Testimonials:
Jay Judeh
Cat 3 cyclist
Working on upgrade points
"I started out with Derek as a Cat 5 cyclist. I wanted to get better and I wanted to get there quick! When you think about it though, what athlete doesn’t want to get better as quick as possible. That’s what leads me into the first gem of having Derek as my coach, his ability to relay messages to me as an athlete even when it’s the last thing I want to hear. He was able to break down why the training is going to be a process and how the timeline is going to REALISTICALLY look for me. He managed to do all of that without making me hate him for his honesty and without using fancy terminology.
The next great thing and probably the biggest reason why I feel like I will continue with Derek for as long as I am competing are his communication skills. I have never met Derek in person yet I feel like I am talking to one of my friends when I interact with him. There has never been a time in my process where I have not been able to reach Derek, whether its because I need to get some clarification on a workout, I need to adjust my training due to life getting in the way, or if its just because I’m in a training rut and need someone to talk to about it. He has been there for me through everything and has made me a better cyclist than I could have ever managed to do on my own.
Being one of his athletes you would think that obviously I am going to be biased. However, when you think of how many “coaches” claim to be out there and how much money us athletes spend in the long haul you will understand that my connection with Derek is more than just words. I can switch my coaching services whenever I want and there would be plenty of coaches that would take me immediately. The reason I will not and have not left is because I truly feel like I have a competitive advantage having someone as smart and skilled in his craft as Derek. My whole team is coached by him and on one of our rides we were reflecting how blessed we were to have him as our coach.
To wrap it up for you briefly… If you are looking for someone to help you reach your athletic goals, that you will have no problem reaching, and isn’t just in it for the money then Derek is your guy!"
Chris Phillips
Ironman athlete, Marathon runner
Competitive A.G runner
"I came to Derek after Ironman Texas 2013, featuring a DNF near 20%, where I came up short of my goals and ultimately felt unprepared. I knew I wanted to get back to the full distance but needed someone who was both knowledgeable and experienced who could guide me on an individual basis.
We targeted Ironman Chattanooga as our goal race and began putting plans in place to prepare me for one of the toughest marathons in any Ironman globally. The ability to modify training plans on the fly due to life, family and work is a godsend for a working professional. There were times where I did not want to go out for 15 mile training runs in the middle of South Texas Summer but Derek always reminded me of that final 10k of the Ironman Marathon and how all the work would pay off and keep me strong to attack the course without relenting.
Race day threw more than it's fair share of curve balls at me. From a lost seat post clamp in transit to Tennessee to two flats in the first 20 miles of the bike (triathlon gods are rarely in your favor). The tough, and I mean tough, workouts along with constant interaction and mental support from Derek prepared me for anything. I stuck to our plan and hit my goals.
While I stepped away from triathlons to pursue my graduate degree I continue to work with Derek. We have pulled off some mastery performances that even I have been surprised by but I believe it all comes down to trusting your ability and having the support to lay it all on the line without fear. Strength comes from the body as well as the mind and without both you will never achieve your greatest potential. Derek is a wonderful coach who can build athletes in both phases allowing them to have great performances time and time again.
He's also a cool dude you can drink a beer with."
Jesse Kooistra
Cat 3 cyclist
Multi-Race winner
"It is difficult to fully describe the benefits of coaching Derek has brought to me. But it would be a shame no to try!
He has grown me as an athlete. Starting with Derek a little over year ago I can now fully attest to the benefits of professional coaching. Having Derek create workouts that are specific to my performance needs, and are compatible with my compact schedule has been the difference between finishing races and making it on the podium. It is a night and day difference. His coaching has also given me peace of mind. I know he will never send me to a race underprepared, or over trained. I don’t get nervous about my ability anymore. I know when I line up at the start my fitness is where I need to be to perform, sometimes even to win!
Paramount in Derek’s service has been his personality, he genuinely cares about my success. He is down right friendly. If something goes wrong he doesn’t get upset, instead he makes plans from he next opportunity. he understands that success is more than results on paper, and he makes sure that we take a balanced healthy approach to everything we do.
