Real Stories, Real Success: Chicago’s Choice for Triathlon Coaching

Whether you’re seeking beginner triathlon guidance or advanced personalized triathlon coaching, our athletes’ journeys highlight the unmatched support and expert training that Grit Endurance is known for. Check out our members’ stories to see why we’re the go-to for triathlon coaching in Chicago.

From Triathlon Newbie to Ironman Finisher: Bart Kaminski’s Journey

“I could not have made a better decision to prepare me for the race.”

Improved 70.3 time by 25 minutes in 1 year of coaching

I joined Grit Endurance in July 2022 as a triathlon newbie and I was welcomed with open arms. The group had a mix of tri veterans and newcomers as myself, yet everyone was very helpful and approachable. I was able to get by a 70.3 IM in June 2022 by training myself off a rudimentary online pdf guide and horrible swim technique. An Ironman was on my bucket list and I wanted to do it correctly through proper coaching and a solid plan.

It was at this time I enlisted the help of coach Jim for Triathlon training and in hindsight, I could not have made a better decision to prepare me for the race. Jim provided me with swim lessons and a swim plan to learn proper technique. Afterwards, we tailored the Tri training based on my schedule, equipment and performance. The Grit team would organize group swims and bike rides to mix up the training days. At the end, it all paid off as the race experience could not have gone any better, and I will always have lasting memories of the team cheering me on during the 2023 IM-Wisconsin hill climbs! I would 100% recommend Grit Endurance to any aspiring triathletes or anyone looking for personal coaching.

Game-Changing Triathlon Transformation: Grant Weiss’s Experience

“My personal swimming, biking, and running abilities have improved drastically.”

First time 70.3 finisher in 5:25 and finished in top third of age grouping

II can confidently say that joining Grit Endurance, under the guidance of Head Coach Jim Levesque, has been a game-changer in my triathlon journey. Under Jim's expert tutelage, my personal swimming, biking, and running abilities have improved drastically across the board. Whether it was refining my swim strokes, optimizing my bike cadence, or fine-tuning my running form, Jim's insights and personalized training plans have been instrumental in my growth as a triathlete. But what sets Jim apart is his unwavering support when the going gets tough.

I hit a significant wall in my triathlon journey, struggling to find the motivation and momentum to push through. It was during this challenging period that Jim stepped in, providing not only guidance but also the encouragement I needed to break through my mental barriers. His belief in my potential never wavered, and he tailored my training to help me regain my confidence and stride.

Beyond Jim's exceptional coaching, the Grit community and team are nothing short of amazing. The camaraderie among fellow athletes creates a supportive and motivating environment that pushes everyone to excel. Training alongside like-minded individuals who share the same passion for triathlons has been a truly enriching experience.

Jim's commitment to helping me achieve my goals extends beyond the triathlon course. With his guidance, I've set ambitious targets, including completing two Ironman races this year. His holistic approach to training has not only enhanced my athletic performance but has also improved my overall motivation in everyday life. The discipline, resilience, and mental toughness instilled through Grit Endurance have transcended into all aspects of my daily routine.

If you're seeking not just coaching but a comprehensive approach to becoming a better triathlete and person, I wholeheartedly recommend Grit Endurance. It's where data driven coaching creates data driven results. Grit Endurance is an incredible community to help you reach new heights in your triathlon endeavors and beyond.

Triumph in the Triple Challenge: Jocelyn Rowe’s Races

“All of Coach Jim’s expertise paid off as I was a Third Place Overall Female Finisher!”

Took 28 minutes off her Olympic time and third overall in the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge

Tackling the Chicago Triple Challenge is no easy feat. Preparing for three separate triathlons that all take place within 24 hours is different than racing a single race all in one session. As a five year veteran of the sport of triathlon, I felt ready not only to take on the event, but I was hoping to place as well. Coach Jim helped me design a training program that carried me through my early summer races with the goal of preparing me to be competitive for this end-of-summer event.

The week prior to the race, we reviewed specific race day strategies covering nutrition, hydration, and pacing for each race within the Triple Challenge structure. All of Coach Jim’s expertise paid off as I was Third Place Overall Female Finisher in the event! Not only did I achieve my goal, but I had so much fun racing that weekend. Being a member of Grit Endurance has increased my love of endurance sports in a way I never could have imagined.

