Qwik Kiwi Coaching

I recently re-joined Qwikkiwi and Coach Ray when I decided to do another long distance triathlon. This was because I know that I will get to the start line in the best possible shape I can be to achieve my goal.One of the best things I’ve found working with Ray is that he listens to you and believes you can achieve your goal. When I first talked to him about attempting these events (I have completed Taupo Ironman with Rays help) he never once gave me the impression that I wouldn’t make it, or that I was wasting his time – I say this as I’m not a fast triathlete, usually anchoring the tail in most events.When I first went looking for a coach I worried that I wouldn’t be “good/fast enough” for a coach, and initially I worked shift work, so couldn’t fit in with group training sessions.I really like working with Ray as he has the scientific knowledge, as well as event experience to plan the most effective & efficient training for me. He also tweaks your training when “life” happens, like needing to attend family events or go out of town.I like joining in the team calls, his other clients are often training for different events and it’s great to hear their questions about their training and also suggestions or ideas. Some can help with understanding my own journey, but also provide some ideas on future goals. It’s also great that I can drop Ray a msg if I’ve got a question or need to tweak anything.Following the coaching programme is really good for me, as I don’t need to think about what I could/should be doing – I log into TrainingPeaks and it’s all there for me. It also makes me accountable for a) doing the training and b) doing the session as best I can. I get great pleasure to see the comment “nailed it” or “great work”. The other thing about using Ray’s coaching is that if I’m not feeling well or injure myself Ray will alter the programme to make sure I can get back as qwikly as possible, but safely too.I’m loving how I’m feeling as I work my way through my sessions and am building/confirming my belief that I will achieve my goal of finishing the IronMaori Toa in December.If you’ve got something in mind that you want to achieve – be it to run 5km/ get faster/ try a different event – like a Spring Challenge or the MitoQ K2 bike, I definitely recommend signing up – he can help anyone who wants to achieve their goal(s).

I first meet Ray at a local 1/2 marathon, it was here that I caught the running bug. As my sights got set on longer races, I realised the need to train smarter not necessarily longer to achieve the gains I was looking for. I jumped on board with Qwik Kiwi for personalised service. Ray understood my goals as well as my time available to train in amongst family and work commitments. Ray keeps me accountable with a tailored training plan and feedback on every session, it is hard to fudge the numbers if you aren't doing the mahi.

Can't recommend ray enough absolute wealth of knowledge, if you are looking for a coach who will push your limits, with an awesome community this is your man.

Having never before engaged with any form of running advice or coaching this was a journey into the uncharted for me. I had followed Ray's social media postings and remembered him from our time at university. I found the four months interesting and insightful. Little does it matter than COVID prevented me from completing my scheduled event. Ray's careful and thorough manner and methodologies challenged me and my preconceptions regarding running and training for events. I feel, had I been able to compete, that I would have significantly improved my performance compared with previous attempts. He's left me better prepared to head out on my own, rediscover the love of running trails and, probably, return for more assistance later this year.Ray brings a wealth of experience, a personal love of exercise and an understanding and experience of life in fashioning a training plan unique to the individual and their circumstances. I would highly recommend any weekend warrior" considering a dip into coach-led training to consider Ray!"

Coach Ray was engaging from the first phone call where we spent over an hour going over what I wanted to achieve, how training would fit in with my lifestyle etc. One of the things that drew me to Qwik Kiwi was a recommendation from a friend, he explained that he felt engaged at all times as an individual athlete and not just another name on a spreadsheet which is something I was after, which I got.The overall process was thorough but pain free, I feel that I have a training package that is designed to get the best out of me for ultra trail running but has benefits for other disciplines as well.When I got back in to running I had an okay level of fitness but Coach Ray wanted to ensure I didn't go too hard, too fast so we built up distance for the longer runs and speed for the shorter ones, I enjoyed the variety of running and the body weight circuits.A happy bonus of the long distance training is that my short distance times have improved, I have gone from 25 mins 5km to sub 20 mins by trusting the plan and following the plan.Some of the other benefits I've had from the programme is the flexibility to change as niggles etc creep in, Coach Ray will make changes to my programme to ensure I'm always doing something.The training has improved my mindset for doing ultra marathons where I'm running smarter, not harder. I pay attention more to my heart rate and let that guide me to be more efficient.I totally recommend the programme to anyone looking to get in to running, swimming, cycling, tri etc. Coach Ray is very engaging and listens to the athletes needs.

I have been training with Qwik Kiwi for over 10 years . Being time poor has meant with Ray devising a training plan I can get the most out of the time available. The best part about using Qwik Kiwi is when I enter an event and get Ray to set a training program for me . I always know if I stick to the plan as best as possible , on the day I will be able to complete the event to the best of my ability. I highly recommend the services of Qwik Kiwi to help you achieve your sporting target no matter what it is.