I had never run before and Jamie Fishlow came highly recommended by the Runner's Edge staff. I could barely run a mile, let alone a 5K. I have always wanted to be a runner; I always admired people who could run but I was afraid to do it. I was not looking to compete, but rather learn how to run correctly and safely for my health. Jamie truly understood what I needed to reach that goal. His philosophy on my training was based on the honor system; he would outline a training program for the week, and I followed it. If I didn't, he made it clear that the only person that was losing the benefit was me. It required listening to myself, being independent, and training at my own pace and ability. It worked for me because I didn't have to feel embarrased at how terrible or slow I was, versus if I had to train with a group of people. I really respected his way of teaching, which required no military-like tactics or brainwashing. He is very simple and to the point. He pushed me just enough so that I didn't hurt myself, and if he pushed harder it was only because he believed I could do it. If I got hurt or found it difficult, it was okay and he would revise the training. Although he could not run with me everyday (which would have been great), I always ran out there keeping what he had taught me in mind. And I still do. To make my training worthwhile, upon his encouragement I entered a 5K in 2004 in Massapequa (I can't remember the name...sorry!). Jamie actually entered the race himself, and ran side by side with me until the end. For my first-ever race, I finished in under 40 minutes! From running quarter mile to a 5K, it says a lot for someone like me who does not have an athletic bone in her body. Then in November the same year, I did a Little Apple 5K Run in Huntington, at which I didn't even realized I ranked as 2nd in my age group (the ranked the top 3)! I couldn't believe it myself but I think that's what I finally did learn to do. I am very shy so I always thought I couldn't be a runner. Granted my speed is no more than a 12-minute mile, but I can honestly say that I am now able complete a race, and will love running for the rest of my life because of Jamie. And I can only get better because he trained me well. Thanks Jamie, I'll always remember how you helped me accomplish that. I'd recommend him to anyone and everyone, hands down. – Kristine Shapiro When I decided to my first half Ironman, I thought it was time to get a coach. I wanted to make sure that I was well prepared to do a distance that required some much time and training... I also decided to put clips on my pedals and do away with my cages after 3 years of Triathlon, it was time. So I got the clips, set out around my neighborhood and proceeded to fall not once, but 4 times. And the last fall was painful and brought me to tears. I was so frustrated that I called Jamie and said “I can’t do this, I must be a spaz and so I am going back to my cages”. He was extremely patient and calm with me and having faith in me asked me to give it time and go back out and try and try again. I waited until the next day and sure enough, he was right, finally I was able to clip in and out without falling down. I successfully completed my first half a few months later with the guidance of a great coach! Thank you, Jamie. – Brigitte Occhi Jaime's insights and training plans for your first triathlon are invaluable. After taking the time to assess your personal goals and objectives, along with a review of your physical condition, he designs a program that will exceed your expectations. You will perform at your best during your first triathlon because of his keen knowledge of the sport and genuine interest in those that want to succeed. He provides an excellent alternative to the "do-it-yourself" approach. His coaching is economically reasonable on the wallet. His emphasis is always on remaining injury-free. Lastly, he provides additional training at a fee, such as private swim lessons or core-body workouts, which accelerates one's training progress enormously. For example, when I started training with Jaime I was unable to swim across a 25-meter pool without being winded and exhausted. After just two lessons he had me swimming 1,000 meters in no time. The progress was so dramatic that I realized along with cardio development, technique, which he provided me with, was the key ingredient to improving in this discipline. I can't thank him enough for teaching me how to swim! – Tom Hanik, Farmingdale, NY My husband gave me the gift of a trainer for Christmas to help me prepare for the Long Island Half Marathon. Jamie Fishlow was a knowledgeable and supportive coach. He gave me workouts each week and called during those weeks to see how everything was going. I accomplished my goal of finishing the half marathon that year due to Jamie's guidance and motivation. He was a hands-on trainer who truly cares about your personal goals and helps you to achieve them. – Kristin Frazer :) Working with Jamie has been a great experience. Unlike other programs that focus strictly on the competition, Jamie's focus is on helping individuals develop a passion for the mutipsort experience. It is definitely easier to make a long term commitment to fitness when you enjoy what you are doing. As a former competitive swimmer who was out of shape and had been out of the water for nearly fifteen years, I decided one day on a dare to try a "mini-triahlon." I made my way to the gym, pool and track to train myself for the experience. While having successfully completed the event, I realized that the