Testimonials
Sprint to Ironman - Alex F
Prior to starting with Ken I had only done one sprint triathlon. I then signed up for Ironman Louisville and realized I needed a lot of help if I was going to reach the finish line. My greatest concern before I signed up was the flexibility of my workout schedule. I am a corporate pilot so I travel extensively, my work schedule is very volatile.
In working with Ken I found that he tailors the workouts for each of his athletes so it couldn't have worked out any better. With only 9 months to prepare for Ironman Louisville my progress as a triathlete was rapid. But, I arrived at the start line 100% confident in the training I had done and the advice & guidance I had received from Ken. I truly believe that this allowed me to have a great experience; I had as much fun as any athlete on the race course!
Prior to starting with Ken I had only done one sprint triathlon. I then signed up for Ironman Louisville and realized I needed a lot of help if I was going to reach the finish line. My greatest concern before I signed up was the flexibility of my workout schedule. I am a corporate pilot so I travel extensively, my work schedule is very volatile.
In working with Ken I found that he tailors the workouts for each of his athletes so it couldn't have worked out any better. With only 9 months to prepare for Ironman Louisville my progress as a triathlete was rapid. But, I arrived at the start line 100% confident in the training I had done and the advice & guidance I had received from Ken. I truly believe that this allowed me to have a great experience; I had as much fun as any athlete on the race course!
Olympic to Ironman - Beth S
I have been working with Ken for a number of years. He has been a consistent presence and has been instrumental in guiding me toward my goal of becoming an Ironman! Just a few years ago I could never have dreamed I could accomplish what I have.
I know many athletes try to train for triathlons without a coach. I felt much more confident going into my events, including my first 70.3 and ultimately Ironman Wisconsin, because of the coaching and personalized training plan Ken provided. I know that Ken provides the same hands on guidance and support to each of his athletes.
In addition to individual attention, Ken also provides opportunities to meet and train with his other athletes. I found I benefitted from their great tips too. It is wonderful to be part of the MTC Racing Team, being able to make new friends and share experiences.
I have been working with Ken for a number of years. He has been a consistent presence and has been instrumental in guiding me toward my goal of becoming an Ironman! Just a few years ago I could never have dreamed I could accomplish what I have.
I know many athletes try to train for triathlons without a coach. I felt much more confident going into my events, including my first 70.3 and ultimately Ironman Wisconsin, because of the coaching and personalized training plan Ken provided. I know that Ken provides the same hands on guidance and support to each of his athletes.
In addition to individual attention, Ken also provides opportunities to meet and train with his other athletes. I found I benefitted from their great tips too. It is wonderful to be part of the MTC Racing Team, being able to make new friends and share experiences.
Sprint to Ironman - Brian G
I have been working with Ken for over six years and have nothing but good things to say about him. I really like how he assigns my workouts weekly and then checks my log for feedback/results; it provides me extra motivation knowing he is going to be reviewing my results.
I also appreciate being able to ask questions of someone with so much experience - “What should I wear?”, “How many gels do I need?”, “Should I buy a new bike?”, “How do I change a tubular tire?" The other big thing that I like are the group sessions, he has them a couple of times a month, always a good workout and a nice way to meet other athletes.
As far as results, while working with Ken I have set PR’s in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (by almost 40 minutes) and Sprint Distance Tri. I have also completed my first Olympic, 70.3 and Ironman distance triathlons as well as a number of marathons. I could not imagine having accomplished any of those things without Ken as my coach.
Coach's note: At one point Brian weighed 303 lbs and was a smoker. He made the decision to commit to a healthy lifestyle and is now a great example of the power of desire. He has inspired many people around him, including his coach!
I have been working with Ken for over six years and have nothing but good things to say about him. I really like how he assigns my workouts weekly and then checks my log for feedback/results; it provides me extra motivation knowing he is going to be reviewing my results.
I also appreciate being able to ask questions of someone with so much experience - “What should I wear?”, “How many gels do I need?”, “Should I buy a new bike?”, “How do I change a tubular tire?" The other big thing that I like are the group sessions, he has them a couple of times a month, always a good workout and a nice way to meet other athletes.
As far as results, while working with Ken I have set PR’s in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (by almost 40 minutes) and Sprint Distance Tri. I have also completed my first Olympic, 70.3 and Ironman distance triathlons as well as a number of marathons. I could not imagine having accomplished any of those things without Ken as my coach.
Coach's note: At one point Brian weighed 303 lbs and was a smoker. He made the decision to commit to a healthy lifestyle and is now a great example of the power of desire. He has inspired many people around him, including his coach!
