Testimonials
Click the following athlete names to read their testimonials:- Brett Schlesinger
- Mark Thorpe
- Stew Smith, 43
- Paul Jurczuk, 57
- David Risebrow, 28
- Damon Turner, 33
- Steve Drayton, 36
- Richard Powell, 36
- Jonathan Overment, 40
Athlete Name: Brett Schlesinger
Thanks for the most incredible coaching . I was totally delighted with the programme before the race, having been guided into a schedule that really pushed me in areas that needed work… But I was even more delighted during and after the race when I realised how strong I had become. I really give you credit for my result , with your rotation training I was able to work my muscles very hard and give them time to rest while I did other body parts…. Your Core training, foam rolling, sprint work, Interval swimming and tapering were all perfectly customised for me and I genuinely give them credit for my result.
I would strongly recommend Triathloncoaching.uk.com for any Triathlete and intend continuing on with base training and then a new programme before my next race.
Now I understand why everyone needs a coach.
Athlete Name: Mark Thorpe
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I began training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com at the start of 2011. After having done Olympic and middle distance tri’s for 5 years this was my year to ‘go long’ and I felt I needed a little more guidance in preparation for my fist iron distance race. I’m definitely a ‘competitor’ rather than just a ‘completer’. I wanted to ensure that I was going to line up for the swim start knowing that I had prepared my body for the day ahead. Working with James and Matt gave me that security and confidence.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
I’ve really enjoyed having a coach this season as it’s given my training structure and allowed me to focus purely on training and what I needed to achieve each week. It’s so nice to not have to periodise my own training or try to come up with interesting swim sessions week in week out, it’s all been done for me. All I had to do was put in the effort and commitment. No one is going to do that part for you! James has stayed in touch in week with text messages and emails checking on my progress and offering advice when I’ve needed it.
How do you find coaching via a website?
The website is brilliant., it has a totally intuitive training plan design that I could customise to suit my own time commitments. It was really easy to log on and check what my sessions were, and I was always able to see what sort of sessions I was going to be doing over the next few weeks. The sessions were really well planned and easy to follow but always with a clear goal. Some of the ‘coach jargon’ was new but there are brilliant video demonstrations on the website so if I was ever unsure I could click on the link and check it out. Although through a website you haven’t got a coach breathing down your neck 24/7 I still knew that come Sunday I’d have to upload my training for the week and James would be able to see what I’d done!
How has your training and racing improved?
My training through this season has been much more consistent and focused, mainly because the sessions were all prepared for me and I knew exactly what I had to do. All of my energies went into my training and I left the training plan to the coaches. This year I did my first iron distance race so had no comparative data for it however I set the goal of completing it sub 12 hours and placing in the top 100 competitors. I finished 28th overall and 4th in my age group with a time of 10:22:40. One interesting point is that last year I ran a
marathon in 3hrs 36mins, with the help of James I managed to complete the iron-marathon in 3hrs 43mins (after the 112mile bike leg!)
There is no doubt in my mind that the training plan from www.triathloncoaching.uk.com played a massive part in preparing me for my racing success.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
Next year I plan to target middle distance triathlon with my ultimate goal being to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 world championships In Las Vegas. With continued support from www.triathloncoaching.uk.com I believe that this is a realistic target over the next couple of years.
What advice would I offer to other triathletes thinking of using the service?
If you want to reach (and even exceed) your potential then a professional coach is a must have. To reach peak performance at the same time across three different sports is incredibly hard even for seasoned triathletes so take out the guess work, let www.triathloncoaching.uk.com guide and support you. You’ll get incredibly clear periodised training plans, technique advice, and the benefit of qualified and experienced coaches. You can then focus on each training session knowing that it’s all part of making you the best triathlete you can be.
Athlete Name: STEW SMITH, 43
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I had a training partners that introduced me to the website. I have 10 years worth of experience but needed something to push me on to the next level.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
Brilliant. On a number of different levels. Firstly it’s very motivational to have a program that sets out in clear simple terms exactly what and when you need to do. It really is the only way to push yourself beyond what you feel is manageable within a safe structure.
How do you find coaching via a website?
It works great, I can access the program wherever I am in the world. I can have it on my phone or at home. The website is very educational with articles aimed at real athletes with real pressures of time and responsibilities that need to be met.
How has your training and racing improved?
