More Testimonials and Results

The “Coach Bentley” program allowed me to accomplish my goals on my terms.  With 3 kids under the age of 4 and as CEO of a major company, time management is essential!  I do not think I could have executed on race day without the preparation provided by Bentley Coaching.  On August 18, my 3rd child was born (3rd c-section in 3 years) 6 weeks after that date I started day one of the program.

I just wanted to thank you for all your great work with Jeff in preparation for IM Florida, especially the swim. I was so nervous about that swim and he turned out to not only get through it, but to have such a strong day in the water that I missed him coming out of the water entirely!  I'm so glad Jeff had your advice (I know it made a big difference) and it really made his day, and mine, spectacular.  Karen O for Jeff R (Toronto ON)


Your enthusiasm, patience, motivation and goal setting help me not only be fitter and faster but also enjoy my workouts far more than most 'regular' people can understand.  Thanks again, Glen W (Woodbridge ON)


The last 2 yrs have been an incredible experience for me. I never would have progressed as far and as fast without you!! Thank you. It's been great learning from you and I'm sure I'll be calling on much of what I've learned to prepare for racing this summer.  Lisa R (Victoria BC)


Love your training program.  Thanks, in just two days you've changed my life!   Robin D (Michigan)


Hello Steve and THANK YOU!  Yesterday, I qualified for Boston, a dream come true!  Two years ago I ran my first marathon, the Toronto International and got hooked on the running. On my second marathon 1 year after my first one, I missed qualifying by many minutes, because I had trained so hard, that I was totally exhausted and didn’t have much left in the tank on the D-day! Shortly after, this second marathon I started to use your training schedule and it worked!   I know you come from the "tri" world, which is totally unknown to me, and as you know you have been suggesting me to bike to get stronger. Initially I didn’t bike so when came last spring, my legs gave up and I missed Boston again! This is when I decided to do what you had been suggesting to me for the past 6 months; cycle!  Without a doubt, this is what made a difference yesterday between qualifying and not. My legs were extremely tired, but didn’t hurt in a way that I couldn’t sustain the pain anymore. I am so happy that I made it, I can hardly focus today!  Thank you for your patience, commitment, and professionalism! I look forward to my Boston training schedule!  Sincerely,  Marise A (Toronto ON)
 


"I have greatly enjoyed working with Steve Bentley as a life coach who knows how to put issues in perspective and work rationally towards their solution.  He has exceptional energy, optimism,  professionalism, care, and capacity to identify solutions.  Steve's athletic pursuits are a bonus as they remind one of the accomplishments that are possible when adopting Steve's outlook on life."  Mart G (Toronto ON)
 
To my initial surprise I spent endless months in the weight room – strength training and lifting weights 3-4 times a week. It worked – 3 months later I had lost all of my baby weight and several weeks later I was smaller than I had ever been in my life.  My body shape changed to a leaner physique. (achieved goal weight) Of course I love training so it came easily and I saw immediate improvements in biking and running.   You have to take a risk and make a few changes if you want to see different results, so trusting the coach is vital.  I swam less and ran more – in the end it all helped the final performance!
 
½ Ironman Provincial Championships - Parry Sound-July 30, 2006 – 5:09 finished 1st W35-39 (5th women overall)
(swim time 32.0, bike time 2:45, run time 1:47)  Kim N (Palgrave ON)


.....my coach Steve Bentley and I planned the year and targeted some races along the way.  We learned, adjusted, and remained focused.  I owe Steve a lot.  He is a true believer in the positive energy factor and mixing training with real life.  Then, 2 days before the race day Steve sent me an incredible note.  It got me so focused, energized, positive and confident.  I was ready.
 
Results:
9th IMUK - 35-39
4th Peterborough 1/2 IM - 35-39
5th National Time Trail Championships - Master A
2nd high park road race - Master A
2nd Good Friday Road race - Master A
7th Niagara Classic Ontario Cup road race - Master A

Everything went great.  between 25 and about 38K the stomach bit hard and it was in the hardest part of the run but I dug deep the last 5K to get 9:58:35.  Missing PB but 30 seconds but truly no  comparison, this course is painfully hard.  Your plan was amazing both for training and race day.  I cannot believe how great ironman is when you are ready physically and MENTALLY!  Rhys S (Toronto ON)