Beginner to Olympic Triathlete - Cathy T
I started working with Ken to train for a short course triathlon. I was 51 years old and starting from square one. I had never been a runner and had just bought a hybrid bike to ride around for fun. I had done some lap swimming for fitness but was not competitive. I decided that having the goal to do a real triathlon was the motivation I needed but, of course, it was scary to consider it.
I met Ken and immediately liked his energy and knowledge. I also appreciated that he would be guiding me as an individual. He started me slowly, gradually building up my strength and endurance as my body and mind adapted. I can now swim, ride and run further and faster than I ever dreamed possible, and we've done it injury free.
Ken trains a lot of serious athletes (they truly amaze me) but I have different goals and have found he has always listens and responds to what I am doing or going through; he is in my corner all the way. I’m very happy to have found my way of feeling strong and fit. I love having the motivation to do my training every day. I look forward to seeing my training schedule online every week. I like having someone to be accountable to. I thank Ken for guiding me through a really big goal in my life.
Coach's note: Click the link to watch a short video of Cathy riding her new triathlon bike for the very first time
I started working with Ken to train for a short course triathlon. I was 51 years old and starting from square one. I had never been a runner and had just bought a hybrid bike to ride around for fun. I had done some lap swimming for fitness but was not competitive. I decided that having the goal to do a real triathlon was the motivation I needed but, of course, it was scary to consider it.
I met Ken and immediately liked his energy and knowledge. I also appreciated that he would be guiding me as an individual. He started me slowly, gradually building up my strength and endurance as my body and mind adapted. I can now swim, ride and run further and faster than I ever dreamed possible, and we've done it injury free.
Ken trains a lot of serious athletes (they truly amaze me) but I have different goals and have found he has always listens and responds to what I am doing or going through; he is in my corner all the way. I’m very happy to have found my way of feeling strong and fit. I love having the motivation to do my training every day. I look forward to seeing my training schedule online every week. I like having someone to be accountable to. I thank Ken for guiding me through a really big goal in my life.
Coach's note: Click the link to watch a short video of Cathy riding her new triathlon bike for the very first time
Ironman - Greg S
I am 52 years old and have participated in triathlons of all distances for more than 12 years. Over that time I have learned a lot, tried different things and listened to different coaches. I have had some good results but for the most part my finish times remained fairly flat, especially in the longer distances.
In an effort to improve my finish time, instead of continuing to be self-coached, I decided to hire an experienced coach in Ken Welsh. The results were immediate and fantastic! My runs off of the bike were almost as fast as if I hadn’t ridden at all, and after all these years I was able to set PR’s in Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman distances! The consistent yet varied training program that Ken provided was invaluable in allowing me to achieve my goals. I went into races feeling confident and sure rather than apprehensive.
If you are wanting to improve your athletic performance, or you just want to be part of a enthusiastic triathlon team, I would highly recommend Ken Welsh and the MTC Racing Team.
I am 52 years old and have participated in triathlons of all distances for more than 12 years. Over that time I have learned a lot, tried different things and listened to different coaches. I have had some good results but for the most part my finish times remained fairly flat, especially in the longer distances.
In an effort to improve my finish time, instead of continuing to be self-coached, I decided to hire an experienced coach in Ken Welsh. The results were immediate and fantastic! My runs off of the bike were almost as fast as if I hadn’t ridden at all, and after all these years I was able to set PR’s in Olympic, Half-Ironman, and Ironman distances! The consistent yet varied training program that Ken provided was invaluable in allowing me to achieve my goals. I went into races feeling confident and sure rather than apprehensive.
If you are wanting to improve your athletic performance, or you just want to be part of a enthusiastic triathlon team, I would highly recommend Ken Welsh and the MTC Racing Team.
Beginner to Ironman - John D
I met Ken when I first had the goal of getting into multi-sport. Being a former professional golfer, I did not have an endurance background but I had the desire to work hard and learn. I was looking for someone with a strong breadth and depth of knowledge and a proven track record of helping others achieve goals, I found that in Ken Welsh.
The first thing that I realized about Ken is that my goals and my plan are just that, MINE! He took time to understand my priorities in life and built customized plans that have allowed me to balance those priorities with my desire to get better. Along the way Ken has continued to evaluate my progress, assess my strengths and weaknesses, then call upon his experiences to make calculated changes as necessary.
The result? Progressive improvement in my endurance and performance. Each year I worked with Ken we were able to set new PR’s at many distances, including a 40 minute improvement at Ironman Louisville.
I highly recommend Ken for those who have a goal in endurance racing and a desire to learn from someone who has not only achieved elite level performance but has guided others in doing the same.
