We are very fortunate to have a fantastic team of qualified coaches, who volunteer a considerable amount of their free time to help members get fitter and to improve in all three disciplines. Regular training sessions are held year-round to support members’ development in swimming, cycling and running. In addition to this, practical sessions in transition, nutrition, bike mechanics and strength and conditioning are held on an ad-hoc basis. All sessions cater for all abilities and are aimed at members who seek to improve both their technique and fitness in a controlled and safe manner.
Meet the Coaching Team
Tel Cother
Head Coach – Personal Coach
I Joined the club in 2017, I became a Level 1 triathlon coach in 2020. Since then I have worked my way through the qualifications to become a personal triathlon coach. I feel extremely privileged to then take up the position of head coach in 2023.
My main reason for taking up the position is to give back freely what had been freely given to me.
My previous experience as a member of the armed forces helps to give me the enthusiasm, discipline and drive to not only encourage, motivate and inspire others, but also gives me the focus when I train and compete in events.
Jerry Fowler
Personal Coach
Jerry has been competing and coaching with DRC Tri since the very beginning. He holds a level 2 diploma with British Triathlon and continues to chase his own longer distance running and swimming challenges. Jerry has a keen focus on those needing to boost their confidence in the water, creating the original sink to swim course, he has been part of many successful journeys for fledgling athletes of all ages. He has also helped the planning for athletes with team GB aspirations up to middle distance.
Martin Bragg
Group Coach
As an ex-teacher, I am motivated by seeing others make progress in their development. I enjoy helping individuals identify personal goals and supporting them on their journey towards these. My experience as a communicator, along with my own personal experiences in triathlon make me believe that I have a contribution to make as a coach in our sport.
Kirsty Prior
Group Coach
Kirsty fell into the world of multi-sport after a friend suggested she give a local offroad duathlon a go. Roll forward 10 years or so, and she has competed across a host of different multi-sport events, from sprint to long distance and everything in between. Always looking for the next adventure, Kirsty is never afraid to try something new.
With a palmares that includes 12 international podiums across a range of disciplines, including 7 European and World age group titles, Kirsty decided it was time to share some of her experience with other athletes and entered the world of coaching. She is the master of juggling, combining her love of multi-sport and the outdoors with touch rugby, a fast and dynamic team sport. Specialisms: duathlon, off-road
Karen Eadon
Group Coach
Hi I’m Karen, I did my first tri as a “stand in” on a open water team relay in 2017 (thanks to Chris Young) competing on a mountain bike which lost its top 7 gears en-route and with an aversion to weed in open water!
I am not your stereotypical triathlete; I don’t do Tris to compete – just to complete. However, I love training others to a level where they can compete or complete – their choice. Giving someone the skill to swim is immensely satisfying and the opportunity to give back to the club that gave me the skill is mind-blowing. The Club gave me an opportunity to coach and I completed my British Triathlon Level 1 coaching course in 2021 and am at present undertaking my Group Coaching Course (formerly known as Level 2).
In addition to my tri qualifications, I am also a Swim England Level 2 swimming teacher and this gives me the confidence that I can give my all to anyone who lacks confidence in the water. I hold the British Triathlon Strength and Conditioning qualification and also the Static Bike qualification (although I leave this to Tel as he has a much better playlist than me!).
I am a big believer that everyone has the ability to do triathlon and encouraging them in a safe environment means a lot to me – I have really enjoyed seeing people from our Sink to Swim programme moving on to triathlon. One of my highlights of the year is taking a group of swimmers to Lake Windermere where we undertake the Great North Swim, it’s a fantastic event from 250m to 10k and we enjoy a great weekend away camping, swimming, paddleboarding and socialising – open to all and a great way to experience open water swimming in a controlled and marshalled environment to practice your skills.
Zoe Lamerton
Foundation Coach
I have been a coach for the club since 2018 . I love to share my passion and dedication to the sport with others.
I started my triathlon journey in 2016 when I was looking to explore sports other than just running. I could swim and run; the only part I hadn’t ever properly done was ride a road bike. I found a local novice triathlon event, which I completed and haven’t looked back since.
I mainly focus on the sprint and standard distance triathlons. More recently I have competed in both triathlon and duathlon as an Age Group athlete, in the World Triathlon and Multisport Championships.
I am currently exploring what my next challenge will be – any ideas or want to join me?
Natalie Breen
Foundation Coach
I Joined the club in 2017, I became a Level 1 triathlon coach in 2020. Since then I have worked my way through the qualifications to become a personal triathlon coach. I feel extremely privileged to then take up the position of head coach in 2023.
My main reason for taking up the position is to give back freely what had been freely given to me.
Mark Histed
Foundation Coach
I started participating in Triathlon in 2015 as I needed a new challenge in life. Initially I was racing to complete the events that I’d entered. After a few years I set myself target times for races and was then very fortunate to qualify for GB age group places in a couple of middle-distance races and even managed a 15th place in the world championships in Samorin. Like the rest of the tri coaches I want to give back the help and support that I’ve enjoyed during my triathlon journey and what better way to do that, than helping others achieve targets they thought they couldn’t.
Emma Allum
Foundation Coach
I started doing triathlons several years ago having previously concentrated on running. I think triathlon is a great sport and there is always a friendly and supportive atmosphere at club sessions and events. As a coach I enjoy supporting athletes to develop and work towards their goals.