Testimonials

Laura Trimble - business woman... top age group triathlete

“I decided to take up triathlon in late 2008 after several years of rowing and signed up to be coached by Mark Tickner. Having raced up to half marathon distance in the past I was keen to get in shape to do a half ironman with a long-term goal of doing an Ironman sometime in the future. Combining training with a full-time job was challenging at times but Mark’s flexible training schedules and the coach/athlete interaction provided by TrainingPeaks enabled me to complete the sessions while maintaining a balanced work and social life. After a winter of base training to build up my endurance, followed by more specific pre-race training including increased intensity and speedwork, I raced my first 70.3s in summer 2009, finishing 8th in my age group at Austria 70.3 and 5th in my age group (and 23rd overall) at UK 70.3 a few weeks later, in the process qualifying for the Long Distance World Championships in Perth, Australia. I also finished in the top 10 in the UK middle distance championships at the Vitruvian in September 2009.
After discussing my goals for the following year with Mark we decided to step up my training program to include some longer distance sessions as I prepared for my first Ironman. As well as the long bike and run sessions that naturally come with Ironman training, Mark included a high volume of Zone 3 / “race-pace” sessions which we both felt were the key to learning the intensity required to race an Ironman and to achieve a strong age group finishing position. I raced my first Ironman in South Africa in April 2010, finishing a creditable 7th in my age group and 31st overall in a time of 11hrs 31mins. Based on my results in training I was convinced I could improve on this performance, and supported by Mark I raced my second Ironman 10 weeks later at Ironman Austria in July. After a great race where I exceeded my expectations at every stage, I crossed the line in a time of 10hrs 33mins, finishing 3rd in my age group, 14th overall and best of all qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii! A few months later I finished my 3rd Ironman of 2010 and am proud to call myself a multiple-Ironman and Kona finisher. Without Mark’s guidance and coaching I am sure I would not have achieved this goal so quickly and I am grateful for his experience, coaching knowledge and confidence in my abilities, all of which helped me push myself to achieve results I had previously not thought possible!"

Tim Somers - family man, business owner, school governor and... Ironman Triathlete

" I am a 45 year old overweight accountant without a modicum of talent but a generous supply of determination. My goal was Ironman Switzerland 2008 having survived Ironman Austria 2 years previously just within the cutoff and with a scatter gun approach to training along the lines of, "It's February and cold and wet so I need to do a century ride as I've never done one before", I would then do nothing for a week or so afterwards.
Mark at COACH4tri offered and delivered a much more structured approach and one that fitted in with my lifestyle. Mark was able to adapt my training to take in my commute to work and prioritise a rest day each weekend until the peak phase to fit in with family life.
The use of the Training Peaks software was a revelation as it allows for feedback after each session and an easy way to communicate with Mark who would always without fail respond to moans and groans and queries pretty much by return. I never actually met Mark but always felt he was there for me.
I got through Ironman Switzerland half an hour better than Ironman Austria in awful weather conditions, and on less hours, but more focussed training. I would have gone faster had I listened properly to Mark's specific race tips re biking.
I can only thank Mark and highly reccomend anyone to him. For me it was money well spent.

Thank you".

Mark Hubbard - family man, former professional basketball player and... Cat 3 cyclist (now relocated, living and racing in the USA)

"The race went really well and tactically it wasn't the best race for me, but on the last lap I positioned myself near the front coming into the chicane. I started the sprint for the line in the saddle and maintained it going past my nearest rival who said after the race', 'I had nothing left in my legs!'. 'So I held my lead and crossed the line first!. I won my first ever road race and got the points I needed to get my Cat 3 lisence... and all this on my last race of the season!'. Thanks for all your help".

Malcolm Jeffries - long term client and... Road Racer and Time Triallist

"Mark Tickner has coached me for the past 4 years. As a triathlete his training program took me from a middle pack 2.15 Olympic distance athlete to a PB 2.05. Having to retire from Tri due to an injury I concentrated on time trailing and road racing. My goals became Marks goals. In my first season I took 8 minutes off my 25 mile TT with a 55 minute PB! As a road racer I am consistently finishing in the top 5. And currently stand second in the league table. His attention to detail in his programs and his ability to prescribe the right training around my work and social life cannot be faulted (as he coaches my girlfriend also he makes sure we don't have to fight over the turbo trainer!). Working with him through the training peaks software is effortless. He has not only built my physical strength but also my mental ability and confidence to go beyond too. I can honestly say that without him I would be lost in pointless junk training".

Matthew Cowdrey - family man and... Multiple Ironman Triathlon finisher

"2 races so far, and 2 personal bests. I had a VO2 max test previously which established my heart rates and training zones, I then had a personal training programme created for me - all of which gave structure and consistency to my training and also helped me maintain consistency over the winter months. Then I did two running races (10K and 8.2 miles) and achieved personal bests in both. I'd not raced for a year-or-so, and my times had been slipping over the past few years, but this year I knocked around 5 minutes off my previous race times, achieving a sub-45-minute 10K which had been my goal. I feel much stronger now throughout my races than I ever have done before, able to maintain pace all the way through. I'm grateful for the COACH4tri testing and programs that have transformed my training and given me visible results".

