Testimonials

Kevin is an extremely meticulous and hands-on coach, which has helped me take my training and mentality to a different level. I came across Kevin after I trained for my first 70.3 in Cascais which I had to pull out of due to illness, I message Kevin before the event seeking advice on whether to compete or look past it and carry on the journey to another 70.3. I didn’t end up doing the race and it was probably the best decision I’ve made in the sport. Not only did I gain a fantastic coach and mentor in Kevin, but I’ve become more engrained in the sport of triathlon which I’m so grateful for.

Kevin’s methodical approach goes beyond the training sessions and really tailor to your needs as an individual, which makes the process far more enjoyable and seamless leading up to events and building throughout off-season.
I couldn’t recommend a more genuine person to be a coach and mentor. Thanks for being world class, sir!

★★★★★

I have been working with Blackzone Coaching since the start of Lockdown in 2020 and he has revolutionised my training and lifestyle. I have never been more consistent and motivated to train than I have when working with Kevin. Sessions are well tailored to the intensity and variance I need and he is so supportive as a coach when sessions might not go as well as I wanted or expected. As a final year Sports and Exercise student myself I adore the data training/racing produces and learning how the body adapts to training demands.  Kevin’s scientific approach to programming is really interesting to me and gives a helpful practical insight when I work on the theory in my degree. It is really motivating to see all the exponential progress, after over a year of work. The biggest achievement we have achieved is coming 5th in my age group qualifiers for Olympic distance and taking 35mins off my previous best time. I’m excited to see the progress next year holds!

★★★★★

It has been a lifetime ambition of mine to enter and complete an IRONMAN. I had trained 1-2-1 with Kevin before so asked him to help. His meticulous approach to my training plan meant it was carefully tailored to my busy work schedule. He continually readjusted my power and heart rate zones as I progressed. Sometimes work and family commitments got in the way and Kevin would adjust the plan to make sure I was hitting the key sessions and continually improving. My FTP rose by 40 watts over an eight week period and my swimming, cycling and running all improved considerably. I went into the race confident that I was in the best shape I've ever been and was able to enjoy the experience. Without this approach I would have been haphazard with my training. I never worried about what to do. You can trust Kevin to get you race ready whatever your goal is.  

★★★★★

When I joined Blackzone Coaching I had two clear objectives that I set out with Kevin: Firstly build up my FTP; secondly prepare my cycling fitness for one of the greatest endurance events in the world for amateurs, namely the Haute Route Alps. This is a seven day event including some of the highest and most challenging road cycling terrain in the world.  Over the course of the next year Kevin planned, and analysed by numbers through training peaks, gave daily feedback on sessions, and most importantly put together sustainable, and (largely!) achievable daily workouts that saw my overall cycling fitness hit new highs. I can’t speak highly enough for Kevin’s approach.  I was delighted to complete the Haute Route, whilst never losing power up some phenomenal climbs and a week later to hit an all time 60 minute power record to boot.  Thanks Kevin!

★★★★★

I started using Kevin @ Blackzone Coaching in January 2023. I’ve had a few coaches before, but for varying reasons, I was not compelled to stick with them. Kevin has completely transformed my training, and in turn my racing ability. I started racing 70.3 events in 2018 and have consistently pulled in results putting me in the top half of the top ten in my age group. I challenged Kevin with top 5 with the real target being the Podium. I have had 2 races this season (2023), and in both I have come away with significant PB’s (both sub 5:30 which was previously a dream) in a very competitive field. I will update this review once I’ve had my final race of the season in September! Race 1 – Outlaw Nottingham - I placed 8^th/68 – not the place I wanted but considering the competition and my finish time I was very happy indeed. Race 2 – Outlaw Holkham – I placed 5th/38 – far better placing and even better finish time. Kevin is dedicated to working with his athletes to help them achieve their goals. My run at Nottingham improved by circa 10 minutes, which is something we have really been focusing on as running off the bike was always my weak spot. I wont be changing coaches any time soon – this is a long term project and I would highly recommend Kevin whatever your goals. I started using Kevin @ Blackzone Coaching in January 2023. I’ve had a few coaches before, but for varying reasons, I was not compelled to stick with them. Kevin has completely transformed my training, and in turn my racing ability. I started racing 70.3 events in 2018 and have consistently pulled in results putting me in the top half of the top ten in my age group. I challenged Kevin with top 5 with the real target being the Podium. I have had 2 races this season (2023), and in both I have come away with significant PB’s (both sub 5:30 which was previously a dream) in a very competitive field. I will update this review once I’ve had my final race of the season in September! Race 1 – Outlaw Nottingham - I placed 8^th/68 – not the place I wanted but considering the competition and my finish time I was very happy indeed. Race 2 – Outlaw Holkham – I placed 5th/38 – far better placing and even better finish time. Kevin is dedicated to working with his athletes to help them achieve their goals. My run at Nottingham improved by circa 10 minutes, which is something we have really been focusing on as running off the bike was always my weak spot. I wont be changing coaches any time soon – this is a long term project and I would highly recommend Kevin whatever your goals.

★★★★★

I am an early 50’s cyclist who returned to cycling during covid times after many years of not getting on the bike. I was inspired to take on a Haute Route challenge in September of 2022 and realised in early Jan that structured training could be of benefit. I reached out to Blackzone where I met Kevin and we discussed his training approach for other Haute Route customers and we started to work together. We began a 6-month journey that put me through an increasingly tougher periodic training program. It was tailored to my need, and took into account family holidays and emergency business trips. Kevin’s approach was to continually stretch my abilities without snapping me, he pushed me to meet the goals we had jointly agreed and we communicated through emails, phone calls, and regular reviews of the data in training peaks. At no point did Kevin or myself physically meet but our interactions were small and often, pretty much every other day for a training regime which was 6 days on, one day off which was in line with the growth plan I had set myself. The Haute Route was a success and my cycling fitness saw a large leap in FTP and the confidence to take on bigger multi-day events in Europe next year.

