Beth (30-34 Age Group)
Beth has a busy job and social life but likes a challenge. She had completed a number of run and cycle events when I met her, and, with the idea of doing a triathlon, had followed an online training plan for a few months. When she dared to dream she realised that completion of a full-distance Ironman was a goal she wanted to work towards.
Starting with little swim experience, we focused on technique, fitness, and her first open-water sessions, along with adding structure and intention to her cycling and run training. Despite an early injury setback, she completed her first 70.3 in year one, and then pushed on to conquer Ironman Thun in Year 2, tackling over 2000m of elevation gain on the bike course.
“I signed up for a 70.3 with no triathlon experience and I'm so glad Ruth coached me. The tailored plan, regular check-ins, and her constant support (including accompanying me on my first open-water swim!) made all the difference. I realised that with her support I could tackle a full ironman. Ruth made the training plan realistic and fit to my lifestyle which was key. I couldn’t have done it without her. ”
Sophie (45-49 Age Group)
A busy mum of twins with a demanding job, Sophie recommenced swimming for fitness when her kids were at primary school, started cycling recreationally and tried a couple of local sprint triathlons. When she dared to dream, she found she got excited by the idea of completing a full-distance Ironman but didn’t think it possible. We discussed it, examined her motivations and potential barriers and set ourselves a two year project.
Sophie's biggest hurdle was running as she didn’t enjoy it and had frequent niggling knee-pain. In small, manageable chunks, we built strength, progressed her running, and refined her swim and bike. Half-marathons, 70.3s and a marathon built her confidence, and two years later, she crossed the Ironman Kalmar finish line with confidence and joy.
“Ironman Kalmar was such an incredible experience and one I will never forget. I remember sitting down with Ruth to tell her I wanted to give it a go. I loved long swims and rides but knew the running would be a real challenge. Ruth made me feel like it was possible. She put together structured monthly plans, incorporating S&C and mental preparation. Slowly but surely we progressed from 5km to marathon distance. By the time race day arrived, I felt strong, ready and confident. I ended up crossing the finish line in a time I would not have dreamt possible.”
Bridget (35-39 Age Group)
A former heptathlete and mum of two young children, Bridget doubted she could fit triathlon around her hectic life, and felt guilty for even contemplating it. She had joined the facebook group of a local triathlon club with a view to joining but had never actually attended a session.
Together, we built consistency with short, focused sessions and smarter recovery. In her first year, she completed several sprints with growing confidence. By year two, she dared to dream of representing GB — and she has just had confirmation that she’s qualified for both the 2026 European and World Championship Age Group teams.
“Ruth is a fantastic coach who understands the demands of parenthood and the obstacles that come with it. She has guided me carefully from being unable to run 5km, to qualifying for a GB Age Group team. She has ensured I have stayed injury free, built up strength and fitness gradually, held me accountable and challenged me with some great sessions. Having a coach has completely changed my approach and helped me build consistency even if that meant setting the odd 5am alarm! Definitely a new found motivation, thanks Ruth.”
Tracey (55-59 Age Group)
With her 60th birthday approaching, Tracey wanted to complete another triathlon after a long absence from the sport. Her general fitness and strength were good, but her training lacked any progression or specificity. We built a flexible plan around her existing clubs and classes, adding targeted bike and run sessions. Organised and determined, she thrived on the structure and proudly finished a sprint triathlon in 2024, cheered on by her family.
“I can’t thank Ruth enough for her wonderful coaching. Her encouragement, patience and skill enabled me to complete my goal. I would definitely encourage anybody who is thinking about working with a coach to have a chat with Ruth.”
Ellie (25-29 Age Group)
Ellie, a keen runner and netball player, had joined a triathlon club to try something new. Her enthusiasm was high, but she needed a different approach to running to help prevent injury, and a complete introduction to cycling and swimming for triathlon. With progressive, targeted run training, equipment guidance and small group bike rides, alongside an introduction to openwater swimming and indoor bike training, she quickly developed across all three sports. In her first season, she completed six triathlons from sprint to 70.3 — and she’s already planning her next big goal......watch this space!
“Having Ruth coach me for my first season in triathlon has been invaluable! I have thoroughly enjoyed the training, there has been a huge variety of sessions allowing me to see definite progression and it’s been very well organised to fit with my day-to-day life. I am extremely happy with my triathlon achievements this year - bring on 2026!”
