Welcome to ETS!

Endurance Training Systems is a multi-disciplinary team of coaches, physiologists and nutritionists dedicated to helping athletes achieve one thing, results. Through the use of testing to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete, a fully customized training plan is designed to help peak athletes for their goal event(s). Talisman Centres endurance training team provides the latest in training techniques, motivation, nutritional advice and support to develop successful athletes. Whether you are a mountain bike racer, triathlete, cyclist, runner or adventure racer, ETS will help you achieve new performance levels.

Since its inception the coaching team has helped many athletes achieve their goals and realize success. Over this time period we have expanded our coaching team along with the range of programs and services offered to those looking for guidance, accountability and structure in their training, those seeking a technological and/or scientific edge in high level competition as well as those seeking new challenges of physical and mental endurance. In short, the ETS coaching team remains dedicated and passionate in helping each athlete reach a new level of performance and in achieving their goals through blending both the science with the art of coaching.

The ETS Story

In the fall of 2003 the first ever Endurance Training Systems program was introduced at the Talisman Centre known as Resistance Training for Endurance Athletes, a program based upon the research background and experience of Jack VanDyk the Coordinator of the department. The program was a success from the start which helped formalize the ETS identity. In January 2004 shortly after the Talisman Centre’s expansion project was completed the first Indoor Cycling Session began offering a novel way for cyclist’s to train indoors during the winter months.

What made these sessions unique was the use of stationary power meters which offered a highly quantifiable approach to training in a group environment. What some refer to as “training with watts” remains a revolutionary way of training and preparing for various cycling events and disciplines. The demand for these sessions continues to grow each year as they are fast becoming known as some of the most challenging training sessions in Calgary.

In addition to these group training sessions, more customized coaching and training options are available that have grown to include nutrition counseling, lab-style and performance testing, detailed program design, and comprehensive packages offering everything needed for training towards a successful season. The current trend as more people get involved in triathlon and bicycle racing is a need for more personalized service and attention to detail as people are looking for the most time effective means to prepare for big goal events like an Ironman, the TransRockies Challenge mountain bike stage race, a first-time triathlon event, a Provincial Championship event or a World Championship event.

ETS services a diverse range of clientele such as triathletes, cyclists, mountain bikers, adventure racers and runners. Over the years ETS coaches have worked with athletes who have competed in the following events:

• Ironman Canada and Couer d’Alene
• TransRockies Challenge
• TransAlps Challenge
• La Ruta De Los Conquistadores
• Mountain bike World Cup events
• World Championship Mountain bike event
• Adventure Races like Raid the North, Sea to Summit, Full Moon In June and World Championships
• Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distance Triathlons
• Canada Cup mountain bike series
• NORBA mountain bike series
• Sea Otter Cycling Classic
• Cascade Cream Puff and Leadville 100mile Enduro mountain bike events
• Alberta Cup Road and Mountain bike series
• Mountain bike and Road Nationals
• Mountain bike and Road Provincials
• Running events from 5km to the marathon

What makes ETS a successful coaching service lays in the passion the coaches share with their respective clients and the customized approach they take to help fit training into the life of an athlete versus fitting an athlete’s life into a training schedule. There are no generic programs or artificial intelligence computer programs that create the training programs. Each coach no matter who they work with, crafts the training programs to meet the time commitments available to each athlete. The initial consultation between coach and athlete helps determine the fit of the coach and athlete and whether or not the goals and time available to train are realistic. Consistent communication helps keep everyone focused and allows for tweaks or major changes to occur in the training due to injury, illness or a vacation.

In addition to the passion of the coaches, the program design and preparation methods provided to athletes is a combination of training methods based on scientific research, current coaching practices and the personal experience of each coach. Through the use of both laboratory style and field-based testing the coaches strive to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete, and then create a customized training plan designed to peak athletes for their goal event which may still be months away. Therefore an express reason for why clients train a certain way exists versus the common “if it hurts it must be effective” training theory. The testing helps check progress throughout the season and monitoring whether or not the athlete is on target for their goals or needs a change in their schedule. Each coach attends various conferences, workshops and/or coaching certification programs yearly to keep abreast of the current trends and ideas which they implement very quickly in to a training plan if deemed appropriate.

The Comprehensive training packages offer the best overall value and success rate for those serious and committed to their goals no matter what level of ability they possess. By rolling all the essential services into one package the coaches can offer the support, expertise, motivation and guidance and create with the other athletes a unique social training environment in the ATZ. The coaching team works with a sports nutritionist and other coaches who specialize in a various discipline such as swimming, bike fitting, running technique and weight training to meet the complete needs of each athlete.

ETS programs and services continue to be popular here at the Talisman Centre and the growing list of accomplishments by ETS athletes is a testament to the passion, dedication and hard work the coaches put in each day. If you are looking to achieve something special next season like an Ironman, first-time triathlon or a personal best at a local 10km running event the ETS coaching staff can help you reach your goals. We are looking forward to another successful year!