I can’t thank you enough for your time this afternoon.  In just the short time we spoke, I learned quite a bit, but most importantly, you understand exactly where I am and goal I am trying to achieve.  Thanks again Steve, I appreciate you helping me achieve my goal!  Colin D (Knoxville TN)


I just wanted to say thank-you so much for all your encouragement, help and support both leading up to the race, during and after.  You had a huge positive impact on the outcome which I am very happy and proud of.   Karen B (Aurora ON)


Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and it was great to have you at my first Ironman, it was a great motivator to keep running smooth and keep a steady pace so that I wouldn't let you down. I am happy that it was actually easier then I thought and that is to your credit. I am very grateful to have been coached by you and will definitely advise you to others.     Again it was great to chat race day morning and it helped with taking away any doubt or nervousness I may have had.  Harold W (London ON)


I can't tell you how much I appreciated getting this email from you - you caused an immediate state change for me!  You are an extraordinary person - I am truly grateful to have connected with you.  Thank you.  Judy M (NJ)


Wow - you really are amazing, and the best coach out there - both in the physical and mental world.  I really take your words to heart and will try my best to stay strong.  Linnea H (Toronto ON)


My energy level is through the roof!  I have always been pretty high energy but now it's 10 times higher!  If this is after one week - I can't wait to see how I am after one month!!!  Oh yeah, and the best part is, this morning, I went into my assistant's office to ask her something and she said "Oh my god, you look so skinny!"  Maybe she's just looking for a salary increase, but it sure sounded great!  Thanks again, Steve.  As I said to Craig, this is the second best thing I've done for myself in a very long time!  I look forward to continually improving, with your guidance and support, of course!  Who knows, maybe I will run/bike/kayak across New Zealand some year!  (nah, maybe not!)  Warm regards, Judy M (New Jersey)


I want to thank you for such great personal coaching. I think it's the personal part that makes you stand out. You were always available even for what I thought might have been really goofy questions and you never made me feel silly. You treated me like an athlete and that inspired confidence and a such a sense of personal power and strength in what I was doing. You encouraged me throughout the training and calmed me in my moments of 1st ironman panic. My physical training was fantastic and I felt so well prepared for the race and in fact felt that way throughout most of the ironman. I finished feeling strong and recovered quickly and well with no injuries. The mental training that you spoke about so often is what really allowed me to feel satisfied and have that amazing sense of great accomplishment that day.  
So... thanks for helping to make that day a great experience and training me well in all ways so that I finished injury free and thinking " I want to do this again"  Sue D (Whistler BC)


Hi Steve. You said I'd be cursing you during my long run today but I was THANKING you! I was actually cursing my gps because I thought it wasn't working but I was just running faster! I kept about a 93,94 stride/min. and really thought about everything we went over on Mon. I felt so fresh at the end of my run. You wanted me to run 3 times10 min intervals at my race pace but I would have had to slow down for that! I averaged about 40 sec. faster per km. Thankyou thankyou thankyou.  Sue D (Whistler BC)


Thanks so much Steve, I very much enjoyed finally seeing you in a "work" setting, and found the experience including this follow-up email far beyond my expectations.   I have to admit that I initially saw no need for a coach for IM but am becoming somewhat of a convert to what a coach can bring to the experience.   Cheers Stephan S  (P.S. holy crap you're a fast runner!)  (Toronto ON)


I just want to thank you very much for being not only such a great coach, but also a great friend.  I really appreciate and enjoy all the time we've been able to share over the last year.  You've really added a lot to my life - so thanks!  Linnea H (Toronto ON)


On another note, when I read your submission on the Tri-rudy email it made me aware of one of your amazing characteristics.  When we talk (or email) you make me feel so special and important, like I'm the only one you coach.  You remember things and have a good understanding of me and my personality and that really makes a difference between a successful coach/athlete relationship.  When I first looked for a coach I was scared that I wouldn't be able to find a coach that I could build a relationship like I had with my other coaches when I was young and riding horses.  Well, I'm glad I found you, even though your miles away I know I have found the right person to help me reach my Ironman dreams.  Thanks.  ( and no I have not been drinking!)  Tanya D (Cornwall ON)


I wanted to first of all say THANK YOU for helping me to complete my first Ironman – wow!  Please let me know a date/time that I can show my appreciation by taking you out for dinner/lunch/drinks whatever works best for you.  I also wanted to talk a bit about the race (I don’t want to bore Larry with the gory details any longer) and of course, plan my next season/enduro-crimes.  (Is someone going to put me in enduro-jail soon?)  Jackie D (Toronto ON)


