Although I swam in college, and came back to Masters' swimming in my early 30's, I had found myself stagnating in terms of improvement while I watched some of my late 30/early 40-something competitors still getting faster. I knew I could get some gains by simply training more, but adding significantly more training time while working full time and raising three kids was not a realistic option. I knew I needed to swim better and smarter. I began working with Anne with an eye to completely re-building my freestyle. The early videos she took confirmed my suspicions - my stroke bore very little resemblance to the technique used by world class swimmers of the 21st century. Anne's ability to break down my stroke flaws and then provide me with drills that progressively worked those flaws out was amazing. My body position got flatter and higher in the water, my stroke count got lower, and my power increased. Over just a little over a year of working with Anne, I have dramatically improved my pool and open water times. In some events, I am now swimming, at 42, faster than I did as a Division I college swimmer!
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--Patrick Brundage, World-ranked masters swimmer
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Anne and Bill have taken me from a local age group racer to a professional triathlete. After working with Anne on a swim technique. I come out of the water with the leaders, something I had never done before. I ran college track so I thought I knew how to train, but Anne and Bill showed me a better plan and how to get out of my medial level and into an approach which truly stepped up my performances.
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-- Thomas Taylor, Professional Triathlete
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Both Bill and Anne offer a wealth of knowledge and experience for the sport of Triathlon. I can attest to their vast awareness of implementing a training plan that has allowed me to compete as a top age group triathlete
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--Chris Latvaaho, 9:42, 2008 Ironman Hawaii
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In 2 years, from someone who could not swim or run to age group champion in IMAZ and Boise 70.3, qualified for Kona and Clearwater, enough said about the great coaching from Anne and Bill. I am not usually a listener, but could not have done it without the great coaching, encouragement and help from you both.
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--Dwight Lundell MD, 10th M65-69, 2009 IM Hawaii
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I love the bike fit, Bill. It helped me to a 4:50 bike split PR at IMAZ09. My body is in a very comfortable that allows me to stay aero for a long period of time without feeling cramped or sore. My pedal stroke feels very effiecient maximizing my power outputon every revolution.
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--Trevor Sehr
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I started going to the Camelback Coaching masters swim workouts about two years ago and have seen a real improvement in my swimming technique and times. There are newbies to elite age-groupers and the swim workouts are tailored to meet the needs of the varied skill levels at each workout. I get first-rate coaching and a group of swimmers of that I can train with regularly.
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--John Lierle
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Anne and Bill at Camelback Coaching have been my knights in shining armor! When I started with them, I could run and bike ok but swimming was a great fear of mine. Anne taught me to swim and not fear the water. Bill’s tremendous ability to know how I plug away in my training, and despite my lack thereof most times due to work and other commitments, has still helped me to go to a place I never thought I would go. I’ve completed more races than I ever dreamed of, including an Ironman (not giving up yet on more!), and have learned so much from Anne and Bill. I highly recommend Camelback Coaching – whether you are a novice or elite triathlete – because Anne and Bill will facilitate all your needs and desires to accomplish any race you want! I love them!
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--Lorri Chavez
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There i was five years ago....little talent....little experience...but the desire to try my first and probably last triathlon....with no swim stroke....no experience racing on the bike...and no desire to run very far...i completed my first race...well that was fun, let's try another....and so the typical story goes....what to do?....how to get a grip on this stuff....oh yeah, camelback coaching...i saw their name on the winodw of their storefront....bill and anne...from there came the training plan, nutritional guidance and more than needed swim lessons...but really what truly came from there was the inspiration, guidance, motivation and comraderie that has allowed me to continue on this journey in the multisport life...this weekend i will start my third ironman race....no longer the novice with all the usual anxieties, i will stand on the beach before the swim with some of the jitters but more importantly with the confidence knowing that my training has brought me to this place prepared and ready....i owe so much to camelback coaching...they have guided me from novice to ironman....a sometime difficult but always worthwhile journey that i'm so glad they were a part of....
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--Jay Mellen MD
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Anne is the best swim coach you could ever ask for!
She is so positive and supportive and helps you lose your bad habits and learn efficient swim techniques.
