Personal highlights

2 x 70.3 World Champs
Podium 70.3 Bahrain 2022 (45-49)
Wins at AG Middle Distance, Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlons
British Army Veteran

John is a former British Army Commando, who did his first sprint triathlon back in 1990 under orders from his Commanding Officer. Suffice to say John was not immediately attracted to this sport! Instead he excelled at running, hockey, downhill ski and yacht racing; intermittently playing teacher and coach across these various sporting disciplines. Returning to triathlon by choice in his 40s, John is now an accomplished 70.3 age-grouper, with world-championship racing under his belt. Johns’ athlete testimonials are always positive and make mention of his enthusiasm for this sport, both the training and the racing which filters through into all of his interactions with athletes. John coaches Ironman first timers, through to athletes competing in European Champ; World events (age-groupers) across the full spectrum of triathlon distances.

Meet John

I am based on the Isle of Man with my wife, Emma, who has certainly earnt her Ironman Support Crew / t-shirts! Perhaps now even ‘Race Director”.

I have lived and worked all over the world, first with the army, then as an aircraft engineer and now as a triathlon coach. The technology that is available to me as a coach in setting training plans, monitoring workouts and hosting video calls, facilitates strong engagement with my athletes,

wherever in the world they, or indeed I may be. I love coaching, but limit my athlete numbers to that which I can be sure to deliver quality

individualised attention, motivation and accountability. I love to work with people who have a clear goal in mind and a determination to improve; whether they’re trying for their first Ironman finish, or looking to place at a World Championship event. I recognise that each athlete has individual needs which extend past the technical swim, bike, run components of our sport; so do speak to my athletes on the fundamentals of nutrition, fuelling and hydration, and place a strong focus on recovery. I’m also cognisant that most people come to triathlon with other life commitments and will have to fit training in around work family and friends. If any of that sounds ‘fluffy’, know that my military background has not fully left me, so if you’re slacking within our agreed terms, then you will get a army style ‘nudge’ to get you back on track.

My coaching methodology is simple – train consistently and trust the process!”

ENQUIRE ABOUT COACHING

COACHING WITH JOHN

What People Say

"I love the fact everybody’s on a similar journey we’re just at different stages in that journey. The experienced / talented guys helping us newbies along.

I very much appreciate all your support and guidance. I’ve had so many firsts in my first month. I’m on a huge learning curve. Thank you for your patience.

I’ve put more time into my training this month - yet feel fresher and stronger as a result of reducing the intensity and running in HR zones. I believe that is going to make my summer events more achievable / enjoyable.

So in short TTT and your coaching meets and exceeds my expectations. It is the perfect antidote to lockdown. I’ve set myself some extreme goals in Triathlon and my friends and family think I’m a bit mad. So finding others doing a similar thing has been really important to me - and is giving me a course and a belief to achieve those goals.

Looking forward to getting out on the roads and see how much I’ve improved from last year. ."

MARK SUDGEN

COACHING WITH JOHN

What People Say

John was leading up to ‘The Brutal’ triathlon in Wales. This was an event that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone in nearly all areas, so it was a big challenge and one that John happily took on to help me get there.

From the outset, John was attentive and responsive to my needs as an athlete. He helped me focus on the ‘why’ of the event. Why this event? Why now? What did I want to get from it? This formed the basis of the plan moving forwards and was something we would return to which made sure we remained on track.

John noted my areas for development straight away, and importantly for me, highlighted and built on my strengths. In fact, I would say that John could see strength in me that I could not at the beginning of the journey. His belief in the plan he set out, which was tailored and holistic, picking up on elements of nutrition, and the psychological challenges of such training kept me steady and progressing in the backdrop of a busy life and juggling various demands.

John helped me improve my running technique, swim endurance, and build confidence in my bike ability. This in addition to directing me to relevant (and interesting) reading material created a nice balance of me holding myself accountable for my own development but with him guiding me based on identified needs.

Throughout our journey, John kept things fun but focused to help me reach my goal. I landed in on race day feeling excited and completed the whole thing with a massive smile on my face. I could not have asked for more. John’s approach, knowledge, belief in my abilities, and overall positive attitude to my training made for a wonderful coaching package. He has gifted me with skill, knowledge, and confidence that I have taken away with me to build on for future.

GRACE