Christian Coates is such an amazing tri-coach. He has coached me since July 2022 and I’m so happy with the improvements and achievements I have made since due to his training plan and support. When I first started with Christian in July 2022, I could just about swim 400m around Vobster quay very slowly with a wetsuit. My cycling was in its early days, and I was incredibly slow and only got to 17 miles without coach – but if there were hills, forget it, I would often walk or often go so slow, I might as well have walked! Running which, I should have confidence in as I have done it for a while and with myself being a FRC run leader occasionally, I unfortunately became injured with Achilles tendonitis 3 years ago and had lost confidence in my running ability. I would actively avoid running longer than 4 miles or avoid speed/hill sessions in fear of becoming injured again, but I would often be frustrated about my speed wasn’t as fast as it was pre-injury. My achievements to date since being coached by Christian… Completed first non-wetsuit swim sprint triathlon in July. Super scary 400m weedy lake swim in Lake 62 as a part of the Cotswolds Lake Triathlon Evening Series (3 of 4). Completed first sea swim sprint triathlon in September. 750m sea swim in Portland as a part of the Race to the bill sprint triathlon – and I was not last out of the water this time. Transition training has reduced my transition times and has made mounting/dismounting bike less awkward and more fluid. T2 in Race to the bill was 39 seconds! Fitness has improved and I have lost weight with dietary and lifestyle changes advice/analysis. 4kg loss so far and I am still going! Numerous personal records, covering swim, bike and run (way too many to mention all of them). I am more confident in open water swimming and can swim 2250m continuously at Vobster quay with a wetsuit. Cycled a (very) hilly 30 mile route with no walking. This included the local legendary Gare hill climb which had beaten me months ago. I am so very close to run speeds prior to injury, I have absolute confidence that with Christian’s help I will be able to achieve this and be even faster. Now in October 2022, I am working on building my distance to running a half marathon in November. More importantly, I am still injury free and plan to keep going with coach to complete Weymouth Ironman 70.3 in September 2023. Thank you Christian for everything so far, your encouragement, your straight up advice and having the time to read my mega long race reports (and now this review – sorry!).

Finished last in my first triathlon, had the most torrid swim in my second, and woefully unprepared, I was determined to ‘compete’ in the Blenheim Triathlon - I needed a coach. Christian Coates was recommended by a good friend (her boys both GB triathletes). He agreed to take me on. An athlete interview was followed by a few lifestyle tweaks, and tailor made training plan! Quite challenging, but fun, with regular constructive feedback. As an accomplished and respected triathlete himself, Christian has a wealth of knowledge, and experience and has empathy with his athletes. Well-being and safety is paramount. I have smashed all my PB’s in sprint triathlons, more recently middle/Olympic distance, next season - a half Ironman - bring it on!

I completed my first Tri August 2022, I had not trained seriously for five years, so my fitness was not good. With Christian's help, encouragement and various training plans, which challenge you, I became stronger and my fitness improved which was excellent. Thank you Coach Coates here's to many more events and goals being reached . If you are after a coach with a good sense of humour, a wealth of knowledge, supportive and you want to achieve your goals... Triathlon Performance Coaching, Christian Coates, sign up..

Christian was invaluable in helping me achieve my dream: completing an Ironman 70.3. With his wealth of experience, encouragement and support, not only did I complete the event but I also enjoyed it! Christian's training plans are always varied and ambitious! He challenged me to stretch myself more than I have ever done previously and with his support, I am much fitter and stronger. He is always there, at the drop of a hat, to offer support, advice and positivity. Thank you, Coach!

Christian has been great while I have been preparing for my recent Ironman event. He planned my training around my work shifts and family life to help build my confidence and endurance. I felt ready on race day and achieved more than I thought I was capable of. I look forward to working towards with next event with coach supporting me to be my best.

Christian of Triathlon Performance Coaching is an incredible coach. He takes time to get to know his athletes to understand their aims whether it be doing a first Tri or taking on an IronMan. His coaching plans are based on years of experience and deliver results. When I started my journey with Christian I was nervous about an IM70.3 that I had committed to do the following year. He built a plan that worked with my professional commitments and at every step of the way provided feedback and encouragement which was really motivating and served to help keep momentum over many months of training. He really strikes the balance between support and challenge in order to keep you going! As a result of Christian’s coaching I have achieved all my goals this year and was thrilled to complete my first IM70.3 in a time I never thought possible. Thank you Christian, you are a coaching legend!! Couldn’t have done it without you and look forward to more success in the future.

As a runner (not owning a bike and with a particularly poor swim technique), I asked Christian to coach me for a half iron - Weymouth 70.3 (1.2 miles swim, 56 mile bike, half marathon) which I went on to achieve with flying colours. He supported me through my entire journey from getting my first road bike, to some of my first open water swims and beyond. Christian has been and continues to be absolutely fantastic! He has held me accountable, is attentive to my needs, patient, goes that extra mile, has a great sense of humour and, above all, really cares. Along the way, I have found a passion for the bike and new passion for triathlon. I can't thank him enough. 🙂

Christian is a great coach and I would highly recommend him to anyone thinking about training for a big event. The accountability he provides is amazing and keeps you motivated when you need it most 🙂