My training has taken on more consistency. I’ve trained hard for the last 4 years and put in some long hours, initially I developed well and then hit some kind of ceiling. Triathloncoaching.uk has taken me to the next level and If anything I’ve reduced my weekly hours. My racing has improved with the added confidence and also the strength that has been added by the strength sessions which have been an addition to my program.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
I raced for team GBR this year at the Worlds in Germany taking on one of the hardest courses in the world for ‘long course’. I want to qualify for the World 70.3 next year.
Improve my bike leg and in the next two years go sub 10 at Ironman.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
We spend hundreds of pounds on gear to make us faster. Spend a few pounds a week and realise the potential that is waiting to be unlocked by a good solid program delivered by a solid coaching team, you will not look back.Athlete Name: PAUL JURCZUK, 57
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
After many years of being involved with triathlon, in fact i took part in the first ever open water triathlon held in the UK at KIRTON PARK FARM, READING in July 1983. After being self-coached all these years, i decided after meeting Matt & James a couple of times that i would try being coached to help me reach my goal of KONA qualification. So if I....me set in my way Paul can do it... so can anyone.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
As i've said before I'd been set in my ways and being coached didn't for me come easy. After some early teething problems i settled down to Matt's programmes, especially the swim side... which had always been a bit of a lottery.
How do you find coaching via a website?
I myself have never been a big computer fan but between my wife Jan & myself now find it easy and accessable to use.
How has your training and racing improved?
Training has been slightly more structured but the BIB BIG BONUS for me is that i QUALIFIED at Ironman Texas, May 21st 2011 for KONA,HAWAII.... after many years of trying.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
To train hard and wisely for KONA in October 2011 and to be an inspiration to others..... TRY a coach , it might work for you as well!!
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
As we all know TRIATHLON can be exspensive... Matt and his team offer value for money and for the price of some HYPED bit of KIT or the latest look good sunglasses etc, GIVE MATT A TRY AND SPEND YOUR MONEY WISELY........... THANKS MATT AND TEAM!!!!!!!
Athlete Name: David Risebrow, 28
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I had a baptism of fire introduction to triathlon nearly 2 years ago from coach Matt, when I naively agreed to join him on a training run. What I didn’t know at the time was that Matt was well into his Ironman UK preparations and the run ended up being 13 miles long! Although I was actively involved in sports it was the longest I had ever run in one effort! Matt suggested I give Triathlon a go and before long I had signed up to my first race.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
Prior to starting triathlon my fitness priorities were heavily focused on weight lifting and other than the odd spin class I had never done any endurance training. I didn’t own a road bike and I hadn’t been in a swimming pool for a long time. With the coaches’ help and advice I was able to alter my training to be more specific for triathlon. I instantly enjoyed the switch in focus, the training was more structured and I felt motivated to complete the sessions knowing that I was working towards a goal.
How do you find coaching via a website?
The website is incredibly easy to use and for someone who works shifts I find it very useful to be able to move different sessions around depending on my time constraints. Living on the south coast means I don’t have the opportunity to have face to face training with the coaches as much as I’d like but the workout notes and videos for each session are clear and precise and Matt and James are always available for advice if needed.
How has your training and racing improved?
Being new to the sport there was always room for development. My first triathlon was a half ironman in September 2008 and I finished the race in a time of 5hrs and 40 minutes. Since then I have continued to follow specific training programmes set by the coaches which has resulted in significant improvements to my swim, bike and run fitness. This year in my second full season of racing I finished Ironman Antwerp 70.3 in 4hrs 26minutes, I qualified for the GB age group team to race at the ITU Long Distance World Champs in Germany and in October this year I won the One Last Tri in the New Forest. .
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
Overall my ambitions for the future are to continue to improve and gain experience over all levels of racing. I particularly enjoy the half ironman distance and In 2011 I’m determined to have a strong race at Ironman UK 70.3. This year I set my PB for an Olympic distance in a time of 2hrs and 7 minutes so in 2011 I would like to better that and get as close as possible to the 2hour mark.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
Do it! Be patient, honest and listen to the coaches’ advice. The level of support is fantastic and I’ve no doubt my results this year wouldn’t have been possible without their help.
Athlete Name: Damon Turner, 33
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
January 2010
How has working with a coach worked for you?
Tremendously, it’s given me structure and focused training which boasted motivation to train correctly. It removed the guess work from my training.
How do you find coaching via a website?
