Nick Pilling

Role with TTH

Nick joined Tri Training Harder back in 2015 as a guide on our training camps in the Algarve, Portugal. Having lived in London for a while and decided the city life wasn’t for him he decided to seek out a different career path. One thing led to another and all these years later Nick is the man behind the marketing, website, operations, accounting and business development for TTH.

With the rest of his time, Nick is also an accountant working within a family accountancy practice in the North of the UK.

As an Athlete

Nick has always been involved in sport: growing up he played golf and football to a competitive level before taking up rowing at university. On the back of the fitness he’d gained from rowing he decided to give triathlon a go and has never looked back!

He can usually be found running around the hills of the North of England with his dog or seeking out the hilliest route possible on his bike.

Q&A with Nick

When did you get into triathlon? 2014

How did you first get involved in triathlon? After retiring from rowing at university

What is your favourite discipline? It’s a difficult one between cycling and running - usually depends on the weather!

How did you get involved with Tri Training Harder? I decided that the city life wasn’t for me very early on after moving to London in 2013 and through a friend ended up guiding with TTH in Portugal for 3 months. Things have developed since then to the point where I’m responsible for most of the business activities these days.

What is your greatest athletic achievement? There are lots from golf, football and rowing over the years. However, I’d have to say it’s executing my first Ironman (IMUK) exactly to plan in 10 hrs 59 mins and 57 secs is the triathlon achievement I’m most proud of.

What is your greatest coaching achievement? I’m not yet a triathlon coach however have every intention of becoming a coach when time allows!

What one piece of advice would you give someone new to triathlon? Enjoy the process and don’t take yourself too serious! (maybe that’s actually two…)

Favourite quote: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

What do I need to race well in a winter duathlon or triathlon?

Every multisport event has its own logistics challenges, but racing in the cold can add a whole new level of complexity. As the nights draw in, Coach Denise examines the specific demands of winter racing and ensures that all the bases are covered.

Can you avoid drafting in triathlons? Navigating Reality and Making the Most of Your Race

In this latest article, Coach José explores how drafting is a part of the sport, why there are drafting rules, what to do if you find yourself stuck amongst the drafting group, and how to ensure you race with integrity.

What Makes Tri Training Harder's Athlete Network Special?

In this article, we explore Tri Training Harder’s community-driven approach and how building a supportive and inclusive athlete network fosters success. Featuring stories from Tri Training Harder community members, the article highlights how collaboration and shared knowledge positively impact athletes, emphasising the value of a collective, inclusive environment for athletes of all levels.

Why should you Integrate Physiotherapy and Nutrition into Endurance Training

This article explores the science behind endurance training, focusing on the crucial roles of physiotherapy and nutrition. With insights from Tri Training Harder’s expert partners, including physiotherapists and nutritionists, we highlight how their expertise is integrated into training plans to enhance athlete performance and prevent injury, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded approach to endurance training.

What is The Power of Holistic Endurance Coaching?

This article delves into the power of holistic coaching, emphasising our comprehensive approach that goes beyond just a training plan. By incorporating mental, physical, and emotional support, this coaching strategy has helped athletes thrive. Testimonials from current athletes highlight the significant benefits of this well-rounded methodology, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to coaching.

How can you Balance Endurance Training with a Busy Life: Tips from Tri Training Harder

This article explores practical strategies for balancing endurance training with a busy lifestyle. Drawing on insights from TTH coaches, the article offers advice on effective time management, prioritising workouts, and finding the right balance between triathlon training, work commitments, and personal life.

How is fear transmitted amongst athletes before an endurance event?

At some recent events, we have overheard athletes talking about their concerns and have been intrigued by how their fears have rippled out. In this latest article, Coach Philip explores how fear is spread and how it can impact athletes. More importantly, he also identifies how athletes can mitigate this group-social effect and rise above this group phenomenon.

What happens to my swim speed in open water

For most triathletes the majority of their swim training is done in a swimming pool. While this allows for the athlete to spend time on drills, technique and speed work, most triathlons involve a swim in open water. In this article Coach Denise looks at what impacts your speed when moving from the pool into open water.

What should you wear for a cold triathlon?

Although racing in the UK has many perks, one downside is that we don’t usually get the excessive heat that some of our European and US friends are accustomed to racing in. In this article, Coach Philip explores some top tips for racing in the cold.

Warming up for the swim, on the land

The first leg of any triathlon event is the swim, but how can you make sure that you are ready to race from the starting hooter? In some events it is possible to get into the water for a quick few minutes recce, but this is often not an option. In this blog Coach Denise takes a look at how you can get ready to race from the moment you enter the water.

Getting into cold water – acclimatising and having fun

At the start of race season, as thoughts turn to open water swims, one of the key considerations is, just how do you swim comfortably in cold water. In this article Coach Denise uses her extensive experience of swimming in Scotland to look at how best to make the transition from the pool to outside, helping you to have the best swim leg you can.

Planning to fuel or fuelling to plan?

Every year, nutrition and its strategies take centre stage in our conversations with athletes. It's a subject that sparks genuine curiosity and interest. Yet, the challenge lies in translating this knowledge into effective race strategies. Coach Philip delves into some common pitfalls in nutrition strategy, emphasising the potential for significant performance improvements.

Why is a Warm-up Important?

We all know warm-ups are important, but when it comes to racing, we tend to do things differently than in training. Coach Philip explores why the warm-up is important.

Nick Pilling

Role with TTH

As an Athlete

Q&A with Nick

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