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My original training was as a Sport Scientist specialising in Exercise Physiology. I studied for both my Sport Science degree and PhD at the University of Brighton, obtaining the latter in 1998. My area of expertise is endurance exercise, having published over 30 research articles in peer reviewed science journals on running, cycling, rowing and swimming. My particular interests lie with the monitoring of fitness (the lactate threshold) and optimising endurance training. If you are interested in learning more about my research interests, please visit the work section of this website. Having gained first hand knowledge of the benefits given by working with a mentor, I have recently started training as a Personal Performance Coach with The Coaching Academy, the leading trainers of life coaches in the UK. Furthermore, having received my diploma in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) in the autumn 2007, I am interested in using these technique in re-framing approaches to life (and therefore sport). Working with a lifestyle coach brings enormous benefits: from understanding the goal making process to an appreciation that most learning comes from the process, not in reaching the end goal! For me, coaching is about exploring the potential of an individual, in this case, through the challenge and context of sport. My approach is to guide, not dictate the way in which we work together towards your dreams. I am a member of the Association for Coaching. I have been coaching in cycling for 3 years now, working with time triallists in the main. In 2008, I am undertaking a whole series of cycle coaching qualifications in order to keep myself updated with the latest approaches approved by the sport's Governing Bodies (British Cycling, the Association of British Cycle Coaches). In particular, I am enrolled on the British Cycling Level 2 Coaches Award. Although I have a PhD, I consider myself open to new approaches and philosophies, as well as knowing the need for continuuing professional development. This makes sport specific qualifications imperative in my opinion. Finally, I would like to mention my own experiences in sport. A county level tennis player as a teenager (and LTA qualified coach), I moved into endurance sport when I started my PhD in 1995. It was only in 2002 that started cycling, and have since scored numerous National Team Championship titles (as member of the Scienceinsport.com ladies team) and achieved two 4th places in National Championships. I narrowly missed the podium for consecutive seasons in the National Time Trial Series (2003 through 2004). I feel that my experience as an elite performer in sport lends huge weight to my ability to coach and maximise potential of the individual. I know the issues you face, I understand the pressures of training, the expectation to get results, the euphoria of success, and the personal impact of failing to hit goals. I can help you meet all of these situations with the same outlook – they all help us learn and move towards the next challenge armed with more understanding.
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