"Scott put together a total package for me since I started training with him eight months ago, and he played a huge part in my very successful Ironman Canada race.  With his coaching, I met my goals of skipping the med tent (in all races this year), breaking 11 hours, and winning my 45-49 age group.  Experienced, knowledgeable and thoughtful are words that I have used to describe coach Scott who was responsive in setting up and adjusting training plans suited to my needs.  When I had a set-back because of a shoulder issue, he helped me stay training in other areas, and not lose any ground.  Throughout the season, he encouraged me and helped me believe in myself, as he laid out training like I've never done before.  My overall annual training hours were the same this year as last, but the way they were structured, and the focus and intensity that they required, really helped me to improve.  There are times when it seems like Scott is thinking about me and my training much more than I am!  When I ask him one little question in an email, he quickly sends back scads of information or links to pertinent articles. He reads my log book entries, and is in touch with questions, feedback and suggestions to enhance my training.  The lead up to races was an exciting time to be a Factor 9 athlete, as Scott would send out information and check lists for getting mind, body and gear ready for the big day. He produced a detailed race week and race day game plan that was invaluable for Ironman.  It laid out strategies for pacing the whole race, tackling tough spots, and being physically and mentally strong.  I read the plan, mentally rehearsed it, and even memorized some phrases from it.  During the back half of my Ironman run, I called upon things that Scott had told me and used them to my great advantage as I turned up the power and pulled off an 8 minute negative split.  My happiest race moment ever came as I crossed the finish line at Ironman this year.  And guess who was there to see me right afterward?  I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to work with Scott, and can't wait to see what else he will help me accomplish."

Jenny Ayers, Age Group Champion, Ironman Canada 2008, 10:59

"Having Scott as a coach has totally changed my attitude toward training for my races.  Not only does he push me physically-to become stronger,  he has changed my way of thinking, to become a smarter athlete. Scott is a great communicator, and is honest.  He tells it like it is and always has my best interest in mind. This has been my best investment as a triathlete."

Christian Isakson, Ironman Canada 2008, 10:25

"Over the winter, with your coaching services, as well as your guidance and support, I’m no longer ~doing triathlons~ - I’m racing them. You’ve molded a weak, nervous swimmer into a triathlete, that toes up to the line with confidence and dives in with a plan. After finding a comfortable position in the water, I’ve got more to put into the race when we get onto dry land.

The work we did over the winter building up my performance in key heart rate zones worked wonders for that critical bike leg. On a windy, hilly course I tapped out a solid rhythm the whole way – In hindsight, my strength was consistent for the length of the ride.  All this left me poised for a run, where I actually finally felt like the runner I am! I wasn’t hanging on - I was up there with the big(ger) boys and even reeled a few of them in.

The knowledge you share is also invaluable to my personal nutrition/fueling plan – In unique (race) conditions, you can either succumb to those little unknowns that pop-up, or move through them. Scott / Factor 9 has given me the latter."

Sam Smith, Ironman Canada 2008, 10:06

“I know you put a tremendous amount of time and effort into coaching...and I am beyond impressed with how detailed and communicative you are.  You have a natural flare and ability for coaching.  

Thanks again for also helping to remind me to stay grounded and not try to do too much too soon.  I really appreciate that you can see when I need to pull back a bit...and you've been right every time.  It's hard when you're in the middle of all of it to see the big picture sometimes and I appreciate very much that you know when/how to tell me to pull back.

Beyond all the 'scheduling and training' stuff, I realized that I don't think I have yet thanked you for getting me to this point on my first Ironman.  There is no question that your coaching is CRUCIAL to this...and I don't know how I can possibly thank you enough for everything.  I was talking to Sam tonight on the phone, and we both can't say enough great things about you - it is not surprising that your athletes are doing well - as your coaching is truly impeccable.
 
This said, if I am ever able to gain enough exposure - your name will be certain to be highlighted in all of this.  You know I have big/lofty goals, and whether I can reach them or not remains to be seen, and will take a ton of work - more work than I have ever imagined!  But if I am able, by some fortunate circumstance - to 'get there' - I will credit it all to you.  I could not do this without you.  Thank you.”

