Susan Farago | Sport, Health, and Nutrition Coach & Writer

Athletes & Testimonials

RL Testimonial "My second year as a triathlete was a Cinderella year—I finished the 2010 season as an XTERRA regional age group champion, qualifying for and participating in the US National Championship. As exciting as the season was, I came away from Nationals wanting to do it again, but with improved results. Still new to triathlons and being a female 50-54 age grouper, my approach to training was pretty cautious. I knew I could probably push myself, but was going to need a coach.

As luck would have it, on the flight back home from Nationals, I sat next to a woman who had trained with Susan for an Ironman. She strongly recommended Susan; I wrote down the information and, once home, realized I’d already bookmarked Susan’s website!

I just finished a great year working with Susan. Her coaching provided the challenges I was looking for to improve my performance. My level of fitness improved well beyond what I expected, and my sport-specific abilities—especially in running and swimming—have improved significantly. Susan was good about accommodating my work schedule, altering workouts as needed. When I started having ITB issues, Susan’s encouragement kept me motivated, her workouts kept me progressing, and she shared information and advice on resolving the problem. I attribute my making it to the 2011 XTERRA Nationals, achieving my goals of an overall better race and improved finish time, as well as garnering another regional championship, to being one of Susan’s athletes."

~Renee LaPerriere, XTERRA Ambassador / SMW Regional Champion 2011 and 1 on 1 Client - Laredo, TX

KP Testimonial "For years I have dreamed of becoming an Ironman. I knew I would need special guidance leading up to this event. To make matters more complicated, I had shoulder surgery 9 months prior to my Ironman. Initially this inhibited my swimming and biking capability. Susan interviewed me and adapted my training appropriately.

Susan focused on all aspects of my training; including a solid race day nutrition plan, improving my diet and building my endurance in all 3 disciplines. Susan kept track of my progress and modified my training accordingly. She was quick to notice any lapse of morale and provided positive feedback or encouragement to keep me motivated. I was rock solid on race day. I felt so prepared going into the race. That preparation gave me confidence all day long. Susan tracked my progress online and texted my sister throughout the race to offer advice. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach or experience. I was honored to have Susan as my coach. Here’s to Susan for making my Ironman race everything I wanted it to be… Thanks Susan!"
~Kelly Preddy, Ironman Coeur d’ Alene 2009 and 1 on 1 Client - Austin, TX

MP Testimonial "When I decided to celebrate being 41 with a solo (self-guided) 500 mile mountain bike ride across Spain - the El Camino de Santiago - my primary concern was my physical ability to accomplish this feat and have it be fun. The last time I had ridden was in high school and I had never considered myself an athlete. I was referred to Susan by a friend of mine and we met and talked about my goals for the trip. Susan’s training plans had me doing things I had never done before and I soon noticed my body getting stronger. The knowledge I gained about nutrition and hydration from Susan had a big impact on my performance. Having Susan as a committed partner in my creating this experience (even when I was wondering if I really could) made all the difference. The training period was about five months and when it came time to pack for the trip, my primary concern was no longer my physical ability but to enjoy the ride! The ride turned out to be one of the most amazing life experiences that I have had! Working with Susan gave me the physical conditioning, confidence, and knowledge to trouble-shoot problems that came up with ease. I realize that my journey actually started with the training. Who I feel myself to be now is almost unrecognizable from where I started. I highly recommend going for a big stretch and physically doing something you never thought you would do or be able to do. And I highly recommend Susan as a coach for your adventure!"
~Paul Minor: Ultra Distance Cyclist and 1 on 1 Client - Austin, TX

TR Testimonial

"I can't thank you enough for all of the lessons and training you passed on to me, as well as the CONFIDENCE that I have gained, since starting to work with you! I'm SO glad you helped me look at nutrition...it has definitely been a missing part to my preparation. Thanks for all of your support, education and laughter along the way!!"~Trixy Roy: 1 on 1 Client - Bryan, TX

MR Testimonial "I worked with Susan to train for Ironman Arizona. My goals were to have a comfortable finish and improve my time from my first Ironman. Susan created effective training schedules and worked with me closely on determining my optimal nutrition for the race. Determining the proper fluid, electrolyte and caloric levels turned out to be the biggest eye opener for me. Practicing swimming, biking, running and eating the right way all helped me to achieve my goals. I felt good at the finish of the race and knocked an hour and ten minutes off my previous time, despite windy conditions on the bike." ~Mike Rondini: Ironman Arizona 2007 and 1 on 1 Client - Austin, TX

DW Testimonial

"This is my third season with Susan's training group. The Women’s group is fun, challenging and supportive. I started as a non-swimmer, slow runner and very clumsy cyclist. I have improved my time and confidence in all three. In October I will do my first half Ironman! " ~Debbie Warnken: Women's Group - Austin, TX

KH & CL Testimonial “The program has been challenging, fun, customized for my training, provided workouts that encourage me to achieve more than I knew I could do, fun, great group support in all aspects of my life, fun, awesome triathlon preparedness information and did I say FUN?!!!!!! “
~Kim Hanford: Women's Group - Austin, TX

“With Susan coaching me, I was able to make drastic improvements in my performance. I achieved a personal best at every race my first year with the group including cutting my half Ironman time by an hour! The camaraderie between the women in the group always keeps things fun.” ~Catherine Lee: Women's Group - Austin, TX

VMF Testimonial "When we started thinking about attempting our first triathlon, we asked a good friend of ours for a trainer suggestion. We were lucky enough to meet Susan Farago! We trained with her for about a year and thoroughly enjoyed our experience! One of the things we liked best about working with Susan was her professional approach. We were impressed with the detailed plans that she provided every week, along with training suggestions, nutritional advice and industry information to keep us motivated and support us in our goals. Another thing that stood out was her willingness to accommodate our schedules and adapt her training plan to complement our lives and fitness goals. Though we knew that she worked with many clients, we always felt that her focus was totally on our individual progress.

She always took the time to cheer us on with each small accomplishment and encourage us to set bigger goals. We would highly recommend Susan as a trainer, whether for someone just discovering the goal of fitness or the experienced athlete!" ~Maureen and Vince Farelli: 1 on 1 Clients - Austin, TX

LS Testimonial "Susan, I was on my road bike yesterday for the first real ride in over a year. I'm sort of committed to actually doing this year's Danskin and it was time to get some ride time. And hills. Ugg. And I want you to know that every time I ride, I see you ahead of me at the corner cheering me on saying "You LOVE your bike!" Gosh, how many years ago was that day? It is a special memory for me because although I am still working on loving my bike, you said it with such compassion and heart that it's stuck ever since. So thank you for that moment and for being the awesome lady you are. I know you'll be on every corner and hill with me at Danskin!"
~Lynn Sparks: Team Danskin 2006, 2009 Danskin Triathlete - Austin, TX