Derek has been instrumental to me and my cycling aspirations, I’m so thankful for his expertise and guidance. We are going places!"
Andy Louwaert
Cat 3 cyclist
Multi-Race winner
"Dalzell Coaching has helped me transition in less than 2 seasons, from a Cat 5 road racer, who had no idea how to train properly, to a competitive Cat 3 racer. Through peliminary testing, Coach Dalzell helped me realize my body’s natural strengths. He helped me maximize those gifts, while also strengthening my areas of weakness so that I can be competitive. During my first block of training with Coach Dalzell, I gained close to 50 watts of power over a 20 minute test period which is a testament to his coaching strategy. I’m a 37-year-old new father who joined the sport of cycling late in life. With the care and guidance of Dalzell Coaching, I have maximized my training time and become a winning cyclist. "
Sandy Reid
Cat 3 cyclist chasing TT Title
Multi-Race winner
"To say that being a Dalzell Coaching athlete has changed my life is a pretty doggone big statement, BUT it's pretty close to true!!!
After a year with Derek, I will say that it has changed the way I train! BIGTIME!
I have learned so many powerfully- valuable things about how to approach training in the best way to help ME reach MY goals.
As a result of the guidance and support I get from DC, I am learning to embrace and hone my specific skill set; moreover, I am finally training with a purpose. With Coach Dalzell's dedication and flexibility, I am enjoying the rewards that come with hard work and focused effort.
Cannot say enough about how much I adore being a " Dalzell Athlete"!"
Ryan McEnhill
4:42 LC worlds. Qualified for Team USA
"The first year with Derek I broke through swim and bike plateaus that I did not think were possible. I improved dramatically and was very close to getting my first Overall win on two (2) occasions and crushing my course PR's in every race I entered."
Allen Goodling
Over 30+ minutes off Half marathon PR
"Working with Dalzell Coaching has been exactly what I wanted/needed. I am a busy professional and have a busy home life as well with 2 children. Derek gives me the workouts I need to accomplish my goals and is there when I need to discuss. Derek also knows when to listen and will allow me a little freedom if needed. Perfect for me."
Paola Peretti
Went from a 2:04 half marathon to being a Boston Qualifier
“I was a person with a passion for sport and thanks to Dalzell Coaching I feel I became an athlete. In a year not only I perfectly recover from an injury to my knee thanks to Dalzell’s unique support and specific exercises I also had the best year of my life in terms of results and performance! Derek gave me the best support ever!! Every week I received a detailed and tailored plan and he was always there for advices and his level of professional and personal commitment it was simply amazing. I will recommend Dalzell Coaching because it is the best way to improve, learn and succeed!”’
Joe Siegel
Mid Atlantic Cat 3 TT Champion
Cat 2 Cyclist
40km TT: 52:43
"Derek has been really helpful keeping my focus and moving towards my goals. I constantly keep him on his toes with changing and variable life constraints, but he always manages to create workouts that fit my life and provide the maximum benefit. I've never been disappointed over the past year working with him."
Dave Keyte
Cat 5 racer looking to improve FTP
"I have been working with Derek for months now and can't say enough good things! Although, there are days that I hate him for the workout he prescribed! My FTP keeps going up! I love the accountability, improving and he is always available for any type of question. I highly recommend Derek!"
Peter Post
Cat 3 cyclist
Winner of race series
"Most of us obsess about the extra pound that our bike weighs and will pay hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars to get that last ounce or that new piece of bling that we are certain will win that next race or KOM or outclimb that guy next to us. I firmly believe that it is effective training that will make us stand out from the crowd. Derek can help you stand out in whatever discipline that you choose, from sprinter to endurance specialist - even runner if you like .He has helped me make seamless transitions from road racing to cyclocross to 1/2 marathon and eventually back to road racing this spring. What a great resource!"
