On Sunday I shared with my friends on facebook a little reflection on some personal achievements which I rarely do and explained that I really find those who I work with far more inspiring people….
There have been so many success stories recently of those who I am lucky enough to coach, who have been putting in a lot of consistent work over the last few years, months and weeks.
I wont mention them all in this post but just a few from this weekend alone.
Kay….Plymouth Half Marathon (4 mins quicker than last year and 2nd in age group)
Penny…. Plymouth Half Marathon (PB)
Matt – winner of the Open shearing at Devon County yesterday.
Then I want to mention Simon….. (here is a video I shot of him finishing his race)
Simon I met back when I was playing rugby at the Cornish All Blacks some 10 years or more ago. I will never forget when I asked him what his role was at the club and he turned round and said to me “nothing specific, I am just a do-er”…..l remember thinking “top bloke”…..little did I know that he was a very successful MD at a huge company amongst much more.
Today he took on his first ever (almost) half ironman distance event, but if we go back to before Christmas 2017 (September), Simon approached me about helping him prepare for Ironman Barcelona in October 2018. A massive challenge to take on and one that has needed huge amount of dedication, planning and effort. Simon has a very stressful job, does lots of driving and has lost over 1.5 stone since we started working together, so he hasn’t had it easy!
So today was very much part of preparation plans to make Simon’s journey memorable and progressive. To be honest if he had finished today I would have been pleased, but he did so in fine style and in a very respectable time of 5 hours 29 mins. I was so chuffed and proud to be there with him this weekend to witness him finish and execute the plan so well!
Why Simon Was Successful Today:
1. Simon is VERY COACHABLE – does what is required, uses his initiative and asks lots of questions. He doesn’t do more than is asked and also knows that sometimes less is more when he gets home really late, so doesn’t try to squeeze in a session we had planned….he knows that sleep and recovery are huge parts of his plan.
2. Simon is eating very well most of the time – Using a 90:10 rule Simon knows that he needs to nourish his body with a balanced diet that focuses on health and performance. He has the odd thing (the 10 bit, normally when he goes to watch rugby with his mates) that is off the radar but we know that in the long run it will be useful in keeping this whole thing fun! Nutrition is such a huge part of success and following solid principles, underpinned with science and with real life is important for Simon, so we make it work.
3. Simon followed the plan – we had discussed strategies for each element of the triathlon, what to do in the swim, what not to do on the bike (smash it too hard) and how to run so that his biomechanics and pace stayed consistent. Low and behold…..it worked because he did it 
?
4. Simon doesn’t view his sessions as “tick box” activities….he focuses on the aims of the session and tries hard to work on technique pointers he has been given. Simon knows that to improve performance, this is not a smash fest for his body, its about specific, targeted sessions that all vary in intensity and allow for adaptation and progress…..which is EXACTLY what we are seeing thus far!
Many more but I am sure you get the idea…..Simon is being coached and is engaging in the process with great rewards.
Super proud mate and thanks for giving me the opportunity to help you.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Matt
Matt
Owner of Matt Luxton Health and Fitness
Voted Cornwall’s Best Fitness Instructor 2016
Voted The UK’s Most Innovative Fitness Entrepreneur 2012
International Best Selling Author of The Fad Free Fitness Formula
Author of The Hot to Trot Cook Book and The Equestrian Athlete Plan
Email: Info@fa-fitness.co.uk / Phone: 07841 136302
