JVD Coaching Athletes

Jack came highly recommended by other athletes who had fantastic progression and results under his guidance. I was motivated to work with him specifically for his strong background in exercise physiology and reputation as a “numbers and science guy”—which matched my own scientific background. What I’ve come to greatly appreciate, beyond the extensive training that he brings to the table, is how hard he works to continuously improve his knowledge base and to develop a deep understanding of the cutting edge of human performance science. He is then able to apply state-of-the-art training approaches to his clients on an individualized basis.

Don’t confuse Jack’s scientific approach with a rigidity or a blind devotion to numbers. The biggest advantage of Jack’s knowledge base is how he can tailor a training program to meet an athlete’s goals and life circumstances.  Jack has been exceptionally good at developing individualized training plans that make the most of the time that we have for training, and focusing on the performance of the whole individual/athlete rather than just our FTP numbers. The personalized training plans that Jack has developed for us have been an essential component in achieving our racing goals.

I've spent half my life being coached by various humans with the sole pursuit of achieving higher athletic performances. At least, that's what I thought coaching was all about, until I met Jack.

Jack showed me what it was to be a professional: in athletics, in my relationships, in life. Jack not only designed my cyclocross training for four years that guided me to four consecutive Cyclocross World Championships with Team Canada, but he was also a guiding light along the path of uncertainty in my process of becoming something I could not see yet, but Jack could. I now believe that this is what set Jack apart from the rest: Seeing the parts in you that you have not become, yet. And then helping you unlock and tame them with your commitment in tow.

I still remember our first conversation, Jack said "Give me two years, commit fully, we'll get you there." Where "there" meant racing among the best in the world with confidence and trusting that I could become one of the top riders in Canada under Jack's tutelage.

Two years turned to four, because when Jack says something, he delivers. For your commitment to Jack and yourself, you'll be giving yourself an incredible gift. Stick to the process, stick with Jack -- he knows how to get you "there" and so much more.

I have been coached by Jack VanDyk for two full competitive seasons and have achieved a level of cycling performance that I never believed was possible.  Within this short time, Jack has coached me to multiple Masters podiums at the National and Provincial levels in Cyclocross and Mountain bike racing.  

Jack has a genuine passion for continuously expanding his wealth of scientific knowledge in applied physiology and putting it into practice with his legendary custom training programs. It has been thrilling to put in the training and to successfully execute the race goals that we set out to achieve at the start of the season. However, I feel what really sets Jack apart from other coaches, is his innate ability or “gift” to dissect the unique strengths, weaknesses and personalities in his athletes. I feel that my coaching relationship with Jack has been successful because of his ability to accurately identify my weaknesses and build on my strengths. There is a constant, dynamic interplay between your feedback on the workouts and his interpretation of your subjective and objective data. 

Jack is also very approachable and generous with his time by phone and email. He has also tailored my training program to fit with my personality, and busy lifestyle as mother, wife and physician. I have really enjoyed doing Jack’s variety of workouts and get a sense of satisfaction after each training session. I appreciate Jack’s style of support, which I would describe as encouraging but firm when required, which has allowed me to push myself beyond my previous limits.  Even though I am in my 40’s, I am getting stronger and faster on the bike each year. Thank you Jack! 

Jack has been absolutely instrumental in my success as an age group athlete. Over the last 4 years he's brought structure, balance and focus to my training. While Jack brings a full spectrum of training knowledge and experience to the table, for me, the biggest asset he brings is an understanding of the limitations and challenges that come with a demanding full time job and life pressures outside of training. He factors those elements into the training plans and he's able to push me hard in the sessions but makes sure I'm able to consistently complete the workouts. He's adaptable when life inevitably puts training on the backburner. He adjusts the program and keeps things moving forward. 

Jack has been dynamic with his coaching and planning, helping me to peak for an ultra distance running event in the summer then shift gears to high intensity mountain bike and cyclocross racing in the fall. He was able to walk me through the training plan, talk through periodization and make sure I was focused on the right things at the right time. 

Just when I think I can't get through a tough training session, I just lean in and know that he's set me up for success. The efforts are consistent with the next step in the progression. In JVD we trust.