THE COACHES

At Somerset RC Tri Club, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated volunteer coaches, some of whom also run successful professional coaching businesses outside of club activities. Their combined expertise is a huge asset to the club, and members benefit from structured, high-quality sessions and expert guidance—all generously delivered on a voluntary basis.

All members have access to this coaching through regular club sessions. However, if you’re seeking individualised training plans or additional support, some of our coaches offer personal coaching services outside of club hours. Engaging a coach privately is entirely optional and at the member’s own expense.

To learn more about the professional services available, please refer to the coach profiles below.

HEAD COACH

Nick Smith

"Recently retired as a school teacher and senior leader, I view coaching as a mutual process. My role is to question the athlete, with guidance stemming from this. Having retrained as a Personal Trainer, I've launched my own coaching firm to pursue my passion for fostering others' personal growth. I'm a county-level track, road, and cross-country athlete, and a triathlete since 1984, aiming to compete until at least 2034, my eightieth year.

I currently coach the Friday evening swim sessions as well as organising many regular club activities such as the Bike and Run."

Nick offers personal training programmes for triathletes with his own company www.secondchancefitness.co.uk and can be contacted at secondchance@btinternet.com

Credentials

  • British Triathlon Federation Level 2 Coach
  • Gym Based Fitness Instructor (QFC) Level 2
  • Group Indoor Cycle Instructor (QFC) Level 2
  • Personal Training, Level 3 (YMCA) 
  • Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor

Coach

Max Sauter

"I first began doing Triathlon back in the days of bright tight clothing, back in the Mid 1980’s and have been doing triathlon ever since (with only a few years off). At one time I even was quite good and have some very respectable PB times to my name!

Triathlon is still very much a sport that I love, and one that now has so many options for all participants that people can get involved at any level of experience and ability, regardless of age or prior sporting experience. It also has the advantage of being able to focus on different elements at different times - for example, at present I personally love swimming and am doing lots of long-distance swims, and most of the club sessions that I deliver are swim oriented.

As a coach I enjoy working with everyone, every tip to help you get better and then to see your face when it works. Why else give up so much time to coach? I can be contacted with any queries regarding training with the club and the coached sessions that are on offer via email max_sauter@somersetrctri.co.uk

I also offer personalised coaching for a limited number of individuals through my own coaching business, and can be contacted with regards to these services via www.maximumtraining.co.uk"

Credentials

  • British Triathlon Federation Level 3 Coach
  • Level 2 & 3 Gym Instructor / Personal Trainer
  • Level 3 Sports Massage

Swim Coach

Lorraine Ayres

Lorraine was a masters swimmer for some 10 years when living in Solihull and trained with Birmingham Masters. This club was made up of medallists in Channel and Olympic Swimmers. She has swum herself in many swim events -  both short course pool and open water swims. Last year she was one of the few who successfully completed the 10 mile Scilly swim and is a regular competitor at Stert Island Swim.

Lorraine has helped at the Triathlon club now for some 5 years and is a GB Age Group Triathlete herself, having competed in both the Worlds and European Triathlon Championships.

Lorraine's aim is to help swimmers improve and make swimming fun for all to enjoy.

Credentials

  • Amateur Swimming Association Level 1 Coach and Swimming Teacher

COACH

Rachel Hinks

"I recently embarked on my coaching journey as a way to give back to a sport that has given me so much. I got into Triathlon in 2018 over in New Zealand, competed in the ITU World Champs 2018 in Australia, AgeGroup level. Since then I’ve built as far as a 70.3. 

I am keen to help athletes find as much enjoyment and reward for triathlon as I can. I am also a fully qualified level 2 personal trainer. Coaching and PT are still just a hobbies outside of my 9-5 job. 

I currently coach the Wednesday evening swim."

Credentials

  • Level 2 coach

Coach

Jo Carritt

Jo participated in her first sprint distance triathlon in 2004  - and never looked back! 15 years later, with a successful career in Long Distance Triathlon (Ironman) racing and her own well established coaching company, EverydayTraining, to support her credentials, Jo is on hand to offer advice and support on all matters relating to club member's training - whether for competition or personal development.

Through EverydayTraining, Jo provides bespoke training plans and mentoring services to triathletes of all levels looking for a step up in their performance. Contact jo@everydaytraining.org.uk to find out more about this. 

CREDENTIALS

  • British Triathlon Federation Level 2 Coach
  • Amateur Swimming Association Level 1 Swim Teacher

Have a question for our coaches?

If you have any questions relating to coaching, please email the head coach, Nick at secondchance@btinternet.com

Your enquiry will either be answered directly or passed onto the
relevant member of the coaching team.

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