Testimonials

The Per4mance Training methodology works. But don't take our word for it, here's a sampling of the results and enthusiasm our athletes experience.

In my case, having a coach was something unheard of. As someone who inherited the “do it yourself” mentality, I used to pretend to not want a coach. Taking some credit for turning pro with very little directional training, I did ride professionally for three years before realizing that my skills did not meet the requirements of a successful athlete and college student.

15 hours of college enrollment and a 50-race cycling schedule was a new venture to me, and I wanted to be great at both of them. Per4mance Training directed me in ways unknown to many athletes (myself included), and taught me ways to succeed not only on the road, but in the classroom as well.

As of September 1st, 2007, I’ve been able to say that “I am one of the top 15 time trialists in the country”, something I once thought unimaginable. Without the structure, up-to-date methods, and the dedicated relationship that P4T and I created, none of this would have been possible. Never have I considered the word “refreshing” as a characteristic of a coaching plan until now. P4T bleeds reverent leadership, consistency, and dedication to all of their athletes, and teaches skills useful in day to day life.

I’m happy to be a part of the Per4mance Training family, and wish to thank them for all that they have helped me accomplish.

Thad Dulin (US Pro) | GA

After a year or two of sub-par racing, with way too many DNFs, I started working with Per4mance Training. Immediately, I was able to learn a different view to my training. Also immediately, I began to get results. I took 4th place in my first race of the year. I reached all my goals for the year, including winning the NC State Criterium Championship in the Cat 1/2, upgrading to Category 1, and racing competitively in the Criterium National Championships. At the end of a long year of top 10 and top 15 finishes, I ended the year out with a big 4th place, behind 3 pros including George Hincapie. Guidance through my training and learning to use my power meter to maximum benefit from Per4mance Training has made an enormous difference.

Ben Faulk (Cat 1) | Charlotte, NC

Just a note to thank you for getting me hooked up with Coach Thad. You might recall my inquiry regarding one on one coaching at the end of the winter training series. My goal was to get under 24 minutes at the Lowes TT series. Working with Thad has been hard but at the same time, a lot of fun. He has in about six weeks built my level of fitness to a point that I never dreamed of achieving! This past Wednesday at the first TT event of the season I rode a time of 23:05 with an average speed of 26MPH. We were able to exceed my goal and at the same time set a PR that I could not achieve as a strong club racer in the early seventies. It is still hard for me to comprehend that at 58 years old, I am riding faster than when I was in my mid twenties! Looking forward to even faster times. A big thank you to Per4mance training and Thad Dulin.

Tom Paul

Chad, Just wanted to let you know how much I am looking forward to the 2006 Winter Training Series. Last year the series prepared me for the winter training and carried me through the long summer season. There were times that I was off the bike for extended times but able to pick it right back up without suffering too bad. The base I developed went a LOOOONG way. Thanks for all the advice and support.

Terry Satterwhite | Charlotte, NC

Per4mance Training has been an outstanding addition to my training. It is my first year with them and I can already see a dramatic improvement in my power output and racing skills. This year was an extremely hectic one. Building a new house, getting engaged and expanding my LASIK surgery practice has threatened to hinder my training. Luckily Boyd Johnson has seen me through this and worked around my schedule. Looking forward to another productive season for 07.

Keith Walter | Lewisville, NC

Since I started working with Chad Andrews two years ago, I have seen significant improvements in my cycling and overall triathlon performance. I have gotten faster and stronger and completed my first Half Ironman distance triathlon. I have placed second in my age group two years in a row at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway time trials and this year I qualified for the NC Triathlon Series Championship Race. I am already looking forward to next season!

Christy Kunkle | Charlotte, NC

I have enjoyed training with Chad Andrews at Per4mance Training. When I started my training with Per4mance Training over a year ago, I was very frustrated with my lack of improvement on the bike. I always struggled on the hills and was usually dropped in a group ride. After a while, I began to get discouraged with my cycling abilities. By the time I had contacted Chad, I had been cycling consistently for over six years. Although my endurance was pretty good and I could ride for several hours for my training of the MS150, I was very slow.

