I can't possibly begin to adequately explain and convey just how Brilliant Tim has been

I have been a coached athlete with Tim since the autumn of 2021.

Before that, I had completed the odd IRONMAN and half IRONMAN, as well as 2 ultras. All these events I merely aimed to survive on. After being taken on by Tim, he led to the IRONMAN 70.3 world championship qualification and racing the worlds in St. George, Utah. Smashing my PB in 70.3 and Olympic distance triathlon. Smashing my PB in the marathon and half marathon. I also completed sky runs for the first time this year and would not have been able to without Tim's coaching.

Some athletes are easy to coach, they have natural ability and a stable life where they can fit things in. With me, it was the opposite. With a severe autoimmune disease that has caused my spine and hips to start fusing, I am always injured or hurting in some way. Being on immunosuppressants means I'm regularly getting sick and far more unwell than the average person. I've had ups and downs in my relationship (but now soon to be married). I've ended up not just planning on changing careers but made a massive jump in committing to working in the wine industry from a life of working in the NHS. I've balanced a master's degree whilst working a zero-hours contract with shifts coming up and being worked sometimes minutes before leaving.
My point is I have been nothing short of an absolute nightmare to train.

But Tim hasn't just led me to great results. He's helped me keep my head above water by helping me get my training in, arrive at races prepared, and keep my life together.

He hasn't just been an incredible triathlon coach; he's been a mentor and guide, someone I could chat to about training and life frustrations. He would never judge, and he also kept it professional, ensuring I got the right balance of life and, importantly, what I live for, which is my sport and physical activity.

I didn't want to end my coaching contract, but sadly, I'm at a point in my career change where training won't really be possible. I'm certainly hoping to come back in the future, and I know which coach I will be returning to.

I can't possibly begin to adequately explain and convey just how brilliant Tim has been and how much it has meant to me to be a coached athlete of his. Unlike many on the TTH roster, I was never going to be a top-three triathlete, but I have no doubt Tim made me the best athlete and person I could be.

It has been an absolute honour

Tri Training HarderJuly 29, 2024Tim AnsellComment

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