Testimonials

Dear Cory,

In May of 2003, I committed to participating in the Disney
Half Marathon as a fundraising event for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society. I knew I needed to get myself in
shape to complete 13.1 miles, but I had no idea where
to start or how to reach that ultimate goal. That's where
you came in...an on-line coach to provide workout
schedules, advice and motivation. Over the next 7
months, you challenged me, kept me on schedule and
pushed me farther than I ever thought myself physically
capable.

I finished my first half marathon in 3:09:04 this past
January 11^th!! I know that I could not have accomplished
this without your coaching and support...you took someone
who was not a runner and turned me into one! I actually
look forward to my running workouts now more than my
walking ones. You kept me motivated and told me I could
do it (when I didn't think I could), and you were always
responsive to questions I had concerning workouts,
injuries, nutrition and general health.

My journey has not ended with the finish of this race; I
think it's just the beginning. Participating in this event
was good for the mind, body and spirit and I would like
to continue training and maybe do the full Disney
marathon next year. We'll see.

Thanks again for everything, Cory - you are the best!

Karen 1/04

Dear Cory,

OK, a running coach to get me ready for the
Philadelphia Distance Race. Maybe that is a good idea,
but really isn't running about putting one foot in front of
the other, and trying to do more each week? My partner,
Susan, offered me the gift of a running coach. But I
thought she meant a real one, not one who exists in
cyberspace.

I had been running once or twice a week, usually about 5
miles total for the week. My pace of about 12:30-13:00
minute miles had not changed in 10 years. I really liked
riding my bike, where I could charge down hills at great
speeds.

But I thought since running is something I cannot do, but
would like to do, and like to do better, and have more fun
with, maybe a coach, even one who does not exist, is a
good idea.

Well I learned several things this summer,

Just because the coach is in cyberspace does not
mean he does not exist.
It is possible to improve, reach a goal, and feel
really good about it.
It is possible to find running enjoyable and not just
what to do when my bike is in the shop or it is
raining.

Cory, through emails, created a schedule for me weekly.
Each week I would look forward to seeing what I had to
do in the following week. Each week I felt myself getting
stronger and doing things I thought I would never do.
Cory had me do weight training exercises in the gym and
my back stopped hurting when I ran. Go faster on land
than a turtle? Well after many weeks, I passed the turtle,
the snail, and the gray-haired man with the walker on
the path. I began to feel the workouts were fun, and I
was seeing a real difference. Whenever I had a question
I would email Cory, and the response would be in my IN
box immediately.

In midsummer I did a 5-mile race, and there was the real
Cory, camera in hand, cheering me to the finish line. He
was a real smiling, encouraging, knowledgeable coaching
person. Again, near the end of the Philadelphia Distance
Run he was there again, running the last 1/2 mile with me,
saying all those things a tired runner wants to hear like,
"You are looking strong" and "Only 3 more blocks" and
then more smiles and cameras. Almost 4 months later
the goal has been met, and I wonder now, a day later,
what do I want to do next?

Hinda 9/03

Dear Cory,

I DID IT!! My first triathlon . . . and an Olympic distance
one at that. (I had always thought I would just barely
do a sprint distance). It was your focused and very wise
training that made this event such a great experience.
And the amazing thing, is that you worked with me for
such a short amount of time -about 6 weeks- because I
got started so late. You were committed to healthy
training, working with my nutrition (for a 55 year old
woman, that is very important), my heart rate (equally
important), encouraging rest and recovery and,
underlying it all, a very sensible training schedule which
I found challenging and, when I had completed one of
your workouts, really exciting. I couldn't wait to brag
about it to you and anyone else within earshot. It
helped that you knew why I was doing it and never
failed to mention my reasons (fundraiser for Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society) and also understood and worked
around my emotional devastation and exhaustion when
my friend passed away a week before my race.

I felt great after the event and never would have thought
that possible!!! I even RAN then entire run, which I never
thought I would be able to do. I am ready for the next
and can't wait to begin again!

Susan 4/03

Cory Bank helped me to realize a dream of a lifetime; to
become a triathlete and compete in my first Triathlon.
Cory was able to help me swim, run and bike faster and
farther than I ever thought I could. He is very generous
with his time. He is always available to help with any
question that arises and never makes you feel like the
meter is running. He took a real interest in what I was
doing and always came up with sound advice throughout
my training.

Hi Cory,
Hey! Thank you for doing the whole race with me. It was
a lot of fun and I can’t wait to do another one. Thanks
again and I look forward to working with you next season.
Thanks!

Hi Cory!
I wanted to tell you that I did my fastest mile run today!
Also, my 3 mile time continues to drop. I am hoping to
drop that by another minute by the end of the season.
Thank you for all your help!

Cory,
My ride was super! I felt better riding this time than I
ever had. I kept up my intake and my stretching. The
day was just beautiful. It was so cool to be able to raise
money for a good cause. Besides that, the most special
part for me is riding and seeing other riders struggling
out there while I felt great. Thank you again for all your
support!