Click on Picture to Read My Story!
Praise for Coach Valerie
Alex Bogges
Thanks again for your help. Many folks that go into IronMan train only by books and internet plans; I know that works (for some), but it doesn't mean it's the best thing for everyone. After my surgery I was really concerned about whether I could do Wisconsin. I didn't want my first IronMan to be a Sunday ride and a 26 mile walk. I think it could have been a disaster, but you helped me through the mental battle as well as pushing the training harder than I would likely have gone myself.
Coach Val, I came on board with you late in this game with an injury and unable to run 10 feet, you directed me brilliantly and you burst with energy inspiring all the athletes you coach.
- Alex Bogges
Kelly Case
Yippee! Yahoo...ran the race without any problem, had a lot of fun and didn't have any stomach problems! Success! It was very, very windy and somewhere Naperville found a few hills, including the entire last half mile..but it was all good. Roughly, I hit the 1 mile marker at 10:50 and the 2 mile marker about 22 and finished at 33:19. I'm trying to find my last 5k results (turkey trot) but I am sure this is a few minutes faster and for the most part, I felt great during the entire run. My heart rate was up the whole time, sitting at 178-182 and peaked at 192 when I sprinted to the finish. I was a bit worried my stomach wouldn't like that, but I didn't have any issues. I'm hoping that with more training and increased fitness, this # will change.
I am so happy and looking forward to the next one!
Thank you Valerie..for everything!!!
- Kelly
Mary Whitwell (W 50-54)
Coach Valerie, I don’t have the vocabulary to correctly and appropriately thank you for the wonderful experience you provided for me these past five months. I have achieved more than I even dreamed I could, I have regained a confidence in myself that had dissipated, and I have reveled in an adventure that was absolutely a hoot from start to finish. I have found a friend beyond measure in K.P, and I feel I have done the same with you as well. Nothing can compare to that last part.
I look forward to years of athletic challenges and I am eager to face them all in whatever form they may take. I know I will be employing you to guide me towards another race because this was so invigorating. ...we can stay in touch as “comrades in arms,” women who will NOT go gracefully into their “middle age” but who march into it with the pride and knowledge that life truly gets only better if you are open to the possibilities.
Just to complete a half ironman was a mere possibility when we started this. Thanks to your tremendous talent as a mentor, constant contact and reassurance, and ability to make us each feel like we were the only athlete on the planet, it has been accomplished.
- Mary Whitwell
Anne Viviani (14:40:45)
Coach Val, what can I say? You are a magician and your coaching is truly amazing. I look back on that phone call in August when I asked you to help me reach my dream goal – to complete Ironman Hawaii just 10-1/2 weeks away. You not only agreed, but you held my hand as I trained, never giving up ……and we not only finished, but I completed this extraordinary triathlon 15 minutes faster than my time 10 years ago! Thank you from the bottom of my heart”
- Anne Viviani
KP,
2007 Duke Liver Half Ironman 2nd fastest split (women) of the day. 2:44:28 (20.43 mph)
Coach Valerie,
Where do I begin? I have learned a ton from you as trainer and as a friend. Remember, in 2005, you helped me buy my first bike! You were there for my first rides, teaching and offering advice. There's something to be said for staring out with a veteran rider, i.e., starting out right, not developing bad habits, and being safe all the while. I no doubt owe alot to you.
Many thanks,
KP
Maria White, 2007 Las Vegas Marathon
"Thank you Coach Valerie for helping me to achieve what I thought impossible, and to do it with/for all those who could not. This has changed my life forever."
With only two months to train, White contacted Chicago-based marathon coach, Valerie Ellsworth Gattis, who created a custom weekly training schedule for White. The training included running approximately 40 miles a week, cycling and weight lifting. “Of all the activities, my favorite was running,” said White. “And my favorite place to run was down the tree-covered streets of Hills Center Drive. The picturesque setting was calming to my spirit despite the physical demands of training for a marathon.” White claims her new goal is to run a marathon every year. “It’s a great achievement, especially at this stage of my life,” she said. “Despite my aches and pains, I can honestly say I am looking forward to my next marathon.”
Maria White dedicated her run in the Las Vegas Marathon to loved ones who have passed away during the last five years as well as women over the age of 50. She finished strong with a time of 05:07:40.