Excellent, always accessible and very easy to use and you know the coaches are always monitoring what you are doing and changing the programme accordingly to reflect what you have done or rather not done!
How has your training and racing improved?
Completely! Felt very strong and prepared going into my ‘A’ races this past season.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
To qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and to secure a place on the GB Age Group team at Olympic distance. Eventually to compete in an Ironman when the time is right.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
Fill out the weekly updates honestly and use the coaches!
Athlete: Steve Drayton, 36
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I started training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com in April 2010.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
I come from a cycling background where i trained by 'feel' and volume never following any structured training regime. This worked to a point for cycling but when i started triathlon I found that i was doing too much 'junk' and was constantly tired and training aimlessly in huge volumes. Working with a coach structured my training, got rid of the junk miles and added real focus to my training.
How has your training and racing improved?
I raced my first Olympic distance race in Leeds in September 2009, and managed 2:38. After following just a few weeks of structured training my next triathlon I did a 2:14, this whilst training for my 'A' race of Ironman UK70.3.
In my first 70.3 i managed 3rd in my age group and 34th place overall and qualified for the world championships in Clearwater Florida.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
I want to move up to full Ironman distance. I believe Matt & James can help me achieve the competitive times i demand from myself and still allow me to fulfil my busy work schedule by providing structured training that maximises my time and minimises waste mileage.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
This is an excellent, friendly and knowledgeable team who are always on hand to offer advice and encouragement. They provide the sort of support you receive from long term friends and family.
Athlete: Richard Powell, 36
Why did you start training with www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I was looking to improve on my times for a 70.3 in Antwerp so thought it would be useful to take on a coach to push me. Matt & James were recommended by a friend to me.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
I’ve found its given my training a much more structured basis, with progressive tailored sessions.
How do you find coaching via a website?
Because of working shifts, one week is never the same as the next. Being able to move my sessions around to suite me is very useful. Even being able to change this around halfway through the week.
How has your training and racing improved?
Overall, my heart rates become more efficient. In particular my cycling has come on. I’m able to maintain a faster pace with a very low heart rate.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
Continuing to work towards my 70.3 goals, possibly to qualify for the 70.3 world champs. I’m also planning to compete in an Ironman in the next few years.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of using www.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
Give it a go but be patient. If you really want the results be prepared to have a good look at yourself and accept there may be other ways of training other than flat out.
Athlete: Jonathan Overment, 41
Why did you start training with triathloncoaching.uk.com?
I was a squad swimmer when I was younger but I’d done very little swimming over the last 20 years, more recently I’d started to run as means of keeping fit, but done absolutely no cycling so when a friend suggested I do a triathlon I thought he was mad!
In August 2006 I took part in my first triathlon, it was a sprint distance event in Matlock. I hadn’t trained for it. I didn’t even have a bike 6 weeks before the event so I borrowed one. The sense of achievement when I finished was brilliant so I decided to do a few more.
I enjoyed competing in olympic/standard distance & sprint events in 2007 & 2008. I knew that if I wanted to improve my performance and step up to longer & more challenging events then I’d need to get some proper coaching. Triathloncoaching.uk.com offered easy to follow structured training programmes for each event; the programmes were tailored to my ability in all 3 disciplines so I never felt completely out of my depth.
How has working with a coach worked for you?
The coach provides the structure I need, they keep me motivated, disciplined & on track. If I miss a couple of sessions one week (which to be honest you will do!!), they adjust the following week to take this into account.
How do you find coaching via a website?
The website is easy to use, the structured programmes can be printed and taken to the pool. If I have questions I can email my coach.
How has your training and racing improved?
I feel far more prepared for each event, my confidence has improved. I’ve improved the consistency of racing. I’ve competed in the UK Ironman 70.3 in 2009 & 2010. 2010 saw me achieve PB times in each event I entered.
What are your future ambitions in triathlon?
Complete the UK Ironman 70.3 in under 6 hours. I’m also thinking of training for a full Ironman…. someone really should talk me out of it.
What advice would you offer to other triathletes thinking of usingwww.triathloncoaching.uk.com?
Give it go, once you’ve got your programme remain disciplined, if you’ve never trained using heart rate zones, it will be a new experience and it may take a few weeks before you feel you are making progress, in fact to start with you may feel like you’ve taken a step back. Be honest with yourself & your coach, stick to the training programme. I find it best to plan the next weeks training on a Sunday, plan it around family and work commitments