Janelle Morrison, Professional Triathlete, 8th Ironman Canada 2008, 3rd Ironman Canada 2009, 5th Ironman 2010 Coeur d'Alene

"I also wanted to take the chance to thank you for all of the help and guidance you have given me over the last couple of years.  You have brought me to a level I never thought possible.  I think the knowledge you have given me will hopefully help me to continue to improve as long as I use it correctly."

Bill Thompson, Ironman Canada 2008, 11:29

"I want to first start by thanking you for everything you have done for me. I could not have reached any of my modest goals without your guidance and help. As I sit here today, I am a better athlete now than was 18 months ago in no small part thanks to you."

Ryan Jasperson, Ironman Canada 2008, 10:34

"I'm down over 10 lbs from June 1, I had a PR, I've never run better in my life, and I'm super happy about my race.

Working with Scott has helped me in a variety of ways. One thing he's worked on with me all year is the mental visualization aspect of endurance racing, which has helped me tremendously. It's helped me to stay positive during parts of races where I am struggling. Scott's plan for my season is very detailed and there is a reason for each workout he assigns. He's willing to go over the details to give me the background behind the plan he's developed, which in turn helps me to get the most out of my workouts. My key race for the year is quickly approaching and I can definitely see the differences between this year (when I was coached by Scott) and the years prior. I'm really looking forward to my third Ironman after this year of being coached by Scott."

Leanne Schrotzberger, Ironman Canada 2008, 13:12

Prior to Ironman Canada: "Man I’m getting excited… I really think this is going to be a great race for me… I don’t think I’ve ever felt this fit, mentally prepared, confident on my nutrition or motivated to have a smart yet aggressive race.  You’ve done a great job getting me ready.  Bring it on!"

Post Ironman Canada: "After 2 Ironmans, several coaches and an attempt at self-coaching I decided to work with Scott for my 2009 IM Canada and signed up for his personal online coaching program. In addition to being an aspiring age group triathlete I am married with 2 young kids and spend more than 50% of my time traveling for work but I still wanted to achieve a PB. Scott build me a custom plan based on my ability, race goals and family/work commitments.  As "life happened" Scott made real time changes to my plan to accommodate me.  Additionally Scott provided invaluable and detailed race planning, nutrition tuning and mental preparations before all my races.  Leading up to IM I shaved 30 minutes off my Half IM PB and at IM Canada I dropped almost an hour off my PB. The most amazing thing is that I achieved all this with less training volume than previous years.  I believe this is because all components of Scott's training plans have a purpose and there are no garbage miles. If you want to PB your next IM Scott is the coach to get you to the start line prepared and ready to go.

Duncan Selwood, Ironman Canada 2009, 11:36

I can not thank you enough for how much you have helped me grow as an athlete over the last year and a half.  I broke through some major barriers this year and could not have done it without your guidance and support.  This is only my 3rd real season of doing and training for triathlons I am very excited to see how I progress going forward.  I know I have more in me. 

I definitely always do and will continue to recommend you and Factor 9 to anyone I know of that is looking for coaching.  In fact I gave your name to a friend today as he had a friend that was looking for a coach.

Jen Thompson, Ironman Canada, 13:33

Scott has been a huge asset to my training and progression in triathlon.  I started with Scott in July, mid way through my first season.  I was originally coaching myself and using a training program I got out of a book, which was fine, but is nothing compared to the personal attention and focus that I get from Scott.  He provides so much more to me than a training program.  His knowledge and expertise in this sport are endless and he understands the importance of family and support groups. He really helps me keep a  balance between triathlon and life, and my improvements in both have been amazing!  I would recommend Scott and Factor 9 coaching services to anyone!

Aleck Alleckson

I am a challenged athlete due to an unfortunate side effect from a surgical procedure which left me partially paralyzed.  Scott adapted my program to my injury and little training bumps along the way which helped me complete my first Ironman in November 2006.  I am hoping for a lottery spot for Kona 2007 and I am looking forward to Scott helping me again. 

Darren Smith, IM Florida and Ironman Canada Finisher, Canadian Para National Team Member