Cat 3 cyclist
Working on upgrade points
"I started out with Derek as a Cat 5 cyclist. I wanted to get better and I wanted to get there quick! When you think about it though, what athlete doesn’t want to get better as quick as possible. That’s what leads me into the first gem of having Derek as my coach, his ability to relay messages to me as an athlete even when it’s the last thing I want to hear. He was able to break down why the training is going to be a process and how the timeline is going to REALISTICALLY look for me. He managed to do all of that without making me hate him for his honesty and without using fancy terminology.
The next great thing and probably the biggest reason why I feel like I will continue with Derek for as long as I am competing are his communication skills. I have never met Derek in person yet I feel like I am talking to one of my friends when I interact with him. There has never been a time in my process where I have not been able to reach Derek, whether its because I need to get some clarification on a workout, I need to adjust my training due to life getting in the way, or if its just because I’m in a training rut and need someone to talk to about it. He has been there for me through everything and has made me a better cyclist than I could have ever managed to do on my own.
Being one of his athletes you would think that obviously I am going to be biased. However, when you think of how many “coaches” claim to be out there and how much money us athletes spend in the long haul you will understand that my connection with Derek is more than just words. I can switch my coaching services whenever I want and there would be plenty of coaches that would take me immediately. The reason I will not and have not left is because I truly feel like I have a competitive advantage having someone as smart and skilled in his craft as Derek. My whole team is coached by him and on one of our rides we were reflecting how blessed we were to have him as our coach.
To wrap it up for you briefly… If you are looking for someone to help you reach your athletic goals, that you will have no problem reaching, and isn’t just in it for the money then Derek is your guy!"
Chris Phillips
Ironman athlete, Marathon runner
Competitive A.G runner
"I came to Derek after Ironman Texas 2013, featuring a DNF near 20%, where I came up short of my goals and ultimately felt unprepared. I knew I wanted to get back to the full distance but needed someone who was both knowledgeable and experienced who could guide me on an individual basis.
We targeted Ironman Chattanooga as our goal race and began putting plans in place to prepare me for one of the toughest marathons in any Ironman globally. The ability to modify training plans on the fly due to life, family and work is a godsend for a working professional. There were times where I did not want to go out for 15 mile training runs in the middle of South Texas Summer but Derek always reminded me of that final 10k of the Ironman Marathon and how all the work would pay off and keep me strong to attack the course without relenting.
Race day threw more than it's fair share of curve balls at me. From a lost seat post clamp in transit to Tennessee to two flats in the first 20 miles of the bike (triathlon gods are rarely in your favor). The tough, and I mean tough, workouts along with constant interaction and mental support from Derek prepared me for anything. I stuck to our plan and hit my goals.
While I stepped away from triathlons to pursue my graduate degree I continue to work with Derek. We have pulled off some mastery performances that even I have been surprised by but I believe it all comes down to trusting your ability and having the support to lay it all on the line without fear. Strength comes from the body as well as the mind and without both you will never achieve your greatest potential. Derek is a wonderful coach who can build athletes in both phases allowing them to have great performances time and time again.
He's also a cool dude you can drink a beer with."
Jesse Kooistra
Cat 3 cyclist
Multi-Race winner
"It is difficult to fully describe the benefits of coaching Derek has brought to me. But it would be a shame no to try!
He has grown me as an athlete. Starting with Derek a little over year ago I can now fully attest to the benefits of professional coaching. Having Derek create workouts that are specific to my performance needs, and are compatible with my compact schedule has been the difference between finishing races and making it on the podium. It is a night and day difference. His coaching has also given me peace of mind. I know he will never send me to a race underprepared, or over trained. I don’t get nervous about my ability anymore. I know when I line up at the start my fitness is where I need to be to perform, sometimes even to win!
Paramount in Derek’s service has been his personality, he genuinely cares about my success. He is down right friendly. If something goes wrong he doesn’t get upset, instead he makes plans from he next opportunity. he understands that success is more than results on paper, and he makes sure that we take a balanced healthy approach to everything we do.
