We started working with Mick at beginning of 2020 after he’d signed up for his first Ironman race. Sadly due to COVID his race was postponed that year but in 2021 that all changed.
Here’s Mick to tell his own story.
Massive thanks to DS coaching for giving your time and expertise in providing my Ironman training plan.
After last year’s postponement and after another challenging training plan with David, I finally made it to the start line for Ironman Barcelona. Building on the core fitness gained in 2020, I really felt the benefit, particularly on the bike, with noticeable gains in endurance and technique. My confidence grew massively and was able to take off almost an hour in the Steelman 70.3 as well as qualifying for GB Age-Group at both Sprint and Standard triathlon distance. Topping it off, I also PB’d at 5K and in the Great North Run.
I was joined by David on many open water swims, long rides and runs; all the while he closely tracked my form, fitness and fatigue levels making sure we were on track and though my overriding aim was to just complete the event, David was confident enough to outline a time he felt I potentially could finish in.
In the days leading up to the race, the nerves and self-doubt were put to rest by David’s reassurance that I’d done the training, I just needed to go out and execute the race I trained for. He was absolutely right and on that final few miles of the run when I began to feel the full effect of the effort I’d put in he kept me calm and relaxed and I made it. I was an IRONMAN!!
David pushes you but understands his athletes and wants them to reach their goals. I can honestly say without David’s knowledge, feedback and direction, his encouragement and overall support, I would have been nowhere near as prepared and ready had I not gone to DS Coaching. I look forward to the next adventure. Thank you.
I had started this plan not having ran further than a half marathon or cycled over 60 miles, so this was all new to me and I entered the event with some trepidation. In David I found a coach who understood my strengths and weaknesses and one who could guide me on a clear structured plan and monitor my progress.
He built a plan which was extremely challenging but achievable and one which allowed a certain amount of life outside of Ironman training! It wasn’t without the odd hiccup: a running injury at the start of the plan and Covid rules impacting the use of swimming pools meant some adjustments were required and focus was shifted to additional bike activity and conditioning work. David adapted and reacted to the changing situations throughout.
I must also mention the constant encouragement given during the course of the course of the plan without which I would have struggled to maintain morale and enthusiasm.
I have no hesitation in recommending David and DS Coaching. They clearly take great pride in bringing the best out of their athletes and have a passion for what they do. I for one will certainly be returning.
