ASHLEY
"I started working with Jack in 2010 as an athlete through the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation Program. I had signed up for an Olympic distance triathlon having not swum a lap in 15 years, I did not own a bike, and could barely run faster than a 10-minute mile. I also do not come from a swim, bike, or running background. I enjoyed the 3-month training plan, and while I finished at the very bottom of my age group, I was able to complete the race while having fun.
I began training with Jack year-round in 2011. Each year since, Jack has helped me set challenging, yet realistic goals. I completed my first half-Ironman in 2012 and a year later my first full Ironman. In 2015, I qualified for the Boston Marathon. In 2016, I earned my professional duathlon license and finished 2nd overall at Ironman Maryland, which qualified me for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In 2017, I won Ironman Maine 70.3 and became running in the elite corral at running races. These are all things that I would have never imagined when I first started, but Jack’s incremental approach and detailed training plans have helped me improve year over year and realize goals I could have never dreamed of!
I’ve also been able to train at a high level without experiencing the burnout that many endurance athletes face. Each year we set fun goals like running indoor track, competing in swim meets, or racing on a stand-up paddleboard! As such, I qualified for Kona a second time in 2018 and improved my time at the World Championships by over an hour in 2019.
In 2020 I became pregnant with my first child. Jack has coached me through the entire pregnancy, helping me to set fun, and safe goals! Jack creates a training environment that is extremely positive and makes doing the work fun, not a chore. The individualized training plans and frequent feedback keep me motivated to push forward for more each year and I’m proud to have Jack as my coach."
I began training with Jack year-round in 2011. Each year since, Jack has helped me set challenging, yet realistic goals. I completed my first half-Ironman in 2012 and a year later my first full Ironman. In 2015, I qualified for the Boston Marathon. In 2016, I earned my professional duathlon license and finished 2nd overall at Ironman Maryland, which qualified me for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In 2017, I won Ironman Maine 70.3 and became running in the elite corral at running races. These are all things that I would have never imagined when I first started, but Jack’s incremental approach and detailed training plans have helped me improve year over year and realize goals I could have never dreamed of!
I’ve also been able to train at a high level without experiencing the burnout that many endurance athletes face. Each year we set fun goals like running indoor track, competing in swim meets, or racing on a stand-up paddleboard! As such, I qualified for Kona a second time in 2018 and improved my time at the World Championships by over an hour in 2019.
In 2020 I became pregnant with my first child. Jack has coached me through the entire pregnancy, helping me to set fun, and safe goals! Jack creates a training environment that is extremely positive and makes doing the work fun, not a chore. The individualized training plans and frequent feedback keep me motivated to push forward for more each year and I’m proud to have Jack as my coach."
MATTHEW VAN THUYNE
"If it weren’t for Jack Braconnier, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Jack and I ran track together at Cardinal O’Hara high school. Jack was always one of the best runners on our team and he definitely was the most passionate.
After high school Jack introduced me to the world of marathons and triathlons. I ran my first marathon with him in 2008. We then ran Boston together the following year. After Boston I decided I really loved the marathon scene and I set a life goal of running 1 marathon in every state. I also decided I wanted to complete a full Iron Man. Right now I am training for my 16th marathon and I completed the lake placid full Iron Man in 2014. Again, if it weren’t for Jack I wouldn’t be where I am today.
As for coaching, Jack turned me into a machine. Of the 15 marathons I’ve run, for the most part, I train on my own and build my own schedules. When I had Jack formally coach me for my 3rd marathon (Rehoboth, DE) I had a result that still blows my mind today. I ran Rehoboth in 2:46:49 and then the next day I ran the Philadelphia half marathon in 1:22:53. The schedule he put together was very demanding and he really pushed me to follow it. He made sure I didn’t skip any days or “water down” any of the workouts. He knew what I needed to do to crush this run and thanks to him I did. Jack also coached me for lake placid in 2014. Oh and he surprised me by coming up to support me and other athletes at lake placid. At mile 1 of the run, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a Mohawk running towards me! It was a sight I very much welcomed after a long swim and bike!
Jack knows his stuff. He is passionate about his athletes and their success but more importantly he cares about them as individuals. He is a great person to have in your corner!"
After high school Jack introduced me to the world of marathons and triathlons. I ran my first marathon with him in 2008. We then ran Boston together the following year. After Boston I decided I really loved the marathon scene and I set a life goal of running 1 marathon in every state. I also decided I wanted to complete a full Iron Man. Right now I am training for my 16th marathon and I completed the lake placid full Iron Man in 2014. Again, if it weren’t for Jack I wouldn’t be where I am today.
As for coaching, Jack turned me into a machine. Of the 15 marathons I’ve run, for the most part, I train on my own and build my own schedules. When I had Jack formally coach me for my 3rd marathon (Rehoboth, DE) I had a result that still blows my mind today. I ran Rehoboth in 2:46:49 and then the next day I ran the Philadelphia half marathon in 1:22:53. The schedule he put together was very demanding and he really pushed me to follow it. He made sure I didn’t skip any days or “water down” any of the workouts. He knew what I needed to do to crush this run and thanks to him I did. Jack also coached me for lake placid in 2014. Oh and he surprised me by coming up to support me and other athletes at lake placid. At mile 1 of the run, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a Mohawk running towards me! It was a sight I very much welcomed after a long swim and bike!
Jack knows his stuff. He is passionate about his athletes and their success but more importantly he cares about them as individuals. He is a great person to have in your corner!"