Testimonials

Triathlete first Ironman

“Having completed 2 half Ironman distance triathlons I decided to sign up for a full Ironman event. My previous training programs had consisted of a free download for the first one, then a paid downloaded program from Training Peaks for the second. When I decided to do a full Ironman (being relatively new to triathlon) I felt a coach was the only way to go for this distance, especially being a seafarer with sometimes limited access to land! When matched by Training Peaks with 3-4 options for a coach, I was drawn to Roland because I felt he was going to give a more personal experience, and I was impressed by his level of personal achievements in triathlon and also his level of coaching experience.

After my first conversation with Roland I soon realised I had a good match, you could tell he is very passionate about all forms of exercise. Being a competitor himself he takes a keen interest into your equipment, how you are feeling, race tips and preparation, and gives you first hand advice and guidance throughout. Half way through my training in early 2018 I had to cancel the full distance event, but Roland was able to keep me on a fitness maintenance program, and I ended up doing a half distance towards the end of that year. When the time came to sign back up for the South Africa Ironman in April of 2019 I was able to upgrade my program again. Throughout the training it was invaluable having a coach like Roland to share and discuss your ups and downs with, enabling you to correct and then continue on the right path.

I was lucky to be able to put in a 7 week training block about a month out from the event. I truly believe that this was the period of training that enabled me to complete the full distance. It was a challenging time but having a coach to mentor you, keep you motivated, focused, and believing in yourself was key to the end result. Having completed the event I maintained my coaching relationship with Roland and even though I don't have an event for this year I still receive updates to my training program on a regular basis, knowing that I can step up my training at any time.

I would happily recommend Roland to anyone looking for a personalised, structured, well planned, and experience based training program for anything swim, bike or run related! I look forward to my next event under his guidance.”

-Marcus Gilbert

Rower coming back from injury

“Working with Roland over the last year has given me measurable improvements in my fitness which has translated to improved results across the board including national representation and some decent age group placings. It has been a pleasure working with him, from comprehensive training programme through adaptability to fit my training around shift work to being a friendly and knowledgable voice on the end of the phone. He was able to take account of my needing to rehab an injury and incorporate allowances for this into my schedule, and to adjust my training for my main sport around events in other sports. Despite coming into the season at a low fitness base and immediately post injury, I have had one of the best years for results I have ever had.”

-Sarah Cochrane

Budding cyclist looking to race competitively

"I want to thank you again for getting me to this point. Its been painful but awesome!
Kemp Fitness was recommended to me as a means to get back to racing bikes after a long hiatus. Roland listened to my racing goals and had me dive right into core conditioning work - something I hadn’t really considered. I couldn’t be happier with his guidance. With the proper framework and steady ramping of intensity, I have surpassed my greatest hopes for my racing with an awesome first race! This has led me to being selected to race for a bike factory team! Thank you Roland for getting my legs back and the strength to race again! Looking forward to the next race!"

-Josh Lambert

Triathlete seeking motivation and improved results

Thanks Roland for all your coaching…. For the first time, I felt like I was “competing” rather than just “completing” the course…and I loved it! "

- Sally Clements

New to triathalon coaching

"This year has been my best year so far in regards of competition results. I've seen good progress in running, cycling, swimming although results show running the most. I'm very pleased with what I have accomplished, and with the help I've got from you to push me through a lot of hard workouts. You've done a good job, and I'm happy to have been your athlete."

- Martin Halvorsen

Cyclist requiring strength training and programming

"Hi Roland, Professional guidance, experience and wisdom in setting and monitoring the program (from you) combined with determination to follow and faith in the program (from me) is bound to deliver results. Looks like we are doing well. I don't pretend it is easy, timewise and sometimes energy wise but I am really happy with the progress. I want to try and maintain 5% improvement in baseline per month."

- Chis Tackaberry

Training for charity event - London to Brussels 24 Hour Bike Ride

"I am writing a short note to say thank-you so much for all your leadership, support and meticulous planning over the past 6 months that made this 24 hour charity bike ride a resounding success. It’s a bit of a cliché, but the team could never have done it without you. A great training programme gets you so far, but when it's intertwined with great coaching it makes a real impact. Roland, a job really well done, you exceeded all our expectations."

- Mr. Tim Dibbs, Managing Director Crown Honda.

Team training for Alpe d’Huez triathalon

At the beginning of 2014, I set a challenge for a team of 19 media professionals to take on one of the hardest triathlons in the world – Triathlon Alpe d’Huez. To achieve this challenge we employed the services of Fit With Purpose, who in turn employed Roland as part of the coaching team.

Roland’s experience, combined with his personable nature and genuine enthusiasm made him an excellent choice for our purposes. His manner of communication made those who were nervous feel reassured, his experience gave us superb guidance leading up to the event and his enthusiasm to see us do well meant that he often went beyond the call of duty for the team (e.g. taking one “non-cyclist” one a 100km confidence-building bike ride).

At the start of the year all bar two of us had never done a triathlon before. Six months later and all 19 crossed the finish line. Roland played a very important part in helping us meet this ambitious challenge.

I would not hesitate in recommending Roland to anyone looking for a fitness professional. For any more clarification on this reference, please feel free to contact me using the details below.

- Mike Hope Milne Enterprise Director Media

Older athlete seeking tailored plan for rehabilitation and strength

As an older but serious triathlete with various leg problems (primarily knee), I was desperate to find a special physical trainer. Roland rose to the various challenges with a tailor-made stretching and strengthening program that put me back together stronger than ever. And most importantly, my injuries didn't come back. In a world with many supposedly-competent trainers, Roland has the credentials and experience to get lasting results. He is the "real deal."

-Mr Frank Rice Project Director Limitless Dubai

Prenatal personal training programme

Falling pregnant with my second baby so soon after having my first meant my body had not had the chance to recover back to full health and fitness. Roly helped me build up my strength through my second and third trimesters. Most importantly, his programme supported the breathing, endurance and mindset required for labour. So not only was I strong and fit enough for the birth (and caring for two little ones), but I had practiced the calming techniques I needed.

- Jo Freeman

Corporate team sporting challenge

RES employees ran and cycled 1100 kilometres from our head office in Kings Langley, UK to our Avignon office in the South of France, to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. Roland helped us to prepare for this challenging relay by providing strength and conditioning classes, running and cycling workshops, route and event planning, nutrition advice and most importantly, motivational support! Roland’s expert advice and 'can do' attitude helped the RES team not only to achieve their goal, but also to improve their fitness levels.

-Dr Ian Mays, CEO Of the RES Group