NIALL

I first got together with Simon back in 2016. At the time I was heavily into the time trial scene and had a dedicated coach, but in the quest to leave as few stones unturned as possible, I turned to Simon and worked with him for a while on all things nutrition. At the time it was a massive help and played a big part in me hitting my goals and targets. Our coaching relationship came to an end as I departed the TT scene - we remained friends and in touch regardless, plus the learning I acquired back then still remains the foundation for my approach to nutrition to this day. Fast forward a bunch of years.... since leaving bike racing behind I dabbled in another few sports, weightlifting and rowing being the main ones. Whilst I was enjoying these and seeing the progress/results they eventually coincided with Covid and lockdowns etc. Whilst I've always trained and raced solo I was happy it was by choice - when it became mandatory I wasn't quite so happy with it.

Eventually living isolated and training isolated became too much resulting in a physical and mental tailspin which saw me packing most sporting endeavours in. After a while, I knew something had to be done and I was well aware I adhere to sport/training better when there is a plan and some accountability, so early in 2022 I once again turned to Simon for advice. The brief was to have a plan which saw me generally active - no particular sporting goal or aim to race etc., just get active in a way which can be logged, with an interactive coaching presence and overall improve physical and mental state. Through a combination of hiking, rowing, gym and bike Simon had me back in a very good place within months. Body weight was back down, fitness was up and, more importantly, energy and a better/clearer mental state returned.

As a by-product of the training we eventually got curious as to what my cycling FTP was and we were both very pleased to see it was just 8% short of my peak cycling FTP from back in the race days - again, whilst this wasn't a specific aim or target it was a great reflection on what a decent shape I was in. This was further reinforced with a week or so of cycling abroad, taking on long days with plenty of climbing in my stride.

In terms of the initial goal discussed with Simon, it is very much mission accomplished: Fitter, Healthier, Happier. Always the numbers/data geek too though, so although not an aim I'm pleased where the FTP is! Throughout the last 7 years or so Simon has become a friend as well as someone I turn to for all sorts of advice and I've zero doubt I'll doing so for a load more years. Friendship aside, the coaching is interactive and with quick feedback/comms.... planning is spot on and the ability to adapt around work, life, injuries etc. is faultless. As a nutrition, cycling or general fitness coach, I'd have zero hesitation in recommending Simon and Veloperformance.

Niall Thomas.