Coach Kate Offord

Coaching the way I do means that I get to work with athletes who are doing a broad range of events and for different reasons. Nicki and I have been working together for a while, and our focus has been on self belief, consistency and progress, and getting a training routine that fits with real life and is not overwhelming!

Here’s a little update from Nicki this week! You’ll see a little theme where Nicki starts to doubt herself before key events even though she’s absolutely smashing it! I’m sure a lot of people reading this will resonate!

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“Back in February I started training for a Sprint Triathlon in May and immediately started training for an Olympic Aquathalon, which is fast approaching.

I’ve learnt lots along the way, yes sport gets you fitter and healthier, but it teaches you a lot about yourself too!

About two weeks before I did the triathlon I started panicking and convinced myself I couldn’t do it and was ready to pull out. But a chat with Kate helped me to get back on track. Yes I was slow, but I did it and I felt strong!

So 4 months later and my mojo went on holiday, packed its bags and didn’t come back 😂😂. After a chat with Kate I realised that my mind was self sabotaging again and giving me a get out clause!

It is so useful to recognise these characteristics so that I can deal with them, not just in sport, but across all areas of my life.

I actually think it’s my mind protecting me from feeling like a failure when I finish near the bottom.

Anywho two weeks to my event and I am still committed to the plan. I’ll be slow, but that’s fine 💚💚

Had a great swim and run today 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ 🏊‍♀️ 🏊‍♀️💕

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As coaches, we often assume that athletes know what it’s like to be coached! So I thought I’d give you a flavour of what training for an important event might feel like with me as your coach.

I won’t be watching your every move, or shouting at you if you miss a session… it’s a lot better than that!

The key things I think you gain from my coaching:

• I see you as a whole person. Not just the athlete version, not just the work version, not just the social version. I see you for all of you, the highs and the lows, the stress and the happiness.

• I will listen to you.

• I will challenge you both physically and emotionally. I want you to be the best you can be.

• I will adapt your training to match your progress, your life stress, your health and your well being. Believe me programmes can change a lot if needed!

• I will help boost your confidence and self belief.

• I promise to share my knowledge and expertise, giving you direction and support so that you continue to make meaningful progress no matter what life throws at you!

If that sounds like something that you need, then save this post and follow me!

The best 3 tips you just HAVE to follow when you are tapering for an Ironman (non negotiable)

• PRIORITISE SLEEP
• FOCUS ON HYDRATION AND FUELLING
• FOLLOW THE PLAN

Don’t panic about last minute fitness. Don’t sabotage everything you’ve worked for. Now turn up to the start line healthy and ready to dig deep!

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose” (Dolly Parton).

What better mantra for endurance sport? Triathlon, swimming, cycling, running… they all require authentic passion and consistency.

We’ve all seen the Dolly Parton quotes flying around since her sad death this week, and whilst her comments about wearing the sparkle are 100% me, they are not really for this page!

But leaning into yourself and doing it with purpose is 100% what CKO is about.

If you think about one thing this week, think about this - “Find out who you are and do it on purpose” - again and again and again. Be relentless. Be committed. Be you.

Thanks Dolly, RIP 💜💚

Well I’m back from holiday now and it’s time to update a couple of race results from whilst I was away! Pamela was racing Oundle Sprint Aquabike and Mitchell was in action at West Lancashire Triathlon. Both athletes smashed it 💪

Massive well done to Pamela who continued to make an important comeback after a significant period of injury. She’s still working hard to rehab the run but 1st in Age Group and 4th Female over all is a fantastic Aquabike result! The future is bright, Pamela’s determination has been second to none.

There’s also a big kudos to Mitchell who smashed a big bike pb at West Lancs Tri at the weekend , with a big pb overall despite pacing the swim and the run! It’s so great to see the progress from earlier in the year💪

We move into another big block of racing for CKO athletes… it’s going to be exciting 💜💚