Prior to lessons with Anne, I had to backstroke my first sprint-tri and would be gasping for air after 2 lengths of free-style in a pool. Then in an 18-month period after lessons, I finished several Olympic and Half-distance tri's, the Escape from Alcatraz tri, and became a 2-time Ironman finisher with a PR swim of 1:12 at IMAZ in 2008.
Bill is amazing as well.
He was so attentive and encouraging with my training plan for my 2nd Ironman and helped me achieve a 13 minute PR in my marathon time. After 8 years, trying countless training plans and running 13 marathons, I FINALLY got my Boston Qualifying time at the '08 Tucson marathon of 3:45.
Thanks Anne and Bill!
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--Sara Huschke
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I interviewed four triathlon coaches before hiring Bill and Anne Wilson. They were insightful, knowledgeable, helpful, and most important to me, the most genuine. I have not been disappointed and highly recommend Bill and Anne, regardless of whether someone is a triathlete, swimmer, or runner. They know their stuff! In the span of eight months, I went from an athletic guy, who NEVER ran at all, to completing my first marathon and finishing a half-marathon in 1:42. That would have never been possible without Camelback Coaching!
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--Toby Baum
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Bill, on Aug 21st you did fits on my Guru TT bike and my Felt single speed. Just want you to know what a difference it made. I especially notice it on the TT bike. It is so much more comfortable and efficient. Thanks again for making my cycling better.
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--Glenn Lenox
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Anne’s style of swim instruction is so calming and comforting. She really made me feel at ease, took her time and was very patient.
Would highly recommend Camelback Coaching for swim instruction!
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--Brenda Szewc
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Camelback Coaching took me from being a non-swimmer to placing 3rd in my first triathlon in less than a year. They are the best!
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--Pamela Heaps
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Sometimes you may never realize your potential, whatever it is, unless you have someone to help you bring it out. Even though I am a certified back-of-the-packer, I have been surprised at the improvement I have made in speed and endurance by being coached by Anne and Bill.
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--Joan McGue
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My first triathlon was the Olympic distance race at Mountain Man, in July 2005. I was the last swimmer in the water, with a time around 57 minutes (but I didn't DNF!)...Eddie Carlin announced as I was coming out of the water that "ladies and gentlemen, this is our last swimmer, lets give him a big hand..." Thanks Eddie. Anyway, about two months later, after a few lessons with Anne, I completed another Olympic distance race, and finished the swim portion in about 35 minutes. I believe in the Total Immersion method of teaching, and I believe in Anne Wilson! Since that time, with guidance from Bill and Anne, I've completed approximately 30 races...This includes two Arizona Ironman triathlons, in 2007 and 2008 (my third will be in November 2009), several 1/2 Ironman distance races, and numerous Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons; as well, during this time I have completed several marathons and 1/2 marathons. I've also made many new friends along the way and although I may not be the fastest, I love what I'm doing and hope to be involved in this sport (triathlon) for years to come!
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--Gene Hindman
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Bill and Anne made it completely possible for me to complete all of the tris and marathons that I did. Without your guidance and encouragement I would have never found out that I have what it takes to be an Ironman!
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--Ben Wright
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I don't think I could have made it through the Ironman swim without your help. You always had time for me and were always willing (and still are!) to encourage and guide, check and help. Masters has helped a ton in the last few weeks. I am still passing your name onto people!
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--Mindy Holman
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"I contacted Anne and Bill after hearing absolutely glowing recommendations from triathletes in the Phoenix area. I join the army of people that think Anne and Bill are the best!!!! If you want numbers, Anne helped cut my swim lap time by more than 43% in less than 15 weeks by transforming my technique with a video session and tutelage during her masters swim class. Bill helped me out with my excellent bike fit, rearranging his schedule so that he could fit me in at the last minute. The Wilson team are professional, a wealth of knowledge, very patient, and inspirational.
I would not have been able to complete 3 triathlons successfully without their help. They both have the ability to make you feel so comfortable regardless of your talent level and ability and help you achieve your goals. What more can you ask for?"
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--Gwelle Boissiere
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