This short feature will come in four installments with the aim being to give those unfamiliar with what we do here at Premier Endurance a better understanding of how we work. We’ve chosen a wide variety of the type of athletes we work with from beginner to recreational and domestic to professional level to give you a grasp on how we operate, what the athletes we work with say about us and some useful tips if you decide to come on board with us!
We’ve conducted this in a short interview style with some athletes opting to remain anonymous. Each feature we’ll present two athletes, so, without further delay let’s dig into part one.
John McDermott
Give us some background about yourself
Although I cycled casually when growing up and into my twenties I didn’t take it up as a sport until my early thirties. I joined Bray Wheelers in 2003 and raced club leagues and Cycling Ireland S3 level races (including races such as Gorey and Kanturk 3 day races) from 2003 to 2006. Since then increased family / work commitments have reduced my fitness and time for racing and while I have continued to ride with the club and commute to work etc I have only raced sporadically and at a lower level of fitness since then, until signing up with Premier Endurance.
When did you come on board with Premier Endurance and why did you choose us?
I started in September 2018 after deciding that I had the need, time, and focus to get properly fit again but also recognized the need for proper coaching to ensure I could benefit to the maximum from valuable time spent training. I also recognized the need for accountability to somebody to ensure I would stick to plans on days when the weather was bad or when I wasn’t fully motivated to train and so forth. I chose Premier Endurance following a recommendation from a friend who had been coached by Jamie Blanchfield during the previous year and who as a result of that coaching made enormous gains in fitness, technique and knowledge of cycling and racing.
What have you noted about your performance since you started with us?
I have made enormous improvements in cycling endurance, and in my ability to perform at high intensity and to compete and succeed in racing. I have won a number of road races and track races and have competed against riders who had been at a much higher level and succeeded against them. I have taken part in and won bunch sprints whereas previously I shied away from them completely due to fear of their chaotic nature.
Is there anything you noticed major changes in when you came on board with us?
The training was structured over the winter by incrementally building gains and slowly increasing the intensity of the training from month to month. Within each week the sessions were structured to give an appropriate balance of high intensity followed by recovery along with longer rides for building endurance. The approach allowed me to understand the principles and their implementation in practice and has given me a much greater understanding of training and how it fits into a busy lifestyle. Post-race and weekly debriefing- both online and by phone- forced me to reflect on and assess my performance with expert assistance which led to timely recognition of strengths and weaknesses, review of tactical approach, nutrition and all the other aspects that contribute to racing outcomes.
What one piece of advice would you give a new athlete joining Premier Endurance?
Commit to your plan and follow it without making excuses and be totally honest with yourself and with your coach
Athlete A
Give us some background about yourself
Growing up I was never really into sports until I went to college and decided I needed to make new friends and get to know some people. I opted for rowing as it was a “seated” sport and looked easy. After a number of years competing at collegiate level rowing, I turned to cycling. I was carrying a few injuries (shoulder, wrist, hamstring!) which prevented me from rowing without an abnormal level of discomfort. I thought, cycling another “seated” sport, couldn’t be too difficult! My mum has been into sports her whole life, my dad not so much but is an outdoorsy person and my sister has been dabbling in athletics for as long as I can remember along with swimming, tennis and a bit of cycling.
When did you come on board with Premier Endurance and why did you choose us?
Following Rás na mBan 2018, where Jamie managed Team Verge, I approached Jamie and asked if he would take me on. I had been briefly coached by Jamie the year before and I felt that he was my “type” of coach. I was looking for someone to take over the planning part of my training but also someone who understands the practicality of work/life/training balance and allows me to have an input into my own training plan.
What have you noted about your performance since you started with us?
This time last year, without a coach, I had completely burnt myself out from over training. This season I feel that I have come on a lot both physically and mentally as a rider. Jamie’s coaching style helps me to reflect on what I can control within my own training environment and makes me focus on my own performances both in training and racing.
Is there anything you noticed major changes in when you came on board with us?
I feel more confident and comfortable in my riding. From the reflection piece each week, I find I can pinpoint areas of improvement for the following week and areas where I have met and exceeded my expectations. It’s just easier and less stressful knowing that someone is putting a plan in place and I know that it will always push me that little bit extra each session.
What one piece of advice would you give a new athlete joining Premier Endurance?
Jamie is very approachable and professional so you can be 100% open with him with everything that influences your training and performance which I find is so important for success.
