Athletes’ experience with The Endurance Drive

Coach Jim Anderson

I can’t recommend Jim and the entire Endurance Drive coaching staff enough. They are skilled coaches who are able to modify training based off of athlete goals, fatigue, and when life just gets in the way. More importantly, they are great people who are genuinely invested in and excited for their athletes. Working with Jim has completely changed how I approach training and I look forward to being part of this crew for years to come! - Neil M., Triathlete and 2x IRONMAN Finisher

After 9 years of inactivity, I decided that I wanted to run a 100 mile race. It wasn't to get in shape or run fast. Rather, I wanted to go through the process of training to run 100 miles for the life lessons in consistency and discipline. I had never run on trails and the longest race in which I previously participated was 10km. I was introduced to Jim through a college friend and we got to work right away. After several setbacks due to lingering knee and ankle injuries, I finally was able to start training for my first ultra - an 80km race through the mountains in Costa Rica. Race day came and...I WON women's overall! Jim is such a pleasure to work with - he's flexible, understanding, and his coaching goes far beyond just uploading workouts in TrainingPeaks. I felt completely prepared going into my first ultramarathon, both mentally and physically. I look forward to continuing this journey to 100 miles and seeing where trail running takes me (UTMB!!) - Maria J., Ultrarunner

Jim had me totally locked in physically and mentally for my first Ironman (Lake Placid 2023). He has so much knowledge and is a dream to work with. - Chris B., Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

Working alongside Jim has been an incredible journey. Beyond just being a coach, he has become a true friend who embodies authentic values, such as savoring life and striving to become the best version of oneself. Jim takes the time to understand your motivations, uncovering the inner drive that propels you towards ambitious goals like completing an Ironman. He leverages this insight to consistently inspire and support you throughout the myriad challenges that arise during a rigorous training period (and believe me, there are many!). Jim consistently radiates positivity and possesses the unique ability to prepare you for the race while considering the demands of your busy everyday life. I wholeheartedly endorse him to anyone from a beginner to a seasoned veteran who wants to get even better! - Zach M., Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

I came to Jim as an average marathoner with 0 triathlon experience and the lofty goal of completing an ironman in 7 months time. Instead of laughing me out of the room, he built me a training plan that gave me everything I needed to cross that finish line. Most of all, his support throughout the process was the difference maker. - Corey T., Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

Training with The Endurance Drive feels more like being a part of a team rather than just having a coach. I’m continually amazed by how generous, personal and encouraging the coaches and workouts are. I’ve never considered myself to be a great athlete but working with The Endurance Drive has me tapped into a level of fitness I never thought I could achieve. I’ve been in really good shape before but I’ve never been as happy, healthy or had more endurance than I do today. I owe a lot of that to the guidance of The Endurance Drive coaches and “teammates.” - Robert G., Triathlete, Ultrarunner, and IRONMAN Finisher

I've been fortunate to meet a lot of people through triathlon; Jim and Eliot are unquestionably among my favorite. Their curiosity and love for the sport is what makes them great assets to triathlon. What makes them special coaches, however, is their tremendous warmth and generosity. Whether you are a complete novice to the sport or a more experienced athlete, you'll find few coaches more committed and invested in your performance than Jim and Eliot. - Sarah True 2x Olympic Triathlete, ITU Triathlon, IRONMAN superstar

Coach Katie Clayton

When looking for a coaching program it was really important to me to have a female coach. Working with Katie was the greatest thing I did during my first Ironman prep! She was incredibly responsive, and excited, and pushed me every week to get better and stronger. When I had a big injury mid-training cycle Katie was there to support me and adapted all of my training to get me back on my feet and CRUSH my first full-distance Ironman in 100 days! She is truly the best and I can’t wait to continue to be a part of the Endurance Drive team this next race season. - Melissa G., Triathlete and IRONMAN finisher

Katie’s plans were thorough, thoughtful and consistent. She really took the time to listen to where I was at with my body, my monthly cycle and other life stressors so that training each week was progressive and realistic. Katie was always ready to talk about nutrition, fueling, strategy or anything else I needed support with to understand the training plan and its correlation to my goal. - Brittni G., Ultrarunner and Gravel Cyclist

Katie’s the perfect dynamic coach for anyone. In coaching me as a first timer in the Ironman distance, Katie was incredibly knowledgeable across all facets of Ironman as a serious competitor herself, practical, empathetic, tactical and a partner to her athletes. She adjusted to my performance and needs from day 0 to finish line and was strategic around how to improve specific areas like stroke for me. She’s a stellar human, coach, and athlete and brings all three to her coaching relationships. - Liselle P., Triathlete and IRONMAN finisher