From Business Pro to Ironman Finisher: Adam Cloe’s Story

“Grit Endurance not only offered a community of like-minded beginners and welcoming vets, but helped me see all that I could gain from the sport.”

Achieved impressive rankings as a first-timer with a 70.3 finish of 5:25 and an ironman finish of 12:07

It's easy to feel intimidated or even lost when you make the jump into triathlon. Six months ago, I saw the sport as what I would need to give up: my pride as I learned two new sports, countless hours (read: dollars) to training, and Saturday nights on the town.

After two conversations - and half as many swimming lessons- with Jim, my perspective changed. Grit Endurance team not only offered a community of like-minded beginners and welcoming vets, but helped me see all that I could gain from the sport. Top-shelf training plans were table stakes, but Jim's dedication, encouragement, and friendly advice did the impossible: snuck Ironman prep into a personal and professional schedule that was anything but inviting!

A Marathon For Two: Catherine Ally’s Race

“I showed up to the start feeling confident and better than ever.”

Finished the Chicago Marathon in 4:08 (9:28/mile) while 15 weeks pregnant

This September, I ran the Chicago Marathon wearing a shirt that said “Running for 2.” At 15 weeks pregnant, I ran a full marathon - a feat I doubted myself on more than once.

Working with Coach Jim gave me the confidence and physical training I needed to make it to the finish. Coach Jim developed custom training plans that adapted to my needs week by week. Many days I had to skip the workout because I wasn’t feeling well, and he assured me that listening to my body was the best thing I could do.

After a great training cycle, I showed up to the start feeling confident and better than ever. I had an amazing race and will always remember it as one of my favorite races!

Shaving An Hour Off Marathon Time: Drew Peach’s Success

“Grit Endurance provided me with the training and nutrition plan that I needed to improve my performance.”

Will complete his second and third 70.3s in 2024

I ran my first marathon in April 2021 and finished in 4 hours and 50 minutes. I had the opportunity to join the Grit Endurance team in May 2022 and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Coach Jim and the Grit Endurance team provided me with the training and nutrition plan that I needed to improve my performance. I completed the 2022 Chicago Marathon on October 9th in 3 hours and 57 minutes. This was almost an hour faster than my first race! I am grateful for the support from the Grit Endurance team.

Achieving a Personal Best: Mrunil Champaneri’s Story

“Coach Jim helped me get to the next level.”

Achieved a personal best Olympic Tri time of 2:57:44 in 2024

I joined the Grit Endurance team in the summer of 2022. I had completed 3 Olympic distance triathlons prior, but I had gone as far as I could go with coaching myself. I wanted to break 3 hours but in order to do that I knew I needed some serious help with my swimming and biking techniques.

Coach Jim met me where I was and helped me get to the next level. His in depth swimming analysis, including above water and under water film, really helped me understand what I need to do in the water. We also spent an afternoon together on the bike and he helped me, a very novice biker, understand proper technique and gave me excellent advice on how and when to shift gears.

The best part of the training regimen was the workouts that Jim prescribed. Specific swim techniques designed to isolate different parts of my stroke, specific biking workouts designed to help me strengthen my endurance, and specific running workouts designed to incorporate speed work helped me get into tip top shape for my August triathlon.

I can’t thank Jim enough for all his effort in helping me achieve a personal best 2:57:44 Olympic Tri!

Victory at 70.3: Stephen Grabo’s First Go at the Half Iron Distance!

“The Grit Endurance method brings confidence!”

Finisher of multiple 70.3 triathlons

The Grit Endurance method brings confidence! I started working with GE in early 2021 with the goal of completing my first Half Ironman. Jim was approachable, accessible, local, and was also building a community of goal-oriented people. All things that I was looking for in a coach/team. I could tell early on in my GE training that there is an intentional method to the madness. The physical preparation from GE's program drove the mental preparedness to feel confident at every race...and to crush it! My 2022 season is complete and Jim and I have already discussed my goals for 2023. The journey is just getting started!

The Grit Endurance Impact