Coaching Qualifications
Level 2 British Triathlon Coach
Level 2 ASA Swimming Coach
Level 2 ASA Swimming Teacher
Worksafe First Aid Instructor
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
Ali Hollest
Triathlon & Swimming Coach
Specialist in triathlon training and swimming technique
I have been competing in all distances of triathlon for years and am fortunate enough to be able to transfer my passion into my coaching of the sport. My triathlon journey has been very fulfilling from both a competing and coaching perspective.
I understand there is a lot to take on in your first triathlon and really enjoy coaching and mentoring novice athletes. Being a competitor as well as coach I understand that for some athletes, just crossing the finish line is not enough and you have times and PBs to improve on year on year and podiums to stand on. I really get a buzz out of helping my athletes exceed their expectations. I also coach for Abingdon and Vale Triathlon Club, helping athletes of all abilities to hit their goals for the season.
I believe that triathlon should be competitive but also enjoyable. I know from personal experience that it's important to get the life/work/social/wife/kids/training balance right. As such, my athlete training programmes factor in family and rest time as well as realistic training volumes. It is not always about the amount of time that is spent training, more often than not, results come from using the time you have available to train effectively, reducing stress and fatigue and adequate recovery.
I competed in Ironman Nice in 2013, The Ultimate Iron Distance in 2014 and Ironman Zurich and Helvellyn Triathlon 2015. I'm now focussing on long distance trail running and enduro Swim Runs.
Contact me for:
Triathlon Training Plans & Full Coaching
Private Coaching in Swim, Bike or Run
Group Swimming Squad Enquiries
Coaching Qualifications
Level 2 British Triathlon Coach
Level 2 Swimming Teacher
Level 2 Open Water Coach
BSc Sports & Exercise Science & Psychology
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification + AED
Former Certified Swim Smooth Coach
Annie Hollest
Swimming, Open Water & Triathlon Coach
Specialist in freestyle technique correction, overcoming phobias, triathlon & open water swimming, exercise prescription & nutrition
I enjoy coaching swimmers and triathletes of all abilities, whether you're a beginner, improver or age grouper. I can help you overcome any fears you may have of swimming, perfect your freestyle technique and optimise your stroke efficiency using my scientific knowledge and experience with all different types of swimmer. I adapt each session to work on what's holding you back individually and have a positive friendly coaching style which gets results. I help you understand what you need to work on and why, using expert video analysis and stroke correction, pictures, succinct explanations and jovial gestures!
While studying Sports and Exercise Science & Psychology at Oxford Brookes University between 2005-2009, I ran the Oxford University adult beginner and improver swimming programme. This is where I first developed the six week Beginner and Improver courses we now offer. I trained as a Triathlon Coach during this time and spent a few years helping Oxford Tri Club where my passion for open water coaching developed.
I spent some time working for Swim Smooth, which included helping to create and deliver national British Triathlon Coach Education; development of the new ASA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coaching qualification; and designing and writing training plans and freestyle technique fault fixers for the Swim Smooth Web App which is now helping thousands of swimmers and coaches improve around the world.
In addition to writing our own blogs with swimming and triathlon tips, you'll find me regularly contributing to the online articles for 220 Triathlon Magazine, including Mistakes Triathletes Make in Swimming Training and Open Water.
If I'm not on a pool deck or lake side I'll probably be wearing my wellies walking the dog, climbing trees with our two boys or training for my next race on my bike or in the pool!
Contact me for:
Swimming Technique Video Analysis & Stroke Correction
Private Pool Coaching
Overcoming water phobias
Training Plans
Group & Private Open Water Sessions
