Gareth C, 2010

"I first decided to get a triathlon coach simply to improve, but after a year of coaching from Steve I have received a whole lot more. Not only have I seen significant improvements in all three disciplines but my training now has a structure and purpose which has increased my enjoyment of the sport.

In the initial meetings with Steve he got me to set goals and list priorities. This enabled him to develop a training plan that was specific to my needs. Weekly contact ensures that I am training correctly and regular testing by Steve has increased confidence in my own ability.

Having a coach has meant that my training is now specific for me and no longer do I have to paw through books and magazines trying to draft a plan of my own, thus saving time meaning more time for training.

Since joining Steve I have gone from an athlete enjoying his sport to one competing for his country and loving his sport."

Catherine R 

Lucinda

Lucinda completed the Bourton 10k in a new PB of 52:51. This is a stepping stone to the new tri season where she will be aiming for PB's across Sprint and Olympic distance races

Duncan

Duncan completed the Clumber Duathlon on Saturday 7th March which is a qualifier for the World Championships, Concord USA 2009. Duncan finished 5th overall in his age group only 6 minutes behind the winner and based on selection looks to have qualified at the first of the 3 races which means he can relax and use the next 2 races to sharpen his racing

Chloe

Chloe who is with the West Midlands academy raced at the Burntwood aquathon Sunday March 8th and came 10th overall, 3rd overall female and 1st in the Youth category. In her first full season Chloe is looking to make an impact this year and should continue to improve as the year goes on.

I had been interested in triathlons for some time and considered taking this enjoyment from a spectator basis to one of participation. Although I have been active and self-motivated in both running and fitness I did not know where to start with triathlons!  I approached Steve with a view to gaining some insight and help to demystify the event for me.

I can honestly say he has surpassed himself in achieving this as I have seen my own fitness levels improve considerably, my performance goals and expectations have been raised far beyond anything I would have previously set and I have raced in more events this year than the past 20 years put together. I would not have done this without working with Steve. His advice and programmes are clear and concise, being based on sound scientific principles. They stretch me both psychologically and physically and then when I complete the sessions I feel positively satisfied with myself and even more motivated. They are tailor made to make the most of my strengths and address those areas that need further development. 

All in all it has been a very positive experience working with a coach who can provide a professional-style input to a part of my life which I am passionate about and can share with him in a manner that is realistic, progressive and sensitively handles the inevitable ‘ups and downs’ of sporting success."

Best results:

Peopleton Duathlon Feb 08 - 1^st in age group

Blenheim Sprint Triathlon June 08 – 2^nd in age group

Hereford Duathlon July 08 – 2^nd in age group

Worcester Triathlon July 08 – 2^nd in age group

Droitwich Triathlon August – 2^nd in age group

Most improved areas:

Confidence to participate in races

Endurance

I had been running for several years, but picked up injury after injury, so I decided to give triathlon a go, setting as my goal a middle-distance event in June 2008. I couldn’t get my head around what sport I should do when, for how far or how fast, so I asked Steve to draw up a programme for me. The training was great, I really enjoyed seeing the progression building up to race day, and best of all for me, it’s the longest I have ever trained consistently without becoming injured. I put this down to a carefully thought out plan that took into account my lifestyle, telling me what training I should do every day for nine months. Okay, I had to do the work but I knew that if I did what Steve advised me, I would feel confident on the day; I was much fitter, faster and a several pounds lighter as well! I’m going back in 2009 to defend my title – Ladies Super Vet Winner – and the best advice I can give is get yourself a good coach, I can personally recommend Steve Lloyd.

Kim – Worcester Triathlon Club

Steve provides me with a weekly training programme which makes the most of my precious time by training smart. I now have the confidence to train at lower intensities as well as full-on with the knowledge that there is a sound coaching rationale behind it all. My individual programme is driven by realistic but challenging goals for the season with logical and well explained ‘periodisation’.  A weekly chat provides two-way feedback to fine tune things, reinforce my achievements and pick me up when things are going less well.

And the results?

·        4 minutes off my half-marathon PB (1.28 to 1.24),

·        Competitive in my first season of duathlon and triathlon, including holding my own in the national duathlon ranking series and age group placing in several local duathlons and triathlons

·        Reduced my 10 mile TT trial to sub 25 mins in my first season

Steve is now helping me achieve my next goal of immortality. At the end of next season I plan to join the elves at the Grey Havens.