I had participated in 2 triathlons when I finally decided to get a coach. For my first 2 years, I spent time reading articles, watching various YouTube videos, and combining pre-developed workout programs. By the time, I discovered the Endurance Drive and Katie, I had an idea of the philosophy that I valued. Prior to working with Katie, I would have strong bouts of performance followed by minor injuries due to poor program development. I found myself pushing harder or easier based upon the stressors in my life. Katie helped me to find a synergic balance. I built my base, progressed my speed, and improved my racing confidence while staying within my time constraints. The quality of my workouts improved while my stress about my workouts decreased. I had a long term goal of finishing a sprint triathlon in the top 3 for my age group. I never imagined that it would occur in my first race after training with Katie! Katie’s swim workouts helped me feel comfortable and confident in open water for the first time. I felt like I was flying on my bike and enjoyed passing people. And I had one of my best 5Ks to date. Katie’s philosophy, program development, and flexibility helped me achieve my goals while maintaining a balance in other areas of my life. I highly recommend Katie and the Endurance Drive! - Candice B., Triathlete and Runner

I was immediately drawn to Coach Katie when I found the Endurance Drive website. Her knowledge and experience in working with female endurance athletes distinguished her from other options I considered. In 2022, Katie helped me train for and conquer my goal of completing my first Olympic distance triathlon feeling strong and with a smile on my face. Her coaching plans challenged my growth edge, made me a Zone 2 believer (!), and helped me improve my speed and power. Along the way, we realized I am a longer-distance trail runner at heart. With Katie's encouragement, coaching, and guidance, I finished the 23k Broken Arrow Skyrace in Lake Tahoe feeling strong, powerful, and grinning ear to ear. We're continuing to focus on longer trail races and sprint tri's, all of which bring me great joy and a sense of personal accomplishment. As a "regular" middle-aged athlete, my primary goals for my athletic pursuits are to train for "life" and to have a blast while doing so. Having Katie as my coach has exceeded my expectations on every level! - Gina D., Ultrarunner and Triathlete

Katie is a phenomenal coach. She is hands on, knowledgeable and adaptable. She gives you all the tools you need to properly execute the workouts with clear instructions and easy availability via text or call. Her weekly check-in forms mean that she knows what is going on in your life and she adapts your training to take into account life stresses as they arise. She has read about and is actively researching sports science so you know that her advice is backed by both literature and experience. I could not recommend her more strongly and look forward to many more years working with her! - Eloise A., Triathlete (U25)

I trained with Katie for my second Ironman 70.3 in Florida and she is the #1 reason I was able to pull off an effective training strategy on top of a demanding full time job. Katie met with me before I started training and made a huge effort to get to know me and my triathlon background, understand my weekly schedule, and answer any initial questions I had. She tailored my training schedule around this conversation and made sure that it would be manageable for me to fit in all my training before work with larger sessions on the weekends. I felt so supported throughout this whole process as Katie constantly checked in with me, commented on the data from my workouts, changed my schedule due to any travel/sickness, and made sure that I was happy and healthy. She made this process seamless and totally manageable despite my concerns about a demanding work schedule. Her workouts were incredibly effective and it was cool seeing my bike FTP climb and run pace drop as I peaked in my training cycle. I dropped 45 minutes off my race time by training with Katie and will be working with her to prepare for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships next year! She is truly amazing and made all the difference in my performance. - Izzy W., Triathlete (U25)

Katie’s coaching style is tailored to each athlete. Not only has she helped me come back from an injury and excel, but she supports me in every other aspect of my life and training and understands that there is so much more to athletic growth than a completing a scheduled workout: balancing nutrition, life stress, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. She always makes herself available for support. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. - Robin S., Triathlete (U25)

Working with Coach Katie has completely changed the way I train! She has helped make me a much better athlete while also helping me find balance with my training. I can’t credit her enough! - Elena L., Triathlete (U25)

Coach Kevin Prunty

Working with Kevin was the best decision I made leading up to Ironman Lake Placid. When I first signed up I thought I would be able to follow a standard online program and coach myself. Once training began I found myself lost with no home base to check back into. Kevin provided that home base and took the stress out of planning. Not only did he make training an educational experience, but he made it enjoyable as well. Working with Kevin also introduced me to a lot of like-minded people that I see being a part of my life long term. Having the opportunity to train and share experiences with people who have similar goals has been extremely inspirational. Kevin started as a stranger, became my coach, and now is a great friend. If you’re on the fence, take my advice and give him a call. I couldn’t imagine working with anyone else! - Nick B., Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

I had run two marathons without Kevin, and got hurt training for each. Since working with Kevin, I've trained for 2 marathons and Ironman Lake Placid - running faster and without any pain. Kev is a great coach, athlete, and motivator, but is an even better guy. He leads by example and can be creative when life gets in the way of a training plan. I have recommended him to every friend that's signed up for an event and can't thank him enough for all the help. - Tim B., Runner, Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

Kevin helped me train for my FIRST EVER Ironman, and the highest compliment I can pay to Kevin is that I want to do it AGAIN. The variety of workouts in our training plan kept me motivated, injury free and feeling fresh. I felt prepared and confident headed into race day, and that meant that I got to enjoy the experience that much more. I have recommended Kevin as a coach to anyone who utters the word triathlon. - Meghan B., Triathlete and IRONMAN Finisher

Kevin’s knowledge of the sport and connection to his athletes make it effortless to buy all the way into the journey and trust every step of the process. How you prep for an endurance event is crucial, and there’s no one else I’d want in my corner leading the charge in prepping the mind and body. From training load to nutrition, recovery and everything in between, Coach Kev is truly an expert of his craft. - Michael K., Ultrarunner