Richard Todd - Ironman Triathlete

Richard finishing strong at the Vitruvian / UK middle distance championships

"I first joined COACH4tri after being badly let down by my previous coach. I was entering my taper into a priority B race and sessions were late and on this week non-existent. I contacted Mark at COACH4tri and he immediately responded with a lot of advice and help.
My main aim was finishing Ironman Austria in 2008 and I wanted coaching for the end of my season in 2007 and onwards to my 2008 goals. Once Marks training sessions came through I was immediately blown away by the wealth of information that he offered. The sessions have been challenging, exciting and most importantly have shown some very positive results - particularly in my weakest areas. In 2007 I beat my middle distant time by 10 minutes. With a short winters training I beat my half marathon time by 4 minutes with a February race. From there on in I went from strength to strength and finished my first Ironman in 12:47.
COACH4tri works and if you have the self determination and discipline to follow their training then their coaching services will guarantee success.
Thanks again for all your help over the past 12 months or so. I'm sad to go. Somehow I have found myself entering Challenge Barcelona next year in October. I just couldn't resist the urge! I've found my weaknesses in Austria and intend to hit them head on. I have all the previous training to help me on the way. Who knows, but if you're still willing I might be back for more next year!
All the very best for the future".

Gavin Macdonald - Ironman Triathlete

"Mark, as my triathlon season draws to a close I want to say thanks again for your remote coaching during a year which has taken me, once more, to a whole new fitness level. This is the second year I have used your services and I can sum up the benefits of your programs with one fact. This year I completed my first ever Ironman distance triathlon and I completed the marathon at the end in a quicker time than I did the London Marathon in 2003! I stumbled through my first couple of triathlon seasons training myself but not really making much progress. My sessions were totally uncoordinated and, as I am now aware, I was probably working at the wrong intensity most of the time. Since having the VO2 max test with Michelle to establish my correct zones and moving on to you’re training programs my improvements have been continuous. The structured swimming sessions; endurance-building cycles and running sessions focused on quality rather than quantity has really worked for me. The progressive nature of the training has ensured that I haven’t struggled as the volume has increased and the arrangement of each program has allowed for sufficient recovery time after harder sessions. I look forward to more of the same over this winter and can’t wait to break all my newly established PB’s.

Many thanks".

Coralie Glaunes - business woman... top age group French Triathlete

" Mark Tickner has been my coach for the last two years. Having been an Olympic distance triathlete for three years, qualifying for the World's Championships and time-trialing, I wanted a new challenge and decided to up the distance to half Ironman. This is where my fantastic journey with Mark started. I wanted to explore how to take my performance to the next level. I have a very busy and demanding work and therefore it is essential for me to maximise my training time in order to be able to jungle it with my personal life and work commitments without feeling pulled apart. Mark tailored my training to perfection, taking into account my feedback on each session and refining it again and again. I finished my first 70.3 (Antwerp) in 2009 in 7th place in my age-group . Using that result as a benchmark Mark continued to fine tuned my training. This year I have taken 10 minutes off my PB on a tougher course (Lisbon) finishing in 5:04:41, stepping up on the podium in 2nd place in my age group. And the season is not finished...I would never have achieved that without Mark's coaching. He knows my goals inside out. He knows me, my lows and ups; weaknesses and strengths inside out. We are just simply working as a team!"

Andy Eaglestone - family man... Ironman Triathlete

"You asked me to write a report on the race, but first I would like to really thank you for your advice and training. I am so glad I was pointed towards A2 Tri and used your training plans. The club has been brilliant, being surrounded by such enthusiastic training partners all to willing to advise and help in anyway. Your tailored training plan has been incredible, and advice you have given me along the way however small has been a great help.

On the start line I never questioned or had any doubts as to "have I trained enough or will I finish" and I know this was due to your plan, so once again big thanks".

Lucien Carter - road cyclist and time triallist

"I wanted to take the time to write to you both to express my gratitude and thanks for the work we have done together over the last 12 months.
The results speak for themselves, going from fat burning in a very small window to now my whole aerobic range, I feel fitter, stronger and leaner as a result. Perhaps what are most astonishing are my cycling achievements. Having never raced or competed, and new to cycling in the last 2 years the thought of racing or competing was scary. In May 2004 I achieved a personal best time of 24.17 for a 10 which is a nearly a full 5 minutes off my times at the beginning of the season. I am confident in achieving a sub 23.30 this season with my work and your guidance.
Many of the drills and exercise were new to me and again with your support you have helped me through these, so that now I feel comfortable with what you are asking – not that this will last for too long, as you will soon be pushing me again!
Without your knowledge and skills along with your fitness testing, I would not have been able to achieve any of this.
I am very much looking forward to working with you both in the future and am already thinking about next year’s goals.
Thank you"

(1st year of coaching)

"What a ride Sunday - went out with a guy who I hadn't ridden with since a year ago for a promising hard and hilly ride with his “hard riding” buddies, his words not mine. Did about 3 and a bit hours, 2400 ft of hills around the Portsmouth, Havant, Hayling Island direction and what a let down! My average HR was 127, I spent at least 1 hour of the ride at a recovery heart rate or less and was leading, towing the group all the way. Funny how it goes - a year ago this guy seemed (and is) a good standard of rider and now with the training that you have guided me through it seemed a little tame by comparison. So - I take back everything I said about you during those hard intervals and well done mate - I'm feeling good, riding well, staying healthy and recovering well and I couldn't do it without you".
(2nd year of coaching) & our longest standing client to date of 4 1/2 years