Christine, Category 3 Cyclocross racer:
It's often said that one of the great things about cyclocross racing (following the requisite pain, mud, and embrocation) is its social atmosphere, and it's true: I've met some fantastic people as a result of racing 'cross. However, each of my cycling friends has a different take on what to do to better one's racing performance.
Free advice is fantastic, but it can also get a little overwhelming, especially for a relatively new racer.
In this regard, hiring Cort Cramer as my coach has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in terms of improving my performance on the bike. Having a skilled professional guide my entire racing season is far simpler for me than sifting through and adapting the training strategies of my peers (and, sometimes, competitors!).
Cort and I share a running background, and he's really helped me apply that skill to cyclocross racing, making run-ups powerful and barriers a breeze. Overall, Cort's guidance keeps me focussed and motivated, but his levity, approachability, and low latency also make him extremely easy to work with. His constancy has gotten me through some rough weeks on the bike (and in life), and his strategies have paid off: I earned upgrade points in all of last season's designated “A” races!"
Nathaniel K, Triathlete:
I engaged Cramer Performance Conditioning after a dismal performance in a half-iron distance triathlon. Cort put together a comprehensive schedule that addressed the gaps he identified in my (do it yourself) training plan. I entered the next race with a sense of confidence from targeted training and from heart rate, time, and nutrition goals we discussed before the race.
Cort customized my training plan to include variety and methodologies I had not seen in online training plans or books. I finished key workouts feeling spent, but not overwhelmed. His responses to questions were prompt and he suggested great alternative workouts when life got in the way.
As an age-group triathlete who is budget-conscious, coaching with CPC made a far greater impact on performance than any equipment upgrade.
Gary D, Triathlete & Cyclocross:
Cort Cramer has provided me with the level of attention and flexibility that I need to manage my training effectively. Cort is always there to chat about past workouts and developing a training and racing strategy. As I came from a running background and had definite ideas about what was best for my run training, Cort was willing to listen and together we worked on a plan that was best for me.
Rather than providing a cookie-cutter schedule, Cort has crafted a plan unique to my strengths, weaknesses and situation. This has allowed me to have greater confidence in my pre-race preparation and race day execution. My results from the past year have demonstrated the success of Cort's approach and philosophy. Plus, his cycling knowledge has allowed me to go from triathlon-specific training to cyclocross-specific training without losing much in the process.
Balancing three events, a job, and family is never easy. Cort understands the importance of balance in an amateur athlete's life, and is careful about overloading his athletes to burnout. This has allowed me to maintain a much longer season, and be positive about training and racing throughout the year.
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