Coach Mark   

Favourite triathlon race/event and why: That is a hard question. I think I'm going to say the Traigh Triathlon near Mallaig. I can't remember when I competed in it but it was my only ever podium. More importantly the atmosphere was brilliant, we made it a club weekend  and it was amazing fun. And the location was spectacular. I see it's back on this year but I'm currently scheduled to work. I may have to have a word with the boss. 
 
Favourite triathlon discipline (swim/bike/run) and why: Probably the bike. It's a toss up between bike and run for which one is my best. But bike is probably my favourite. 
 
Favourite post race food: Anything!!!!!! if pushed I'd go savoury but not fussy. Starving by that point :) 
 
Interesting/fun fact about myself:  My first ever Triathlon was in 2009 on Australia day in the Margaret River in Perth. It was a sprint I think. Hooked ever since. I also lived in Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa for 4 years as a kid. Crocs, elephants and monkeys a flavour of the animals you could see. 
 
Why I love coaching:  I love coaching as it is amazing to see athletes improving and having fun. I love seeing new connections and friendships made in the "tribe" of this crazy sport. People with the same values and outlook in life (i.e. doing crazy forms of activity outdoors) seem to be drawn  to the sport and the club. Love it :)  

 
Favourite triathlete:  It has to be Jess Learmonth - she is a phenomenal athlete, she works so hard, but what I love most is she is so honest and basically just herself in front of the camera. What you see is what you get and more often than not she is hilarious. And she isn't even trying to be.  Authentic is the word. 

Coach Fletch  

Triathlon Bio  - A former GB Age Group Triathlete who’s been competing in triathlons since 2002. Joined Triathlon Inverness in 2013 after moving to the Highlands and been coaching at the club ever since.  

Favorite race/event and why:  I love any triathlon with a beach start - you can’t beat it for carnage level!  If I had to pick my favourite it would be Ironman Wales - total challenge from start to finish with a great atmosphere all the way round the course! 

Favorite discipline and why:  Swim - I’ve swum since I was 7 so I will always be a water baby. Shame it’s the shortest part of any race. I just love being in or on the open water. It’s where I’m happiest and feel most freedom from sport! 

Favourite post race food: Pizza all the way - meat feast to be specific!  

Interesting or fun fact about myself: I hold a Guinness World record for Paddleboarding Loch Ness 

Why I love coaching: Having had a lot of great experiences and met lots of fantastic people through triathlon coaching for me is an opportunity to pay it forward. Pass that positive experience on and help others achieve their goals, big or small, in the sport.  

I’ll never forget the enthusiasm of my old swim coach and the confidence she gave me in the water. With Triathlon Inverness I enjoy working with the improvers lane the most. It's like detective work. Spot something, work on it and seek out those gradual incremental technique improvements.  It’s hugely rewarding to see that confidence, technique and fitness build in the water over time!  

Favourite Triathlete: No question. Without a shadow of a doubt Chrissie Wellington. A totally inspirational triathlete on every level! 

Coach Jenny  

Fave race- Ironman Austria, incredible route & atmosphere. 

Fave discipline:  all of them, it’s great to swap about depending on who you’re with, the weather & your energy levels! 

Fave post race food :  coffee! 

Why I love coaching:  it’s so good to watch others make progress, enjoy taking part & gaining more confidence. I’ve also made a whole lot of new friends.

A great article about Coach Jenny and the role of woman coaches in sport can be found here