I’ve been doing triathlons for 12 years now having entered my first one with a friend I used to row with. It’s fair to say it’s become a very big part of my life and in the years since I’ve become heavily involved with our local triathlon club and now TCUK. I’ve also been one of the main organisers of the Hathersage Hilly Triathlon since 2008, which happens to be the very first race I entered all those years ago.

I’ve lost count of the number of races I’ve entered over the years and have competed in all triathlon distances through from sprint to Ironman distance. 2017 saw me competing at Ironman UK Wimbleball 70.3, Ironman Switzerland in Zurich and Ironman UK Weymouth 70.3. At the end of Ironman Switzerland I said never again, again - having said it at Ironman Vichy the year before.

A half distance at the Challenge Geraardsbergen in Belgium is already in the diary, a chance to take on the one of the world’s most famous cycling monuments – the Muur Van Geraardsbergen – twice! The inevitable has also happened and Ironman Barcelona is also booked – a proper bikers course apparently.

My strongest discipline is the bike, and this has allowed me to place well in races over the years. I’m also active in the local time trialling scene and have won the odd bit of prize money on occasion and a few trophies from triathlon and cycling clubs I’ve raced for. The hardest endurance thing I’ve ever done is Lands End to John O’Groats on the bike…….in 4 days! Just me and one of my training buddies raising money for Marie Curie, a charity close to my heart, I think I’m still scarred by the experience!

Outside of all this sporty stuff I have an Environmental Science degree and did have a career in that sector for a good few years. Not one to get stuck in a rut, I changed career when I moved to Sheffield 14years ago, and now run my own successful decorating business which I fit in around training (that’s a standing joke amongst my friends!).

The experience I’ve gained over the years has allowed me to help and nurture many new triathletes into the sport, both through the tri club and through organising events and races. It was only when Matt asked me to consider working with TCUK that I thought I might formalise that role with a coaching qualification. Having been coached by Matt and TCUK in the past, I know just how thorough and effective their coaching methods and are and as a result was delighted to be asked to join the team.

For more information or advice, please email me: ady@triathloncoaching.uk.com