Derek has been instrumental to me and my cycling aspirations, I’m so thankful for his expertise and guidance. We are going places!"
Andy Louwaert
Cat 3 cyclist
Multi-Race winner
"Dalzell Coaching has helped me transition in less than 2 seasons, from a Cat 5 road racer, who had no idea how to train properly, to a competitive Cat 3 racer. Through peliminary testing, Coach Dalzell helped me realize my body’s natural strengths. He helped me maximize those gifts, while also strengthening my areas of weakness so that I can be competitive. During my first block of training with Coach Dalzell, I gained close to 50 watts of power over a 20 minute test period which is a testament to his coaching strategy. I’m a 37-year-old new father who joined the sport of cycling late in life. With the care and guidance of Dalzell Coaching, I have maximized my training time and become a winning cyclist. "
Sandy Reid
Cat 3 cyclist chasing TT Title
Multi-Race winner
"To say that being a Dalzell Coaching athlete has changed my life is a pretty doggone big statement, BUT it's pretty close to true!!!
After a year with Derek, I will say that it has changed the way I train! BIGTIME!
I have learned so many powerfully- valuable things about how to approach training in the best way to help ME reach MY goals.
As a result of the guidance and support I get from DC, I am learning to embrace and hone my specific skill set; moreover, I am finally training with a purpose. With Coach Dalzell's dedication and flexibility, I am enjoying the rewards that come with hard work and focused effort.
Cannot say enough about how much I adore being a " Dalzell Athlete"!"
Ryan McEnhill
4:42 LC worlds. Qualified for Team USA
"The first year with Derek I broke through swim and bike plateaus that I did not think were possible. I improved dramatically and was very close to getting my first Overall win on two (2) occasions and crushing my course PR's in every race I entered."
Allen Goodling
Over 30+ minutes off Half marathon PR
"Working with Dalzell Coaching has been exactly what I wanted/needed. I am a busy professional and have a busy home life as well with 2 children. Derek gives me the workouts I need to accomplish my goals and is there when I need to discuss. Derek also knows when to listen and will allow me a little freedom if needed. Perfect for me."
Paola Peretti
Went from a 2:04 half marathon to being a Boston Qualifier
“I was a person with a passion for sport and thanks to Dalzell Coaching I feel I became an athlete. In a year not only I perfectly recover from an injury to my knee thanks to Dalzell’s unique support and specific exercises I also had the best year of my life in terms of results and performance! Derek gave me the best support ever!! Every week I received a detailed and tailored plan and he was always there for advices and his level of professional and personal commitment it was simply amazing. I will recommend Dalzell Coaching because it is the best way to improve, learn and succeed!”’
Joe Siegel
Mid Atlantic Cat 3 TT Champion
Cat 2 Cyclist
40km TT: 52:43
"Derek has been really helpful keeping my focus and moving towards my goals. I constantly keep him on his toes with changing and variable life constraints, but he always manages to create workouts that fit my life and provide the maximum benefit. I've never been disappointed over the past year working with him."
Dave Keyte
Cat 5 racer looking to improve FTP
"I have been working with Derek for months now and can't say enough good things! Although, there are days that I hate him for the workout he prescribed! My FTP keeps going up! I love the accountability, improving and he is always available for any type of question. I highly recommend Derek!"
Peter Post
Cat 3 cyclist
Winner of race series
"Most of us obsess about the extra pound that our bike weighs and will pay hundreds sometimes thousands of dollars to get that last ounce or that new piece of bling that we are certain will win that next race or KOM or outclimb that guy next to us. I firmly believe that it is effective training that will make us stand out from the crowd. Derek can help you stand out in whatever discipline that you choose, from sprinter to endurance specialist - even runner if you like .He has helped me make seamless transitions from road racing to cyclocross to 1/2 marathon and eventually back to road racing this spring. What a great resource!"