This year was my fourth year doing the MS 150 Breakaway to the Beach. The first three years training on my own, I did not improve at all. My speed stayed the same and my recovery after the ride took a couple of days. However, this year I was pleasantly surprised at how well I performed. Both days of the ride, I arrived 1 to 1.5 hours earlier than the last three years of the ride and I averaged about 2 mph faster than the years before. Also, my recovery the week after the ride was very quick. Needless to say, I was thrilled.

Lyn Stubblefield | Charlotte, NC

The coaching I received from Per4mance Training was invaluable as I tackled my first season of racing. I achieved a 30% increase in my power output over 6 months and was very pleased with all my race results. During the winter, the Computrainers are a lot more fun to train on than regular trainers!

Lara Cassidy | Charlotte, NC

[In regards to our VO2 Metabolic Test] Dave and I are still amazed at the results. Last night we replaced the batteries in my heart monitor and got it working again. I also had fun last night telling friends that I spent the best $200 ever ... I was told to ride slower and eat more fat! Seriously, I'm mountain biking this weekend and then hoping to get some good slow training rides in. I'll be in touch after a few are under my belt.

Shannon Carney | Charlotte, NC

[Boyd] I had an awesome day today. I hooked up with the guys that I rode with yesterday and all I can say is "Thank you for getting me where I am and I look forward to getting even better". We rode 58 miles in 2h 33m (almost 23mph avg). There were 6 of us and we pulled hard at 5min rotations... I never thought that I could ride like I rode today. I don't feel like I am a customer anymore but part of a family....

Craig Hollar | Wilkesboro, NC

I was introduced to Per4mance Training by Coach Jim Reavis of Per4mance Training in 2005. Although I have been cycling for 26 years and raced as a cat 3 in the 80’s, as well as competing in triathlons in the late 80’s and early 90’s and winning and placing in regional tri’s, I was finding that my return to regular cycling was hitting a road block. I was having a real problem with recovery and was getting dropped on the local group/club ride.

I met with Chad Andrews, the founder of Per4mance Training, in September of 2005 and was impressed by the facility, the methods, the mission and the passion that Chad, and his staff, have for endurance sports. Although I thought I knew what I was doing as far as training goes, my meeting with Chad indicated that was not the case. I had never had a coach before but decided after our meeting to begin a coaching relationship with Chad. The results have been impressive. Chad set’s up my training schedule, follows up on my workouts and communicates daily with me on my condition. I found that I was not going easy enough on my easy days and my body was not getting a proper recovery. Without question my decision to use a coach, and Per4mance Training in particular, was the wisest decision I have made in my return to cycling.

I can now ride with the A group on Tuesday and Thursday nights and be an active player in those rides. After 2 previous attempts to complete the Death Ride, a 129 mile ride with over 15,000 feet of climbing in the Sierra’s of California, I completed that ride in July of 2006. I also complete a double metric ride out of Blacksburg, VA with over 12,000 feet of climbing that finishes with a 3 mile mountain top climb as well as completing the Bridge to Bridge ride and improving my time from 2005 by over 40 min.

I highly recommend Per4ManceTraining to anyone who would like to improve their cycling skills. Chad and his staff are great people who share the passion for cycling and have the knowledge to show you the path to becoming a better cyclist.

Don MacIntyre | Charlotte, NC

I've been racing bikes in some form or another for over 10 years, with moderate success. In late 2005 I signed on with Per4mance Training, utilizing their personal coaching services for the 2006 season. P4T first assessed my fitness via several different test and then laid out a program based on the races I would compete in during the 2006 season.

The program strengthened my weaknesses while refining my strengths as a cyclist. My training now has purpose and structure and goals and the satisfaction of reaching them! I have raced cat 3 since 2002 and never really competed for anything more than to just finish the race in the field. Now I consistently finish top 10 and am a factor in the outcome of the races. P4T was able to take me up to the next level, something I could not do on my own. In hind sight of the 2006 racing season I would have to say I have been completely satisfied with the services of P4T.

