I asked Matt to coach me for my first Ironman.  I liked the way Matt took the time to gather information from me in the beginning of our program plan that proved to be vital to my personalized training program.  Especially since I was coming off a year of minimal training due to a chronic injury.  He built me up gradually, rested me routinely and pushed me hard when I needed to be pushed - even when I didn’t think I was ready.  He was easily accessible and quickly responsive by phone or email when I needed clarification on workouts or when I just needed some reassurance about my abilities.  Our end result was a very successful first Ironman where I beat my original time goal by over 2 hrs!  - Lori L.

At age 55 I finished IM Wisconsin after a DNF at age 53. During the 2005 race, I felt well trained and confident. Both days were hot and windy, but with Matt riding his bike during the run yelling “Aaarrrrrleeeeeene” throughout the night, I proudly crossed the finish line in 2005 in an amazing 16 hours and 46 minutes. I am really not an Ironman by build, ability, or any kind of tremendous strengths, but rather by a mindset and support group that did not allow me to give up! Matt, you were a major reason I finished that race. I had been disappointed for 2 years for DNFing in 2003 and found it hard to forgive myself. If this had happened again, well, let’s not think about it because for two years not finishing had been on my mind. I made it to the podium! Yes, third place of 11. Matt was there! (Oops, 4, 5, 6, and 7 DNFed 8,9,10, and 11 did not show up.) So at this wonderful age of 55, I finished because of someone caring enough to help me train and riding around Madison yelling through the night! Bless you, Matt, for helping me to complete IM Madison with my head held high! Now you might think the almost midnight finish is nothing to be proud about and that is what is special about Matt. He knew I did my best and was proud. No matter where you are, Matt will help you reach your goals, whether it is to finish before midnight, be an age group winner, or just enjoy your sport with workouts that inspire and keep you young. Thank you, Matt. - Arlene O.