Well I signed up for Ironman Lake Placid 2002. The program Richard put me on was not only well thought out, but very manageable from my perspective. He and I would sit down and discuss what kind of time I would have for training. He was enthusiastic, and motivating. Did I mention Motivating? There were lots of times I did not want to go out and do my work out. But somehow he would get me there every time. Needless to say I started about 8 months prior to the race. Did I mention I had never even done a triathlon let alone an Ironman, never run more than 5km, and had not swum since public school. Rich ramped up my training gradually, and injury free, that is the most important part. Not once did Rich think that I was unable to complete my goal of finishing an Ironman. Well he was right. And I now believe, as does Rich that anyone can finish an Ironman with smart training. On July 28 2002, in Lake Placid I finished an Ironman. Rich even met me at the finishing line. He provided me with the tools to achieve my personal goals. Rich changed the way I think about training and life. For that I will always be grateful.”
Peter Sutcliffe
Director of operations Intrawest
Richard started coaching me 3 years ago, I had been off the tri scene for a couples years. I had done one Ironman is 13:00 and was signed up for IMLP. My goal was to break 12 hours. I started working with Rich and 6 months later, I went 11:18 in IMLP and missed qualifying for Kona by 1 spot. I never ever thought I could get to that point, and I credit Rich for taking me there. He helped me and I qualified at my next race and ended up racing Kona the next year. Rich believed in me and got me to believe in myself. He is a great motivator and has taken me where I never believed I could go… The road to KONAJ
Sophie Brodeur
Doctor of Chiropractic
“Rich was great to work with! His significant expertise and experience where well matched by his enthusiasm and good humour. But most importantly, he delivered the kind of coaching that produced real results. I highly recommend Rich for anyone wanting to get into shape or to increase their current level of fitness – he was certainly able to help me achieve my own goals, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
Craig Applegaith, Architect
Toronto, Ontario
“Although I have always been active, I have gone through highs and lows with regard to my fitness level and have always wanted more. Since the birth of my second child I have found that personal time is a premium. I was finding that I would push my personal fitness goals aside because of fatigue and lack of desire to make the effort. When I began to train with Rich I found that I made a point of scheduling my workouts into my week because I knew there would be someone there waiting for me. This helped me keep my promise to myself. Rich has motivated me by making my workouts fun non-routine and challenging. Even when I am completely drained and drag myself to my workout I always leave refreshed and full of energy to tackle the next challenge – my KIDS!”
Jen Meeker
MTM Jostens Recognition