Joe Hathcock | Charlotte, NC

There are lots of good reasons for one-on-one coaching and these are just a few. My workouts used to be the same rides all the time: as hard as possible without much variation in the format. Per4mance has helped me understand that working out smart is as important as working out hard and that means in part allowing for sufficient recovery and structuring my training around specific goals. Accountability is also key, because let’s face it, even the most motivated of us sometimes don’t feel like training or pushing ourselves beyond what we think we can do. The biggest benefit to working with Per4mance, however, has been Boyd’s encouragement when things don’t go so well. He helps me stay positive and objective when I have a bad race or even a bad month. In a sport that is as much mental as it is physical, this is priceless.”

Scott Harris | Charlotte, NC

This year, 2006, has been my first year of time trialing. I'm 47, riding a standard road bike with TT bars. My PR on September 6th at Lowes Motor Speedway was 21:53.91. There is no way I could have done this without the coaching of Chad Andrews. "There is no way I could have reached my goals!” He helped me understand that it takes time and patience. Chad told me from the beginning that he had me on a 4-year plan. I have had satisfying results over the course of the last 3 years, but the results in this 3rd year would not have been possible without the base established in the 2 previous years.

Rick Hoffarth (3-year client of Per4mance Training.) | Concord, NC

As a cyclist who is seeking the right balance between family, work, community activities, and personal fitness, I have found that working with Chad and the Per4mance Training group has maximized the time I have on the bike and provided clear results. Physically, I made noticeable progress this year with fewer hours of training. That speaks directly to Per4mance Training's methodology and having a good working relationship with my coach. Mentally, I feel focused and strong, despite all the things going on in life.

Chad tracks my rest and stress levels and modifies the plan as needed, which is critical to avoid overtraining/undertraining, burnout, getting sick, etc. And that is one of the most important aspect of working with Per4mance Training: simply turning over the training to your coach who will track, monitor, and tweak the plan, leaving you more time to do other things instead of crunching numbers and wondering what to do. As life gets more complicated, having a coach actually simplifies your life.

Spencer Lueders (Founder of 24 Hours of Booty) | Charlotte, NC and

Per4mance Training has made a measurable difference in my cycling ability and helped me to become a better triathlete. Before I started working with Chad and Boyd at Per4mance Training, I was a masher on the bicycle. I powered through every stroke with strength from my quads, which meant I was exhausted after every ride, my legs feeling as if I had bricks strapped to them. Chad and Boyd taught me how to pedal with power in a circle, bringing my quads and hamstrings both in to do the work, while making that work easier and more efficient. Last year, after the first day of the MS 150 bike ride, I could barely walk and couldn’t imagine going again the next day. This year, though, was a whole different story. After the first day, I was excited and couldn’t wait for day two. In addition to improving the way I pedaled, the pros at Per4mance also changed how much I trained. Instead of doing back-to-back 60-mile training rides every weekend, Chad and Boyd had me training more efficiently. My longest training ride preparing for the MS 150 was only 48 miles. I felt great at the end of 157 miles in two days and I owe a lot of that to Per4mance Training.

Alyse Kelly-Jones | Charlotte, NC

Prior to working with Per4mance I had trained with a less expensive online coach. After being forced to switch coaches for the fourth time, I was ready for a change. I wanted someone who knew the area, the races, and would not pass me off to the next intern. After several conversations with Chad, I felt like Per4mance Training would be a good fit for me, so in November 2004 we started working together. Per4mance Training has enabled me to not only meet my goals, but exceed my goals. In April 2005, I participated in the RHBC Spring Omnium and won my first crit. and omnium. Later in May, I finished second in a road race. In 2006, I finished top 10 in Rock Hill, and placed third in Dahlonega, GA. In 2005, I finished Bridge to Bridge in 6:01, and in 2006 I finished in 5:47. These results would not have been possible without a great coach who could help me manage my family, work, nutrition, and cycling. Thanks for all your help, I look forward to an even better 2007.

Joel Denny | Rocky Mount, NC

Just wanted to let you know that the bike fitting worked. For a number of uninspiring reasons, I didn't get a long ride on my bike until yesterday. Rode for an hour and a half with no knee pain, and no knee pain after the ride either. Hooray!!!!

