I am a fifty-eight year old athlete. I’ve run 83 marathons, I’ve run 31 consecutive Boston Marathons, I’ve run ultra’s, I’ve run trail races, I’ve run a relay across the country. Last year I decided to become a triathlete. Little did I know what it meant to become a triathlete.

I joined TriFury, the triathlon team associated with my running club, the Merrimack Valley Striders. As a new member, I was assigned a mentor to help me through my “freshman year”. Luckily, I was assigned to Sharon Johnson.

Her extraordinary patience guided me along the learning curve, got me through several sprints, international distances, and finally a ½ ironman. Most importantly, she gave me the confidence to believe that I could reach for more than I thought possible. This year, I signed on to her training program and have made a leap in my fitness. In October, I will compete in Ironman Kona! The training program Sharon has outlined has taken the guesswork out and replaced it with the confidence that I am training correctly.

Sharon’s strength as a coach was born in her capabilities as a top performing triathlete. More importantly, she understands how to analyze her athlete’s weaknesses and teach us how to improve. Her encouragement and sense of humor make her demanding workouts a pleasure. She knows how to take an athlete at any level, and bring them to the next. Whether a reluctant “newbie” or a seasoned veteran, Sharon will make you more than you were.

In my life I have had three memorable coaches. The first was my wrestling coach who taught me what it means to be an athlete. The second was Fernando Braz, our MVS running coach. He taught me what it means to be a runner. And now there is Sharon who is teaching me what it means to become a triathlete.

Tom Licciardello

I do want to thank you for all your help. It’s been invaluable to me and I really mean that. While I did not swim particularly fast at Ashland comparatively speaking I did make huge strides from even a year ago. When I looked back at some of my other triathlon results I noticed that most of my swim times for the 1/2 mile were around 20-22 minutes.  So 34 for one mile is a real improvement. And one year ago I could not swim one mile. I would never have had the endurance and my poor technique would have become too exhausting. And I can attribute my improvement to your coaching skill and encouragement. So thank you.

And give me a ring if you want to bike. I think I have a bit of leg strength and would not hold you back even with a longer distance ride. See you next week if not sooner!

Thanks again,  Andrea

I think I had mentioned before that I am and have always been a ridiculously slow runner. I went for an easy 5k run on Friday and afterwards realized that my pace has improved by about a minute. So thanks! I'm still really, really, really slow, but at least it's a little better than before.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Amy

You and Lisa taught me a lot yesterday about open water swimming. Lets face it first time out this year. Last year outside of races I did one and I was left in the dust. Sighting was the most helpful in that I feel I was going straight c/w my horrible time last year at Mooseman. I will definitely credit you guys with my swim time this year. Let you know the difference.

Believe it or not I am actually looking forward to the swim out of the three events.

Carlos

I just wanted to mention, I really enjoy the swim workout.

It would be fantastic if you could keep it going all year. I did the Andover Masters before, but they expect you to do all strokes. If you don't do the other strokes you throw the timing off for the others in your lane.

This is very good for triathletes (like me) who don't care to do back, breast etc..and just focus on the important stuff.

Mark

Your coaching has been fantastic for me! I am surprising myself at how much I have improved and I attribute this to your seemingly effortless coaching.  Thank you!

Caroline, 2nd AG 2007 Boston Danskin Triathlon

"Sharon's coaching was invaluable in getting me ready for my first half Ironman race. Her workouts challenged me mentally and physically to take me to the next level of fitness. This is something I never could have done on my own. I would highly recommend her coaching for both the experienced tri-athlete and those just starting out."

Terry

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