TRIATHLETE FEEDBACK

What our athletes are saying...

"Craig is the most understanding and encouraging coach ever, he genuinely cares about each and every one of his athletes. He works with your schedule and understands that life sometimes comes first and will rearrange the training plan whenever necessary"

- Amy Dickerson

“I am not only honored to be a member of the HEP team but to have had the opportunity to become acquainted with both Craig and Jennifer. Craig has been my coach for the last year but most importantly a friend. He is a tremendous IM athlete who is able to relate to other athletes (of all abilities) ensuring their success in their different sports but also in life. During the last year I started as an Ironman athlete and was well on my way to a PR and possible Kona slot when life happened. Things beyond my control sidelined me and prevented my doing longer endurance events. Throughout both Craig and Jen were at my side not worried about my training or racing but instead on my overall well being. Together we pushed through and I’m now back racing and guess what, it’s fun again. I can say I was definitely given a gift when I was introduced to the Howie’s and now they are family. “

- Mike Villalonga

Craig Howie is not only a talented athlete himself, but also one of the classiest guys in the sport. As a former math teacher, he has the technical skills and teaching talent to create and teach a training system tailored just to me. And he is really responsive, encouraging and helpful always. Craig continually takes my results and customizes my plan based on what’s really happening, not some formula. He’s a great guy: ferociously strong, really smart, a lot of heart and great at communicating all this. What’s he done for me? As a hopeless mid-packer, I’ve gone to two fifth-place finishes this year in 70.3 distance, new PRs ever time I’ve raced in the last two years, and Ironman Arizona. That’s real results. Thanks, Craig.

- Will Murray

I have worked with Craig for the past two years and have continued to make personal gains at all distances. Since becoming a HEP athlete I have shaved 49 minutes off of my best half Iron Distance time. Additionally, there is a strong bond among the athletes; Craig and Jen (the Howies), are easily as much a family as a team. I think it rare; and feel fortunate to be part of such a great bunch of triathletes and people.

- Mike Freisem

"After participating in triathlons for five years I decided to finally tackle an Ironman. While training for countless hours provided a strong base, it was Craig that provided the inspiration, motivation and confidence necessary to make that dream a reality."

- Lisa Plunkett, 40 - Mother of twin boys

“I think is important to note that Craig is extremely respectful of athletes of all ages and abilities. He understands that training is not your whole life; it enhances your life. I met Craig shortly after having had surgery and he was extremely diligent in helping me through the recovery process and prepared me for a successful season.”

- Annie Brown, 31 - Math teacher

“I have been training with HEP coach Craig for just over a year now and am truly inspired by his professional attitude, sporting achievements and understanding of all facets of triathlon. Working with Craig and the HEP team has become a huge part of my triathlon life style. As a coach Craig always finds the time to really focus on helping me achieve my multi-sport goals and pushing me to become the best athlete I can be.”

- Leanne McAllister, 39 - Mother of 3

“Triathlon may not be a team sport but it is not an individual one either. I know I could not have faced that day without the love and support of my family and friends, both near and far. Upon arriving in Kona, the panic must have been written all over my face. Someone in the Howie entourage assured me that they would be family that week and support me in any way; they weren’t kidding. The caring acts are too many to list, but I am quite certain I would have cracked without the Howie network that week…Craig and Jerry patiently tinkering with my bike… dinners appearing each night thanks to Jen (aka Cruise Director), Dana and Joanne…Jen sacrificing her shoes the night of the race (even in the icky bathroom) so that my battered feet could be spared the gravel on the walkways in the finish area…Jen looking after me and commandeering the emergency blankets as my state deteriorated after the race, the list goes on and on. We laughed later at how she said she was unsure as to what to do with my tears; apparently Craig doesn’t cry after races. They took me in and held my hand, hugged me at the start and finish and were just plain great company. It is clear why Craig’s coaching style has been a great fit for me. He approaches his work with the same passion, intensity and reason that he brings to his own racing and training. Thanks for the year Craig; it’s been an amazing journey.”

- Amy Wood, 32 - Ironman Hawaii Finisher

"Training with Craig has been a life changing experience for me. I couldn't swim from one end of the pool to the other without swallowing half the pool. He worked with me to overcome my fear of swimming and to improve my swim technique. My fastest 100 yard set in 2003 was a 2:10. I now can swim a 1:25 and I continue to steadily improve. The best thing I like about the coaching is the methodical master plan that is developed which gives you the BIG PICTURE of your training."
- BJ Gumkowski, Web Designer - ClearPixelDesign

"I'm 34. I'm not getting any younger. Craig keeps me out of trouble."
- Jessica Gumkowski, Massage Therapist - MassageBoulder.com

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