I used your advice about arms bent and shoulders down, and had no neck/upper back scrunch/pain either. Also felt like I had more oomph for seated climbs - didn't drop as much mph as I usually do going uphill. My overall average speed increased by 1.5 mph, which feels like a lot for me. Will you please e-mail me info on your beginners training rides that were to begin in May? Thanks, Janet

Janet F. Hince | Charlotte, NC

Chad has been coaching me since the spring of 2000. Before I met Chad, I was riding every day with no purpose in mind. I believed that if you did not hurt after the ride, improvement was not achieved. Therefore, I was riding hard 6 days a week and I did not listen to my body. I was in shape but I was achieving very little improvement during the racing season because my body and mind were not in tone with the upcoming racing season.
I was reading that a coach could be helpful to obtaining my goals of becoming an elite bicyclist. I searched the web and found Chad Andrews. He has taught me that I need a purpose for all of the training rides that I do, the importance of rest, how to listen to my body and the importance of the mental aspect of racing
Since Chad has been coaching me, I've gone from a Cat 5 to a Cat 1 in three short years. Because of him, I finished first in my category and second overall in the Tennessee State TT Championship. I am also ranked in the top ten nationally as a time trialist in my category. There are still a lot of areas that I need improving, but with Chad’s help and a lot of hard work, there is no doubt that I can do it and my goals will become reality."
Reggie Jones Cat 1

Reggie Jones (Cat 1) | Morganton,NC

Chad, I have thought about GUF every day since the trip and I know I will continue to do so for some time. I just wanted to send you a sincere thank you for all that you put into our ride. You were not only helpful, but inspirational to us all. Your desire to make this memorable, fun, and exciting really made a difference to me. You have a very unique way about you...one that motivates, inspires and comforts. It's hard to put into words, but...Thank you. You have done immeasurable things for Pi Kapp and Push America and the people who stand behind them.

Brian Baber

Conditions were good and I thought it would be a fast night. Wind was in your face on the backstretch where it's slightly downhill and pushing you on the front stretch where it's slightly uphill. Served to even out your pace thus I only used two gears the whole race. During warm up I didn't feel that great but tried to mimick how I normally warm up in our sessions. Try to get the legs opened up. I had a pretty late starting time of 7:39 as I was number 378. The really fast times were all turned in by guys with numbers at 400 or higher (started 7:45-8:15 pm).

Just after I started my HR monitor stopped working (battery going bad) thus I had to race by perceived exertion. I tried to keep myself in check the first 3-4 laps and then gradually increase the effort. When we talked earlier I had said my goal this year was to get under 24:00

Yeah!!!! I did it!!!! I set a new PR of 23:57. My previous best was 24:02 set in 2002. I finished 5th in 55-59 but only 3 seconds out of 3rd. Bummer, one guy beat me by 2 sec and the other by 3 sec.

Len Fumi (President of Charlotte Tri & Triathlon Club)

Just wanted you to know that everything seems great regarding the new bike position. The shims really have helped as well as the saddle adjustment. I rode for 2hrs tonight, nothing very hard and no intervals but good steady tempo. I don't remember feeling so balanced on the bike. The left foot seems to have the same "reach" and heel drop at BDC as the right. I still have discomfort in left hip/groin/glut area but not as severe and I think that's the cumulative effect of the past gosh knows how long. I suppose it will take time for it to heal and for the irritation/inflammation to subside.

Thank-you again for your time and for helping me!! I will certainly refer you (I already have)to anyone interested in professional coaching/fitting.

Barry Norman | Charlotte, NC

From my initial interview with Chad I was impressed by his knowledge and his passion for coaching. I left our initial interview with all my questions not only answered but with a new understanding of the concept of beginning a cycling program. The well defined and easy to follow workouts make training fun and challenging on every level. With all his knowledge of cycling combined with his motivating personality I am always left feeling like I am his most important client. I am most impressed with the timely responses and the details taken in regards to questions and concerns on my training. I was given numerous training options right from the start that made Chad available on many levels. I feel so lucky to be a part of Per4mance Training and having Chad as my coach. With Chad’s guidance I can finally see the results from all my hard training. I was lucky to find a coach with the capacity to build a technical and data orientated program to suite my expectations. I am thoroughly convinced Chad can build a program for any level of cyclist. Chad has exceeded any expectations I have and I look forward to working with him for a long time.

