Sports Coaching

"A few months prior to my first major international race, the Gobi Desert race I asked Ian to help me out with my training programme. Three years later and a 4 Deserts Series title to my name, I have not looked back once. A large part of my success is credit to Ian's careful planning, dynamic approach, knowledge and passion for endurance sports. Ian's "one on one" sessions and thorough approach he put's into all my training programmes is refreshing and inspires me during training. Thanks for all your help Ian - I could not have achieved what I have without you!."

"In 2011 Ian added an extra dimension to my training in the form of ‘muscle test’ sessions (Kinesiology). Before he planned my training programme, Ian did a number of ‘muscle tests’ on me to see what my goals were, how my body attracted these goals and what my body required in the form of nutrition, training, mental approach etc. Then during my training we would regularly meet up for muscle ‘test sessions’ to see if my body’s requirements had changed or anything was lacking. This extra dimension to Ian’s coaching was a great help to my training, as I strongly believe the human body is a lot more complicated and advanced than we think. I believe in an open holistic approach to my training and being in tune with my body is vital"

Ryan Sandes - Multi-Stage Trail Runner

1st Place 4 Deserts Egypt & China 2008
2nd Place 4 Deserts Namibia 2009
1st Place Jungle Marathon 2009 (by 2hrs!)
1st Place 4  Deserts Chile 2010 (by 5hrs!)
1st Place Puffer 80km 2010 (& new record time!)
3rd Place Mixed Team Trans Alps Multi Stage 2010
1st Pace 4 Peaks Challenge 2010 (new record time by 15min!)
1st Place & Overall Series Winner 4 Deserts Antartica 2010

3rd Place North Face 100km (Australia) 2011

4th Place Zugspits Ultra 101km (Germany) 2011

1st Place Leadville 160km Trail Race (USA) 2011 (3rd fastest time ever set)

1st Place 4 Deserts Nepal (2.5hrs in front of 2nd place winner!)

1st Place Hong Kong 100km Trail Race 2012

"I approached Ian about 4 months ago with one big goal – to run Puffer 2010 and to run it well! Ian has drawn up some amazing monthly programmes for me, and the results speak for themselves. His schedules are rigorous, but the science is all there and it is well worth sticking to like glue! He is completely ‘there’ as a coach (albeit all online), which suits me perfectly. It was really cool to see him out at the 56 km mark of Puffer – such a big boost! I have one or two fairly big running goals for 2011, and hope that Ian can help me reach these...I have every confidence that he will."

Karoline Hanks - Trail Runner

1st Place Woman (4th overall) Puffer 80km 2010
2nd Place Woman Table Mountain Challenge 2010
2nd Place Woman Helderberg Mountain Challenge 2010

Sean Hanekon - Multi-Stage Mountain Biker

"I started with Ian a couple of years ago in the hopes of completing an IronMan after having failed dismally at my first triathlon.
Under Ian's guidance, training and mentoring, I have managed to move passed triathlon and explore so many different avenues of endurance sport so that I don't have to be just a triathlete or a runner or a cyclist"

Andrew Espin - Endurance Athlete

WP Triathlon Champs 2007
8 x Two Oceans Ultra Marathons
Puffer 80km Trail race 2010
Hout Bay Trail Challenge 2010 11th overall
IronMan Western Australia
IronMan Brazil
IronMan Switzerland
3 x IronMan South Africa
Racing The Planet: Namib Desert 2009
4 Deserts Sahara Crossing 2010 11th open male & 15th overall

Kris van der Westhuizen - Multi-Stage Trail Runner

“In 2010 I entered my first ever multi day ultra-running event. The Namib Desert Challenge 2011. What a blast! Not for one second during the race I felt I can’t go on – and as I was running through the grasslands and dunes of Namibia, I knew – my training has worked – and Ian is THE MAN! There is method in his madness.  Ian is now stuck with me!! Thanks for everything.”

16th Place overall Namib Desert Challenge 2011 - 5 day trail race

 
"Ian has been my coach for the past two years, over this period he has taken me from a total novice triathlete to an Ironman finisher.  Ian’s understanding of my individual training needs, time requirements and body dynamics (injuries, rest requirements, etc.) coupled with his extensive knowledge gained from rigorous research and personal experience in coaching, training and racing has ensured that Ian has consistently provided me with a training program specifically tailored to my needs.  In addition to this personal approach in designing my training program Ian has shown an acute awareness towards both my emotional and physical state throughout my training regime and has applied subtle changes to my program to best enhance my training or reduce my load as and when necessary." 

Rowan Le Roux - Ironman Triathlete (Pb for IM70.3 & IM 2010)

" I first started training with Ian 4 months before I ran my first multi-stage ultra marathon. He designed a program that was realistic and fitted around my work perfectly. He gave excellent advice about equipment and nutrition as well as some much needed encouragment! I not only finished the race but was able to enjoy it thanks to Ians' excellent coaching! I have since moved to Oz and still use Ian in SA! I couldn't recommend him highly enough! Thanks again Ian!!!

Sam Rigg - Multi-Stage Trail Runner

3rd Place Namib 6 Day Desert Challenge 2010

Completed Ironman Western Australia 2010

"A couple of months ago, I decided to run my first marathon. Given the fact that I'd only ever trained for half marathon's before I approached Ian for some coaching. He was incredibly supportive and became my conscience when it came to training. Apart from the fantastic programmes that he provided, he followed up on a weekly basis to see how the training had gone the week before. I would definitely recommend Ian to anyone who would like to achieve a sporting goal."

Kathryn Webb - Marathon Runner

"Ironman Western Australia 2007 was my PB Ironman triathlon, with over one hour shaved off my previous best. Thank you Ian for a comprehensive, new and stimulating training program that got me to that level."

Patrick Thomas - Ironman Triathlete

“From an out of shape 49 year old (who weeks before I started with Ian had just managed to walk around a golf course) Ian slowly but steadily put me through a sensible running program which enabled me to run the Rome marathon last spring. Most importantly I felt strong when I finished and even more importantly I was able to walk around and enjoy the city the day after the marathon. Not surprisingly this year I trained with Ian again when I chose to run a marathon again to celebrate my 50th year. If you stick to the plan, which is not too demanding and is designed to fit in family and work life, then you will get fit!”

Neil MacDonald - International Marathon Runner

"Ian Waddell took me from being a social runner to a triathlete. He coached me to race my first Ironman – my results were better than what I expected. He also coached me to qualify and participate in Triathlon and Duathlon Worlds. I found his training to be very specific and personal - the harder I worked, the better my results were. I always went into a race confident that I had done the correct training – this is very important mentally! I would recommend Ian to anybody that wants to achieve their personal goals – he is honest and realistic and a great mentor."

Nicola Lockheart - WP & SA Triathlete