You know,  I love our talks.  I learn so much from them and they get me all pumped up and motivated.  Thank you so much for being my coach!  Tanya D (Cornwall ON)


Hey Steve  As you have already read - I truly did have an amazing race and had so much energy at the end I could have kept flying. During my training I must admit I thought sometimes that you were trying to kill me ...but you said it yourself that it would pay off big time on the day and by golly did it ever!!! I peaked on race day at Placid.  Thank you, a thousand thankyou's. Talk to you soon!  Paula J (Toronto ON)


I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for the tips and support you have given to me throughout my Ironman journey. Most notably, your positive attitude has helped me to believe that I can do this, and do it well. So thank you for everything.  Deborah M (Toronto ON)


The first step in ensuring that I have a successful day at Lake Placid is to begin by thanking you.  Thank You Steve!!!!

Throughout the year you have been extremely helpful - far above my expectations - , informative, thought provoking, always positive,  supportive, and you possess this innate ability to pass on your encouragement to ensure that "I" have a successful day."

I recognize that the best investment that I have made to date was securing you as a coach.  Despite the nervous gitters, and the unknown elements that I will face - you have given me a piece of mind. And a lot of information to put together a game plan.

I have to say that the actual day will be bitter sweet.  I will miss the "you've got mail" ----Steve Bentley----"Monthly training Plan".  You are quite correct when you say that training for an iron man  is a journey - a journey of self-discovery on many levels....  Well, before I get carried away [if I haven't already]  Thanks Steve!!!!  See you in Lake Placid.  (Deanne D (Toronto ON)


Thanks a lot for your inspiration and coaching tips "during" yesterday's race.  I got to see first hand, why you're such a great coach, and why everyone thinks so highly of you.  Mark H (Toronto ON)


Just wanted to thank you for some great coaching! I was exceptionally pleased with my race results from yesterday.  I feel really great about it all! Thanks again.   Kathryn R (Toronto ON)

Thanks again Steve, I read over your nutrition article and it was great!!!!I will try the solutions on my bike tomorrow and see how it goes.   
Well, great talking to you and as always you are helpful beyond!!!  Deanne D (Toronto ON)


Hi darling coach....  I made it up THE BEAST!!!  I have so much more to share with you...look forward to speaking with you when I get home...I arrive Saturday the 10th late.  I still can't believe I finished the race as strong as I did and that I could walk the next day...wow can't wait till Ottawa.  You are incredible.  Speak to you soon.  Hala B (Toronto ON)


I just want to thank you so much for helping me get there and having the experience of a life time!! I could not have done it without your dedication to changing my training for me and working within my means...  a big THANK YOU !!  Wendy G (Georgetown ON)


Thanx again for all your help Steve!  My training has been going well and I feel that I have accomplished the training goals that you and I set in December (I know I have said this before, but that session outlining specific training goals - time breakdowns, etc. really helped me a lot to focus during my training sessions - believe me there were sessions that I didn't think I could do, but I just looked at my goals before hand and I was able to complete it).  Who knows what race day in Kona will bring, but I definitely feel more confident than I ever have before.  I don't know what others can perform, but I know what I can perform and this will allow me to push myself where and when I need to and also know my limits so I can cross the line - it is a good feeling.  I hear your voice in every workout.  Your on-going follow-up contacts with me kept me on track and gave me a boast in my training.  Hmmmm....have I told you lately that you are the best!!!!  Thanks so much Steve!  Brenda W (Toronto ON)


Thanks for these tips.  I will practice these things next week.  I really learned a bunch with you this past week.  Thank you so much.  You are an awesome coach!!  Susan D (Austin Texas)


Steve,  I thought you might appreciate a real athlete experience regarding higher cadence running.  As you know, my preference was for grinding big gears on a bike and my original running cadence of 83spm when we met reflected that.  I was dissapointed with my running and you put me on a "high turnover" training diet combined with your plyometrics.  It has taken some time growing comfortable with higher cadence running (5 months), but it has really shown dividends. My training pace has improved by approximately 30seconds per mile(8"/mi to 7"30'/mi.), and my body recovers much faster from my long runs and has remained injury free to date.  My current comfortable running cadence is 93. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.  Andy D (Oakville ON)