Steve Donelson | Mooresville, NC

Taking the VO2 test was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my health. I moved here two years ago from Boston as a 36 year old 5'8" obese mother of three and immediately joined the gym and started taking fitness classes. Although I worked hard and ate well, I was unsuccessful in loosing weight. I remember sitting on the couch for an hour after any fitness class I took because I was simply exhausted and couldn't function. All the instructors would tell me exercise is supposed to give you more energy for the entire day and I just wanted to know what planet they lived on because I didn't get it. After a year of going through the vicious cycle of exercising hard, eating well, not loosing weight, getting depressed, eating more, quitting exercise, gaining more weight and then starting over, I finally decided enough was enough.

I met someone who taught me about heart rate training and the first thing I learned was if you are exhausted after working out and having uncontrollable sugar cravings, you are overtraining. That was my Aha moment. I immediately bought my heart rate monitor and started to keep every workout under 80% of my maximum heart rate. It worked! I immediately dropped inches and weight and was excited that it was that simple - I actually wanted to work out consistently. Unfortunately, being an obese woman, it only got me so far. After about 14 weeks, I hit a plateau even though I was still far from my goal. Everyone will tell you to increase your intensity once you've hit a plateau so I did and would loose a little and go back up a little. I continued to slowly increase the intensity for about six months hoping it would break, but it never did. I still felt pretty good and to be honest if I never dropped another pound I would have been happy since I had already dropped 27 pounds, 18 inches, and three sizes.

My problem was that even though I didn't want to accept it, I was noticing slight overtraining signs. I was having sugar cravings, was tired in the afternoons, always yelled at my kids and husband, and wasn't sleeping that well. I thought I just had to accept what life had dealt me. It just wasn't working for my body anymore, but I knew I could do more.

All the information I had on heart rate training said it was all general unless you do the VO2 testing since every body is different. The VO2 testing tells you scientifically where YOUR body (not your mother, friend or neighbor's body) burns fat most efficiently. I was very surprised to learn that I had a small fat burning zone. I had been working out at 80-85%, but my body burned the most fat at 63% and stopped burning fat at 70%. I thought I was fit because I could hold my own in any intense class and even go several hours at a time, but it wasn't enough.

I took the test with Jackie at Performance Training in Pineville. They were wonderful and when my results came back abnormal because I was very nervous and elevated my heart rate, they had me retest so that I had accurate information for my body. They gave me a 12-week training plan which I followed. I had to start all over again, but you soon realize the benefits far outweigh the anxiety of slowing down. I immediately saw results again. Within 8 weeks I was down another 10 inches, 10 pounds, and one more size. I wore my first ever size 10 Levi jean to my 20-year high school reunion at Thanksgiving (a size I hadn't seen in over 12 years). I also noticed the shape of my body changing, I was becoming leaner, and miraculously those pesky little fat spots were disappearing. Most importantly, I gained an energy level I have never experienced in my life - even with three kids. I FINALLY GET IT!!!! Yes, you CAN have more energy after a workout and keep it all day!!!! Half the time I don't know what to do with my newfound energy, but my kids and husband love it because I can do fun things with them in the afternoons, I'm much happier, and I'm not yelling at them all the time.

It's been four months and I did hit another plateau although now I can finally increase the intensity knowing that at the same time my fat burning zone has increased. Those size 10 jeans now need a belt and are beginning to slip down the hip again.

Thank you VO2 testing. It was by far the best investment I have ever made in my health and fitness.

Cheryl e. Scales | Tega Cay, SC

Jackie, Thought I would contact you to let you know I have been following your advice about my exercise and eating plans. You tested me about 3 weeks ago at Carolina Pilates. It was an eye opening experience. I have been exercising about 5 times per week. I am following the 12 week plan you gave me and I also have been using a heart rate monitor when I exercise. Exercise has been much more enjoyable for me since I started this plan. Changing my eating habits has been a little more difficult but I am working hard at making better food choices.

I am so glad I came for the testing. Thanks so much.

Lee Ann Murphy