Coach Jen helped me to finish my last 3 Ironman races.  She not only helped me with my daily physical workouts but assisted my mental side, too.  For the most recent IM Malaysia in Feb. I talked to her almost every day throughout the winter while I was training by myself.  I would have gone insane if I was all alone.  She even made her husband assemble my cycle cross bike so I can ride in the snow.  She solves your problems with you!

She is very professional and very punctual.  She is a great athlete herself, but none of her ego is involved when she is helping her athletes.  

When I was running my marathon leg in Malaysia,  I was so tired, but I kept running with her voice in my head.  I did a PR by 50 min.

Michiko Perry

I'd highly recommend it!!! I am a mom of 2 and I don't have much free time to spare and I know I get the most out of my time by working with Jennifer. 

I started with Jennifer after my first season of triathlons, because I was hooked and wanted to see just how much faster I could go, without hurting myself. As an aside, years ago, when I was training for a marathon, I ended up with an overuse/mis-training injury that knocked me out 3 weeks before the race and keep me from running for 5 months--not fun. I had read a couple of books--enough to know that there is so much science and experience to racing well, it was time to call in a pro....

I got Jennifer's name from a friend who had a friend that was really happy with her experience. I chatted with Jennifer about her experience and her philosophy and just hit it off right away. I really like working with Jennifer because she bears in mind my time constraints, my group training sessions and keeps me from freaking out when I am missing sessions when life pops up--as it does. 

I took 10 minutes off my Chicago Tri (international distance) time last year after working with Jennifer for about 5 months This year, I took 9 minutes off my Harbor Lights sprint time. So...it works:-)

Cynthia Clarke

I have worked with Coach Jen for the last 10-11 months. Marathon times have improved from 3:20 to 3:13, half-marathon from 1:29:45 to 1:28:20, and 10 K from 41 to sub 39:30 (last year).

Most of us could use or have used on-line training programs. There are at least 4 advantages to a Coach like Jennifer Harrison, motivation, objectivity, involvement, and real-time adjustments.

Compared to other coaches, for example from high school or college, Jen is far better in all categories.

Specifically, motivation is based upon our own internal desires. This is what I imagine, is the most difficult area for coaches. School coaches frequently do this by fear, sarcasm, and ridicule. What’s required, and what Coach Jen delivers, is a genuine empathy and understanding of a client. She knows when to push hard, when to ease up, always positive. There is a silver lining to every race, every workout, no matter how bad I think I did, or how awful the course or weather, I know I can count on a positive outlook from Coach. It turns every defeat into a victory, and makes me want to go back out and run better, smarter next time. She has helped me find that simple joy of just running, or swimming, or biking all over again.

Specifically, objectivity is another important aspect of a good coach. Sometimes I am too close or too emotional about my goals and progress. Coach Jen sees workouts objectively and knows what to call for in the next race, what workouts to write for the next week, and how to find that small daily improvement that attains my goal.

Specifically, involvement is where Coach Jen is superior to on-line training programs. Injuries, foods, travel, and schedule adjustments are a nightmare for me to figure out. Jen knows how to work in other ways toward better overall performance. My sprained ankle last year turned into fewer running miles and more swimming and biking. When I was ready, we eased back into running and didn’t push it too far or too fast.

Specifically, real time adjustments are more than those in previous paragraph. Coach Jen knows how to manage the progress, when to add plyometrics, when to add weights, when to swim, run, or bike. She especially knows when to cut me a day off and not feel guilty about it. 

Coach Jen is the consummate professional. Initially, I admit to being a bit hesitant about our gender and age differences, (I have a daughter her age), but I am totally satisfied with my progress. I have great value for the money invested. She earns every penny.

Al Neil

Marengo

Having three kids under three years of age and having a goal to be in the best shape of my life means I have to be effective and efficient with my time. My wife and I have been attending the Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii for the last few years and decided it was time for me to give it a shot. I have been a competitive triathlete for the last eight years and I knew I needed a coach if I was to be serious about this attempt. I knew of Jennifer Harrison from the triathlon arena. I recall hearing nothing but great things from her clients. I even recall seeing her at races with her clients going over last minute details and coaching them on the course. I decided to give her a call and see what she was all about. She wowed me with her attention to detail from the beginning. Her coaching plans are well thought out and always challenging. What I am pleased about most is her availability and communication skills when I have questions or need motivation. I can say without a doubt that I am in the best shape of my life. I am PRing in everything I enter and I am just getting out of my base building. I can't wait to let it rip on race day! 

Thanks Jennifer. 

-Glen McGowean

Triathlons are unique in so many ways.  The race, itself, is unique because you have to participate in three different disciplines.  But also, there is an opportunity for everyone at every level of ability.  You see people of all shapes, all sizes, from all walks of life…and all participating. 

Jen is a world-class athlete who has the ability, the expertise, and the approachability to work with anyone at any level.  She works with you to define your goals and tailors a training plan specifically for you.  

 For me, I simply wanted to finish an Ironman.  In developing our plan, Jen took daily life into account and built in flexibility.  In fact, before starting our training, Jen took the time to meet with my wife, Leslie, and me to lay out what it would take to accomplish this goal and to make sure we were both on the same page.  She even offered to watch our two sons so that I could join a group open-water swim.

Jen is more than just a “coach.”  She invests herself in you.  She shares in your sacrifice, celebrates your accomplishments, and cares deeply.    

So much of this sport is the belief that you can do it.  Jen builds your belief as well as your ability. 

  Daniel C. Mollsen