★★★★★

From the moment I stepped into the world of triathlon, Kevin was there, displaying an unwavering commitment and dedication that simply cannot be overstated. His 24/7 availability, be it via text or call, is a testament to his sincere investment in each of his clients journey. Coming into the sport, I was a complete novice. Yet Kevin's expert advice and patient mentorship proved invaluable. From the initial stages of choosing my first bike, to meticulously refining my training regime, he equipped me with the tools and knowledge I needed to get from my first sprint triathlon to a half ironman and in 5 more weeks a full ironman. All in times I wouldn't of initially dreamed of. Whether you're a novice entering the sport or an experienced athlete looking to level up, I wholeheartedly recommend Kevin. His top-notch coaching caters to all levels, meeting you where you are and elevating you to where you want to be. With Kevin, you're not just training for a race - you're embarking on a transformative journey, and there's no one better to guide you through it. Thank you, Kevin.  

★★★★★

My success so far in just under a year of coaching with Kevin have included 1st Place 30-34 age group Scottish Sprint Triathlon championships 2021, and a successful campaign to get my qualification spot for the AG Ironman World Championships in Kona 2021, by finishing 26th Overall at the IMUK event in a time of 10:24:36. This was the primary focus of my training and I gave myself 5 years in which to get there, so to achieve this so quickly is testament to the approach Kevin puts into my training plan. The approach is a perfect balance of the hard work, consistency, and importantly allowing sufficient time to recover to absorb the training loads, something I personally overlooked for years. Kevin’s coaching plan are very specific to my race goals and perfectly periodised for me to be at my best for all my priority races throughout the year. I am now looking forward to the beaches of Hawaii as I step up my focus to what’s ahead.

★★★★★

I am a 50-something year old female who pretty much fell into cycling about 5 years ago as a way of regaining my fitness post-kids and as a means of gaining some much-needed “me-time”. I joined my local cycling club and quickly discovered Zwift, allowing me to ride and train all year round. Recently, though, I had hit a wall in my training but couldn’t work out what the problem was. I was working hard but I had begun to struggle to complete workouts, was repeatedly being dropped on my weekly Zwift Team Time Trials, my heart rate was racing, my legs felt heavy… I just didn’t feel right. (more…)

★★★★★

Why would a coach want a coach? Objectivity, support, guidance, learning and so much more… Having a background of triathlon coaching, training and racing from 2011 to 2016 as well as a plethora of academic qualifications in sport, one could easily assume that I know exactly what to do to reach my full potential as a triathlete. Coaching and being coached are two very different experiences which can compliment each other so long as there is immediate openness and honesty. (more…)

★★★★★

Sprint Duathlon European Championships 2019

Result - Gold Age Group 30-34 and 3rd Overall

I was looking for a coach as I knew cycling was my weak point and I was lacking structure in my general training. I had qualified for the Sprint Duathlon European Championships and when I went to Kev my goal was clear – to win at the European Championships the following year. Kev always believed in me and was supportive yet still pushed my limits. I have struggled with injury niggles, so Kev also built specific gym workouts to address my weaknesses and as a result, I have never been as strong. Within seven months of training, he had taken 37 minutes off my bike 70.3 time and as promised, I won the gold at the Europeans! I have no doubt that I wouldn’t have achieved these results without him.

★★★★★

Exmoor 70.3 Ironman – 25th June 2017

Result - 1st in age Group 45-49 and 21st Overall

Not a bad day at the office but the Journey started 9 Months before this event.

This was my 5th year of Triathlon and as the years have passed I have been improving every year. After recently moving in 2016 from an onshore workplace to being back offshore on a 3 weeks away and 3 weeks at home rota I had no idea how to be able to train properly after working 12 hours every day. I entered Exmoor 70.3 in 2016 and only had a few months of offshore life to maintain a good level of fitness that I had. The course should have really suited me and I finished 3rd in age group. I was pleased with result but not with performance as I knew I could have done much better. I also missed out on a qualification spot to the World Championships by 1 place. So I had unfinished business in Exmoor and decided for the first time in my Triathlon Career that I was going to an event with a specific Goal.

’’ I want to qualify for the World 70.3 Championship’’

With no idea how to train properly offshore, I decide I needed a coach to help. I looked at many different options from online to personnel trainers and finally came across Black Zone Coaching. A couple of things stood out in his webpage when doing my research. 1. If you are looking for an easy fix you won’t find it with Kevin, but if you are serious about your goals and willing to commit to his guidance you will achieve what may have previously eluded you as an athlete. 2. Kevin has a 100% success record with his athletes reaching their goals. (’’Bold Statement’’) I started working with Kevin in September 2016 and the fresh approach to training gave me a new lease of life. He was very quick at knowing what I was capable of and the training programs are constantly changing which helps enormously with motivation. During my offshore rota, he has been able to adapt the cycling training plan to get the most out of a Watt Bike and Treadmill with High intensity, Short duration workouts. (If you call 1 ½ hours on a treadmill short) at times of high fatigue he can quickly adjust the programs to get me back on track, I honestly feel at the age of 48 I am fitter now than I have ever been in my life. Next step is Chattanooga on the 10th September to put myself up against the best the World has to offer. I have no idea what to expect or what I would be happy with. I will continue to follow Kevin’s cycling training plan and try and execute the race to the best I have to offer and see what comes from it. Most importantly I’m going to enjoy the whole experience. Finally, Thank you Kevin for being a big part in the Jigsaw in helping me achieve my Goal.