Quick Answers

Does having a Triathlon coach really make a difference?

A triathlon coach can have a big impact on your performance. While nearly all top athletes work with a coach, these days many amateur and age-group athletes do too, because having a coach helps you get the most out of every hour you train, improving your fitness, efficiency, and results. Working with a personal coach can also compliment your club training.

Personalised coaching sounds expensive, is it?

Personalised coaching doesn’t have to break the bank.
Think of it as an investment in training smarter, improving faster, and reducing the risk of injury. With the right plan and guidance, every hour you train becomes more effective, helping you get better results without wasting time or effort. The right advice could also save you making costly mistakes that you regret later. Plus, with different coaching packages, there’s an option to suit your goals, time, and budget.

Am I good enough to have a coach?

Absolutely, and it’s a very common question.

Yes, you’re good enough to have a coach. Coaching isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for anyone who wants clear guidance, confidence in their training, and support along the way. Whether you’re new to triathlon or looking to improve your performance, a coach helps you train smarter, make better use of your time, and avoid common mistakes.

You don’t need to be “fast enough” or experienced enough to benefit from coaching, you just need a goal and the willingness to commit to the process. My role as a coach is to meet you where you are and help you become the best that you can be.

Can’t I just use AI to get a training plan?

That’s a great question—and one I get asked a lot.

Yes, you can get a training plan using AI, but a plan on its own isn’t the same as coaching. A coach looks beyond the workouts and takes into account you, your history, strengths, weaknesses, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and how your body responds to training over time.

Training isn’t static. Life happens, sessions get missed, fatigue builds, and goals change. As a coach, I adjust your training, explain the why behind it, help you make smart decisions, and keep you progressing safely and confidently. AI can generate a plan; coaching provides context, accountability, experience, and ongoing support.

In short, AI can be a useful tool, but coaching is about the relationship, the judgement calls, and helping you become the best that you can be.

Do you offer remote coaching and is personalised coaching for me?

Absolutely, I work with athletes remotely worldwide.

Personalised triathlon coaching might be right for you if…
You want a fully customised training plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and experience. It’s ideal if you’re looking for regular feedback, expert guidance, and accountability to help you train smarter, improve faster, and race with confidence, whether it’s your first triathlon, improving your swim technique, increasing your FTP, running a marathon, or a long-course Ironman.

What equipment do I need?

The equipment you need depends on the distance and your goals, but at a minimum you’ll need:

  • · Swimming: swimsuit or trisuit, goggles, and a swim cap.

  • · Cycling: bike (road or triathlon), helmet, basic repair kit, ideally a turbo trainer.

  • · Running: comfortable running shoes.

  • · General: A GPS watch with the ability to measure heartrate.

From there, you can add gear like a wetsuit, race-specific kit, or a bike computer as you progress. The key is starting with the essentials and building your kit with the likes of cycling power meters, and online indoor training software like Rouvy or Zwift, as your training and racing evolve to help achieve the maximum gains.

Silhouette of a man standing on a calm beach at sunrise with golden reflections on the water.
Silhouette of a man standing on a calm beach at sunrise with golden reflections on the water.

Inspirational/Chopper Corner

James Oswald Coaching and Kristian Blummenfelt
James Oswald Coaching and Kristian Blummenfelt

Snapshots of some of the legends in our sport, although some of them would rather have it called 'Chopper Corner' as not everything always goes to plan, and everyone looks and feels a bit novice at times, whatever level of experience you have.

One of the great things about our sport is how approachable and supportive the Pro's can be to Age Groupers, and in return the Age Groupers really support their favourite Pro's.

This little area of the site is all about celebrating how close we are as a community. Please don't hound them, but if you have a favourite selfie with a Pro, send it in and see if you end up on 'Inspirational Corner'. Maybe, you're even a pro with another pro being a chopper , or a pro with an age grouper!!    

Thanks to all those who have sent pics already.

James Oswald Coaching and Joe Skipper
James Oswald Coaching and Joe Skipper
Nikki Bartlett and Lucy Gossage
Nikki Bartlett and Lucy Gossage
Nikki Bartlett and Lucy Gossage
Nikki Bartlett and Lucy Gossage
James Oswald Coaching and Nikki Bartlett
James Oswald Coaching and Nikki Bartlett
James Oswald Coaching and Laura Siddall, Sid
James Oswald Coaching and Laura Siddall, Sid
Daniela Ryf
Daniela Ryf
James OSwald Coaching, Sir Jason Kenny, Sir Chris Hoy
James OSwald Coaching, Sir Jason Kenny, Sir Chris Hoy
Lucy Charles-Barkley
Lucy Charles-Barkley
James Oswald Coaching and Kristian Blummenfelt
James Oswald Coaching and Kristian Blummenfelt
Katt Matthews
Katt Matthews
James Oswald Coaching and Sebastian Kienle
James Oswald Coaching and Sebastian Kienle
Ellie Salthouse
Ellie Salthouse
James Oswald Coaching and Anne Haug
James Oswald Coaching and Anne Haug
James Oswald Coaching and Laura Siddall, Sid
James Oswald Coaching and Laura Siddall, Sid
James Oswald Coaching, Oompah Loopas and Paul Kaye
James Oswald Coaching, Oompah Loopas and Paul Kaye
Daniela Ryf and Laura Siddall
Daniela Ryf and Laura Siddall
Lotte Wilms
Lotte Wilms
Sebastian Kienle with Laura Siddall
Sebastian Kienle with Laura Siddall