I met Ken when I first had the goal of getting into multi-sport. Being a former professional golfer, I did not have an endurance background but I had the desire to work hard and learn. I was looking for someone with a strong breadth and depth of knowledge and a proven track record of helping others achieve goals, I found that in Ken Welsh.
The first thing that I realized about Ken is that my goals and my plan are just that, MINE! He took time to understand my priorities in life and built customized plans that have allowed me to balance those priorities with my desire to get better. Along the way Ken has continued to evaluate my progress, assess my strengths and weaknesses, then call upon his experiences to make calculated changes as necessary.
The result? Progressive improvement in my endurance and performance. Each year I worked with Ken we were able to set new PR’s at many distances, including a 40 minute improvement at Ironman Louisville.
I highly recommend Ken for those who have a goal in endurance racing and a desire to learn from someone who has not only achieved elite level performance but has guided others in doing the same.
Olympic to Ironman - Kelly D
I have been doing triathlons on and off for over 25 years with some success. I had started to get discouraged and lost a lot of confidence as my times were getting slower and I wasn't recovering like I used to. I thought it was just because I was getting older. After meeting Ken and hearing so many good things about his coaching talents, I decided to work with him to see if we could turn things around. What a great decision! After only 3 months, I turned in personal best times in Sprint, Olympic, and 1/2 Ironman distance races at the age of 47. Since that time I have continued to improve, going from competing locally to racing at National and International levels.
Ken's workouts are varied and challenging, but he also adds time for recovery. He is cognizant of my work and family commitments and has personalized my workouts to accommodate those commitments. I look forward to continued success working with Ken!
Coach's note: Kelly's accomplishments are incredible. In just the last few years she has:
- earned four USAT Age Group National Champion titles
- won her Age Group while representing the USA at the ITU World Championships
- been named the USAT "Masters Age Grouper of the Year" and the Kansas City "Sportswoman of the Year"
- finished fourth woman overall at IM Wisconsin and won her Age Group by over an hour thus qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI
- been the outright or Age Group winner of many local events.
Here's a short video about Kelly that the KC Sports Commission put together, as her Coach I was proud to be part of it - www.youtube.com
I have been doing triathlons on and off for over 25 years with some success. I had started to get discouraged and lost a lot of confidence as my times were getting slower and I wasn't recovering like I used to. I thought it was just because I was getting older. After meeting Ken and hearing so many good things about his coaching talents, I decided to work with him to see if we could turn things around. What a great decision! After only 3 months, I turned in personal best times in Sprint, Olympic, and 1/2 Ironman distance races at the age of 47. Since that time I have continued to improve, going from competing locally to racing at National and International levels.
Ken's workouts are varied and challenging, but he also adds time for recovery. He is cognizant of my work and family commitments and has personalized my workouts to accommodate those commitments. I look forward to continued success working with Ken!
Coach's note: Kelly's accomplishments are incredible. In just the last few years she has:
- earned four USAT Age Group National Champion titles
- won her Age Group while representing the USA at the ITU World Championships
- been named the USAT "Masters Age Grouper of the Year" and the Kansas City "Sportswoman of the Year"
- finished fourth woman overall at IM Wisconsin and won her Age Group by over an hour thus qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI
- been the outright or Age Group winner of many local events.
Here's a short video about Kelly that the KC Sports Commission put together, as her Coach I was proud to be part of it - www.youtube.com
Ironman - Kirk B
Ken Welsh is an incredible coach! His knowledge and expertise are perfectly suited for an Ironman age-grouper like myself. With a wife, 4 children and a business to run, it is critical for me to have a coach that can work around all of these important elements in my life. He has the same elements and his life…so he gets it. On top of it, he has been able to cross the finish line at Kona twice. He has continually customized my training to fit all of these demands.
I had completed 3 Ironmans prior to starting with Ken but he helped me get into the best shape of my life. I continue to recommend Ken to any athlete looking to reach new goals.
Ken Welsh is an incredible coach! His knowledge and expertise are perfectly suited for an Ironman age-grouper like myself. With a wife, 4 children and a business to run, it is critical for me to have a coach that can work around all of these important elements in my life. He has the same elements and his life…so he gets it. On top of it, he has been able to cross the finish line at Kona twice. He has continually customized my training to fit all of these demands.
I had completed 3 Ironmans prior to starting with Ken but he helped me get into the best shape of my life. I continue to recommend Ken to any athlete looking to reach new goals.
