Some of the athletes I am currently coaching

Rob Holden - 70.3 World Championship Age Group Qualifier

I have been training now for around four years and had varied advice and paper coaching from people but cobbled this together with my own training ideas and experince. I had raced some longer distance stuff mainly Ironman and half Ironamn and faired OK with my PB being a 10.55 (Which I hope to beat this year, fingers crossed), but never really took on the fast stuff (from what I remembered it hurt!) After meeting Mark and chatting to him I decided to give his coaching a try, I had been looking at getting a coach before. This was just after Ironman Germany in 2005, I was building up to do my annual Half Ironman (this time at Longleat). Mark said I should do some shorter triathlons (almost Olympic distance but usually a shorter swim). We built some speed work into my training and I faired well at these races and cycle time trials and always finished in the top 10!. After this I was keen to go to the first UK's 70.3 Qualifier at Longleat. I had an amzing race and couldn't believe how well my race was going. I ended up qualifying for the 70.3 World Championships to be held in Clearwater, Florida in 2006. Mark is still coaching me and this Winter I have managed more structured training than ever before and looking ahead to this year.

Mark has an excellent pedigree as an athlete and this shows in his training programmes. He delivers his programmes in a detailed yet easy to read format, along with swim sessions for the week and is always on hand for advice and feedback.

Louise Wood - UK 70.3 Wimbleball Age Group Winner, 70.3 World Championship Age Group Qualifier

I started training around 18 months ago and the first triathlon that I finished was Ironman Germany ( I won't mention St Croix..too hot). After the Ironman I met Mark through my boyfriend. He gave me more structure to my training and suggested I race some shorter stuff for practice. It wasn't long before I was getting 2nds and 3rds in races. He has always been very encouraging and has beleived that I could improve to a better level. I hope I proved him right when I not only qualified at Ironman UK 70.3 at Wimbleball but also won my age group. I was over the moon and this was my first 70.3 ironman that I had finished.

Mark's triathlon training programmes are easy to read and he is always on hand should I have any questions. With living local to Mark I even get the odd training session in with him. I would not have any hesitation recommending Mark as a coach.

Andrew McCracken - 70.3 World Championship Age Group Qualifier

I became hooked on triathlons after being challenged to compete a sprint triathlon in 2003. Prior to this challenge I had not partaken in any sports activities whatsoever. At the time I was 33 years old, 141/2 stone health disaster waiting to happen.

Initially my goal was just to complete a triathlon, but soon changed to an all out desire to get faster. From my first sprint in 2003 to mid season 2004 I completed in many triathlons.

At first I set my own training plans and sessions using a few books and internet resources. These seemed to work reasonably well, but I lacked motivation and confidence in my sessions, questioning if I was training in the most efficient manor. This lack of confidence created inconsistency in my training.

Early 2004 I started to use the coaching services of Mark. Almost immediately my performance started to improve. My training became more focused and I was more motivated to do the sessions. I had confidence in the training sessions knowing that Marks experience and my commitment would pay dividends.

Having a programmed prepared for me and knowing that all the hours training were correct and the most efficient way to improve, provided great confidence and motivation. This meant that it was only a short time before my performances started improve.

In two years of being coached by Mark, I have gone from just completing a triathlon to qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman, Longleat 2005) World Championships in 2006.

My improvements across all three disciplines have been very good. In two years my PB times have been slashed. Examples are:- 10K Run - 49 minutes to 40 minutes; 10 Mile Run - 1:16 to 1:06; 25 Mile TT - 1:12 to 1:03 and Swim 30 min down to 25 min for 1500m

I took 11 minutes of my Olympic distance between 2004 and 2005, improving to a PB of 2:16.

I believe these improvements would not have been possible without Mark's coaching.

I would not hesitate to recommend marks tailored programmes to any person wishing to improve their triathlon performances, whatever their ability.

Paul Cubbon

Having trained under Mark's guidance and followed my personal training plans since September, 2006 I have developed from a previous mid-field age group Triathlete to having now represented The Great Britain Age Group Team at both The Hamburg, Germany 2007 World Triathlon Championships and more recently The Vancouver, Canada 2008 World Triathlon Championships and Rimini, Italy 2008 World Duathlon Championships. With the confidence gained from consistent improvements in both speed and stamina provided by Mark's coaching and bespoke training plans I also placed 4th in my age group at The 2008 National Long Distance Triathlon Championships at my first attempt at that distance.

There is little doubt that my continued improvement and the realisation of my long held ambition to represent Team Great Britain at the World Age Group Championships is due to Mark's approachable and friendly manner and the structured training plans that he has set for me. As the end of the 2008 racing seasons approaches I can reflect on my most successful racing season to date and look ahead to next year with the knowledge that Mark's continued coaching will help prepare me for my first attempt at the full Ironman distance triathlon in Mexico 2009.

Kieran Rowlands

I started training with Mark in March 2008 as I approached my second full season in triathlon. My training prior to asking Mark for assistance consisted of doing which ever sport I felt like doing on that day without any consistency or structure. I enjoyed running more than the two other disciplines so usually choose to go for a run instead of to the pool, which was reflected in my race splits.

With the season rapidly approaching I decided it was time for assistance so after talking to other triathletes Mark’s name was mentioned in high esteem after helping other triathletes achieve their goals. I had a look at his website sent him an email and was delighted by the level of response I received. I was very impressed with the depth and quality of the programmes he offered so decided Mark was the coach for me.

Two months after Mark started coaching me I had my first Olympic distance triathlon of the season and promptly swam nearly 2minutes faster than my previous best leading to a 12th place finish in my age-group at the European age-group championships. The season included my first win in triathlon at the Lancaster Triathlon due largely to Mark improving my swim and bike legs in particular.

The winter training has started and already I can see the benefits of having a coach with Mark’s level of knowledge. The training programmes that Mark devises for me are well suited to my time constraints and have produced favourable results.

I would highly recommend to anyone considering using a coach the benefits of having someone like Mark with his knowledge, experience and the personal touch he provides. My triathlon training is going from strength to strength as a direct result of his input and I am already looking forward to a successful 2009 season where I will hopefully tackle several elite races following a winter of high quality coaching.

Steve Wild

I set myself the goal of my first triathlon early in 2006 and did the initial training with no assistance. I was running 10K in about 50 minutes, 40K bike rides in 1hr 30 and 1.5K swim in 30 minutes. I didn’t seem to be improving at all and was concerned I’d even be able to finish. My wife suggested getting a trainer and Mark’s name was suggested. I must say I was a little sceptical at first and it took me a few weeks to decide but I can honestly say it was the most significant decision of last year. With Mark’s advice, I not only finished but, at the London tri, I swam in 27 minutes, bike 1hr 8 minutes and did a 45 minute run. I can’t speak highly enough of Mark’s approach, not only is his advice spot on, he listens to your comments and works the program around your lifestyle. He’s always available for a chat if you have any problems. I’m aiming for better times next year and now regard Mark as an essential part of my training