self-training was not adequate and was probably responsible for certain over-use injuries I developed before and after the event. I tried to get involved in certain triathlon clubs, but found that they were for the hard-core competitors and did not give a lot of attention to newbies. Their approach was "just workout with us and eventually you'll catch up." This was a little unsettling and I felt that I needed more direction. The following season while visiting Runner's Edge, I saw Jamie's card and called him. After meeting with him to go over my goals, Jamie took the time to evaluate my skills. I felt that I wasn't being pressured and would actually be able to train at a comfortable, yet challenging, pace. Jamie designed a flexible training program and provided input regularly. He made modifications to the schedule to account for illness, fatigue and a sometimes impossible work schedule. By following this schedule I was able to successfully complete 2 sprint distance triathlons and 1 duathlon last season. While I know Jamie trains Ironman participants, I don't feel that I am given any less time or attention even though my primary goal is using multisport for weight reduction/maintenance. Thanks Jamie. – R Joseph Coryat I began my triathlon career 5 years ago. My background was not in any of the three triathlon disciplines. I had extensive training in martial arts and I mixed that with weight training. I did my first triathlon on a dare. At that time I was working around the clock as a New York City Police Lieutenant assigned to an organized crime task force. I was ill prepared for my first triathlon and had a rough day but I was hooked. I decided to do a half ironman so I went to the bookstore and bought several books explaining on how to train for the race. Four months prior to the half ironman I was swimming with Coach Fishlow and other members of the TRE. Coach Fishlow and I began to talk about my training and he gave me encouragement and assurance that I could do it! He was so positive and encouraging that day that I asked him to coach me. From that day to this day Coach Fishlow has directed my training. Coach Fishlow always gives me positive reassurance and guidance to achieve my goals. He led me through that half ironman and eventually Florida Ironman. Coach Fishlow has shown me how blessed I am to be able to do triathlons. How much fun they are. That doing triathlons is part of the "JOY OF LIVING". I see him today working with the high school kids showing them how great our sport is. He always tries to give back to our sport by giving of himself to others. Leadership through service is Coach Fishlow's greatest strength. I could not ask for a better mentor, coach or friend! Thank You -Jamie!!! – Michael Scanlon, Peerless Insurance "Fit Core has been the extra ingriedient to my success in the sport of triathlon. My core is so much stronger than it would be with a weight routine alone. With a stronger core, I have stayed away from nagging injuries that would hinder my training and have improved my endurance in all three disciplines. I find that with a stronger core, I am able to finish Ironman feeling strong, healthy and injury-free!" – Danielle Sullivan - Pro triathlete As with any relationship, communication is the key. Jamie is always there to answer your questions, give you guidance and most importantly offer encouragement. His "no frills" approach to training seems to work best for my lifestyle. I would highly recommend Jamie as a coach whether you are training for an Ironman, or your first sprint triathlon I can't say enough about Jamie and his coaching services. It all started with a "sit down" where he introduced me to his coaching program and philosophy. Jamie came across as extremely knowledgeable and concerned. He asked questions about my goals and abilities. What I liked about his approach was that he talked to me at my level, which was as a beginner triathlete. I also like the fact that Jamie is an educator and high school coach which only enhanced his coaching abilities. I think this separates him from many coaches in that he is able to work with many different types of individuals and adapt his program to their skills rather than ask that they adapt to him. I decided to take the plunge and sign up. I told Jamie that I wanted to compete in Ironman USA (Lake Placid). The training plans came on schedule and were easy to comprehend. Each week built upon the last and I never felt tired or over-trained. The progression felt natural and I could feel myself getting fitter and stronger. Jamie would also check in with me on the phone to find out how things were going and would e-mail me often as well. One of the best things about Jamie is that he didn't nickel and dime me. He was always accessible and didn't limit e-mail and/or phone contact. He was also available for training in person and never charged for any of these additional sessions. Jamie's knowledge base is incredible and I was clearly in good hands. While gearing up for the Ironman, I was nervous and questioning myself. He was always there with a word of confidence and motivation. He also invited me over to go over strategy and to give me some last minute pointers. Going into Ironman USA I felt anxious, excited and ready. I had done the training with a great coach and was looking forward to a good day. It couldn't have gone better as I finished the race in just under 15:00 hrs and even made the highlight DVD. Guess who was the first person to call me after the race? Yup. My coach, Jamie. – Brett A. Mishket, Folksamerica Reinsurance Co.