“Big JP here! Been under Rich’s wing for nearly 4 years now. And what a successful 4 years it has been. I started to dabble in Triathlon towards the end of 2016. Not really knowing how to train properly or get any structure, I reached out to Rich who I already knew from work. Already knowing Rich’s successful Triathlon career and gaining his Professional Contract with IM, what better person to have as a coach. Already having a degree in Sport & Exercise Science, Coaching and racing experience, Rich was a wealth of knowledge. After getting lab tested and being on a structured coaching programme, in 6 months I made more gains than I would have in 2 years. I started to learn and understand how the body worked and realised training and getting ‘fit’ is a science. In nearly a year, my 5km time went from 21 minutes to under 19, FTP went from 2.8w/kg to 4.1w/kg and 2k swim time from 2min/100m to 1.45/200m. I never thought I would have been able to be this fit.
Some of my big achievements with the help and guidance from Rich was a top 20 in the Weymouth Olympic Triathlon race in 2017, a 5-hour IM 70.3 in Weymouth 2017 and top 10 in Wales Duathlon Penarth in 2018. Along with many more races.
This base fitness and aerobic capacity led me onto win my first British Biathlon championships as a novice and invited to compete for the Royal Marines and Royal Navy Biathlon Team.
Not to mention beyond his coaching ability within the Triathlon world, he dug out blind to coach me into and through the arduous Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor Course, of which he was one.
Always at the end of a phone, no matter what the issue it, he isn’t just your coach, but your friend and will do whatever he can to make you better yourself. Rich, it has been a pleasure and I look forward to continue my journey in the Triathlon world with you.”