What you said made a lot of sense.  I like the way you break down the race -  it's not quite as daunting.   I have ran through the day a million times in my head but not from that perspective and I think that's going to really help.  Most of all, thanks for being there.  I look forward to the racing outline you’re putting together.  I think I'm better if I have a lot to think about early in the game!  Thanks a million  Tanya D (Cornwall ON)


Steve   You should know that I am absolutely thrilled with my running!   Over the past two weeks my HR has really dropped, just as you said.  Not that I doubted you but wow, what a difference and so suddenly.  I can actually run my 6.6 mph with a low HR (145-155)  this morning I ran 30 min at 6.6 before my intervals and my HR barely got up to 150 and that was at a cadence of 96!  It seemed this drop happened over night! It's amazing!  (I also noticed my resting HR seems to be lower too the last week. ) I was also able to run faster than I ever have this morning (without feeling as though I was going to die or have my lungs explode!) My 1 minute intervals was at 8.2 mph!  That's really good for me.  What a way to start my day!  Thanks for everything, your amazing!  Tanya D (Cornwall ON)


Steve
I wanted to send out my thank you's to you a bit better-, but my words right now may not be able to express my feelings of gratitude enough!  Anyhow this short e mail is a start.

Being in a position to express  those sentiments  in my "general thank u note" were only possible because  of you. You got me to the start line, you taught me how to eat healthy , hydration issues , think about HR.   -things I had never thought about before.     Not  only that ,you got me to believe that I could DO IT -so it was you that got me to the finish line !!    THANKS STEVE I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL. (hope you don't mind- I have bragged about   "MY  INTERNATIONAL COACH " who coaches me by e mail from Canada & coaches all these wonderful athletes + a 58 yr Kiwi)

You had faith in me from the start (when my own wife didn’t)-that faith-translated into me having complete faith that the program  was designed for exactly me  & me alone ( eg for a 58 year old , with no history in the 3 sports ) you got me through my first marathon ,my first triathlon (Taupo half Ironman) my fear of the swim start. ( Ironman NZ was my 2nd tri ) you gave me sound advice on what other events to do on the way to IMNZ (& which events to drop)

E.T.(the swim coach in Taupo) who took me from 25metres 12 mths ago to 3.8 k last Sat-followed your swim prog also like glue.( so you also made the swim coaches life easier & he had the faith too-so we were all "singing the same song"

So bye for now & thanks heaps Steve.   YOU ARE THE MAN cheers Steve in Taupo New Zealand  (trained for a year  but  an athlete for a day ! )  Steve J (Taupo New Zealand)


Well, I can tell you take your coaching seriously.  Having been in your shoes before I can imagine your thought process:
1)  Interesting
2)  I've never seen that before
3)  How do I present this in a positive way?
4) Where do I start?
You did a very professional job of handling a difficult situation.  As I've explained, I don't know anything about swimming. AND IT SHOWS!  Andy D (Oakville ON)


Thanks again.
When I first contacted you, I must have sounded like a lost child in the rain forest. Training for a tri was an idea that frightened me and I just did not know how to arrange or for that matter get started in the Tri world. It was overwhelming.  Helen and I want to thank you for sharing your time and allowing me to understand and start a program that is not only giving me conditioning and health, but a way of life which I never experienced before, including all of my years of football training. (I haven't even had a race yet).   I now have the support and hands-on instruction that I always craved and knew I needed.  Thanks again for all of your initial support and encouragement.  Gord K (Toronto ON)


Hi Steve.  Thanks for the bike the other day and all the info you sent.  I have read it and will work on the strength today.  Hey, I saw Dennis later that day, he went on and on about how fit he thought I looked and that's not like him to say much, so the Steve Bentley program must be working as that's 2 other coach's comments.  So you can put that feather in your cap!  Beth S (Mississauga ON)


I know I told you this before but I am loving this training program!  I am having so much fun and I can see progress in all sports.  I can't wait for my first tri to see how I'll fair.  Thanks for everything - you've been great and I really enjoy working with you.  Tanya D (Cornwall ON)


Steve,  You're an awesome coach.  I've been nothing but impressed with you from the day we met to the application of your training program.  With a start like that you should be expecting a BUT, BUT there isn't one.  Andy D (Oakville ON)