Marathoner to Ironman - Maggie B
After over 15 marathons and a couple Olympic and 70.3 triathlons, I decided to pursue the ultimate goal of completing my first Ironman. I never had a coach before, but I knew training for an IM would be different than everything else and would require as much guidance as I could get. That’s when I found Ken. He made 8 months of IM training seem like a breeze. He gives you your workouts each week, eliminating the second-guessing and doubt as to whether you’re focusing on the right things and doing the right distance, intensity, etc. In addition, he tailors the workouts to build on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Ken realized I was a strong runner but a horrible swimmer and was able to structure my training around this. Without Ken I would have undoubtedly logged way too may running miles and swam minimally, but he forced me to get in the pool…A LOT…resulting in a significant improvement in my swimming.
Ken is also cognizant of the fact that you have a life beyond training and is able to setup a training schedule that you can still balance with the rest of your life. Ken was not only a great coach but he was able to do it 100’s of miles away as I live in Philadelphia, PA. He was always available either through phone or e-mail and always very responsive. I highly recommend Ken as a coach regardless of whether you are a beginner or seasoned athlete as he will undoubtedly help you improve beyond your current abilities.
After over 15 marathons and a couple Olympic and 70.3 triathlons, I decided to pursue the ultimate goal of completing my first Ironman. I never had a coach before, but I knew training for an IM would be different than everything else and would require as much guidance as I could get. That’s when I found Ken. He made 8 months of IM training seem like a breeze. He gives you your workouts each week, eliminating the second-guessing and doubt as to whether you’re focusing on the right things and doing the right distance, intensity, etc. In addition, he tailors the workouts to build on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Ken realized I was a strong runner but a horrible swimmer and was able to structure my training around this. Without Ken I would have undoubtedly logged way too may running miles and swam minimally, but he forced me to get in the pool…A LOT…resulting in a significant improvement in my swimming.
Ken is also cognizant of the fact that you have a life beyond training and is able to setup a training schedule that you can still balance with the rest of your life. Ken was not only a great coach but he was able to do it 100’s of miles away as I live in Philadelphia, PA. He was always available either through phone or e-mail and always very responsive. I highly recommend Ken as a coach regardless of whether you are a beginner or seasoned athlete as he will undoubtedly help you improve beyond your current abilities.
Olympic to Ironman - Michelle B-W
I was one of Ken's first clients and worked with him during the very first years of his coaching career. Although I am not as active in triathlon as I was back then, I continue to highly recommend him as a coach. He took me from Olympic distance races to an Ironman. He coached me thru my first Half Ironman, my first marathon and my first Ironman. With Ken's coaching, there was not a race that, at the finish line, I was not amazed at the results. I went from just wanting to finish to winning my Age Group and placing overall. I work full time and am a mother of 2; Ken really personalized my workouts to fit my lifestyle.
I was one of Ken's first clients and worked with him during the very first years of his coaching career. Although I am not as active in triathlon as I was back then, I continue to highly recommend him as a coach. He took me from Olympic distance races to an Ironman. He coached me thru my first Half Ironman, my first marathon and my first Ironman. With Ken's coaching, there was not a race that, at the finish line, I was not amazed at the results. I went from just wanting to finish to winning my Age Group and placing overall. I work full time and am a mother of 2; Ken really personalized my workouts to fit my lifestyle.
Ironman - Preston W
"Hey Coach, I am so thankful for what you have done for me. Over the years I have made some poor choices regarding racing and training. Prior to hiring you I was on track for a colossal disaster at IM Wisconsin.
From the moment we started, the progress I made was astounding. I really appreciate your timely advice and the “kicks in the butt” you provided as my training progressed. Telling me I was being a baby and that “excuses do nothing for you at Ironman” really hit home. There were times I thought you were wrong or that you didn't understand me, but in the end I did what you told me and it turned out you knew me better than I knew myself. Finishing Ironman in less than 12 hours was well beyond what anyone thought I would be able to do (except you and me.)
Your wisdom, support, and ability to call me out (when required)gave me what I needed to do what I did. I am telling every triathlete I know that they can benefit from your coaching. Thank you so much!"
"Hey Coach, I am so thankful for what you have done for me. Over the years I have made some poor choices regarding racing and training. Prior to hiring you I was on track for a colossal disaster at IM Wisconsin.
From the moment we started, the progress I made was astounding. I really appreciate your timely advice and the “kicks in the butt” you provided as my training progressed. Telling me I was being a baby and that “excuses do nothing for you at Ironman” really hit home. There were times I thought you were wrong or that you didn't understand me, but in the end I did what you told me and it turned out you knew me better than I knew myself. Finishing Ironman in less than 12 hours was well beyond what anyone thought I would be able to do (except you and me.)
Your wisdom, support, and ability to call me out (when required)gave me what I needed to do what I did. I am telling every triathlete I know that they can benefit from your coaching. Thank you so much!"