Testimonials

Athlete: Jonathan Overment, 40

Why did you join triathloncoaching.uk.com?

When I was much younger I was a squad swimmer 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! However, 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.

Having completed standard distance & sprint events in 2007 I carried on competing into 2008 but I knew that if I wanted to improve my performance then I would need to get some proper coaching. Triathloncoaching.uk.com was able to offer 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 have you benefited?

The training programmes have provided the structure I needed, they have kept me motivated, disciplined & on track. If I missed a couple of sessions one week (which to be honest you will do!!), the following week would be adjusted to take this into account so I always felt ready. My fitness has improved and my confidence has grown. Although each event is tough I actually feel ready for them. In each of the following years my times improved & in June 2009 I competed in the UK Ironman 70.3 in Wimbleball.

What are your future ambitions?

To consistently complete standard distance events in under 2 hours 30 minutes, & finish the 2010 UK Ironman 70.3 in under 6 hours.

Advice for those thinking of becoming a triathloncoaching.uk.com athlete?

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. Above all enjoy it – once you have completed one event you will be hooked.