ChiliTri Athlete Testimonials
As I sit here on Zwift at the beginning of a new year thinking back over the journey I have been on over the last 2 and a bit years I know I wouldn’t be where I am without Karen. Karen very quickly picked up on my rather “non-competitive I’m in this for the fun” attitude and frankly made even the less fun bits bearable. The most useful stat that I’ve started measuring has been HRV. I am definitely someone more geared to the “oh I’m not feeling 100% so best not train today” camp and now I don’t have to rely on how I’m feeling but an actual number. Following Karen’s suggestion I have used HRV for months now and give total responsibility to the fact that following the morning readiness score has meant I’ve neither been injured or ill during this time.
by Clara Nunes, PortugalSandra has had a fabulous year winning a Silver medal at the European Triathlon Championships Olztyn 2022. She then went on to get Bronze at British Championships middle distance triathlon, Outlaw X.
"Couldn’t have done it without you. I’ve had more success than I ever thought possible this first season working with you. Looking forward to what we can achieve together next year".
Sandra Buckton, Team GB AG Athlete & Project Manager
When I first started coaching Marilia her dream was to complete a triathlon and this year she did! She worked really hard on the open water swimming side which was her biggest hurdle and completed the DTS OUDERKERK sprint triathlon in the Netherlands.
She then went on to complete a challenging 100km bike race.
"Thank you for showing the beauty of the endurance journey".
Marilia Campanaro, First Time Triathlete
Faye came 1st in the Thames Challenge 100km Ultra 2021. Karen is an amazing and dedicated coach who ultimately gets results... In the years that we have worked together I have started ultrarunning and won my second ultra race! I've never been in better shape. She listens to exactly what I want to achieve and we build out my plans accordingly, keeping them varied and engaging, and due to the challenges of recent times, we've certainly had to be pretty flexible! I also love that she's super into data and technology so she's always got some new suggestion or gadget to try. I couldn't recommend her highly enough (although my competitive nature feels I should just keep her to myself!) ;)
Faye Morse, Athlete & Marketing Director
Natalie came 1st in her age group at the Lake George, NY Triathlon 2021. "My race was yesterday. It went really well. Here are a couple photos. Thanks so much for your help... even from afar. "
Natalie used a training plan from ChiliTri on TrainingPeaks
Natalie Gentry, US Athlete
I have taken 2 minutes off my 1500m time which is pretty good! thank you. The swim video analysis really worked along side the drills and specific training session skills. I'm very pleased and if I can transfer that to race, in particular Nottingham, I will be really chuffed. Also thank you for introducing me to your physio who has managed get rid of pain I have had for years and can train and race harder.
Neil Heatley, Team GB AG Triathlete
Karen brought me from Zero to Hero on my Ironman journey. I had never completed a triathlon and so had a lot to learn. Karen taught me and trained me with patience and motivation. She gave timely weekly plans that reflected my other commitments and enabled me to have a balance between training and work. Karen was always available for me to speak with and was able to answer questions that I had. She gave advice on nutrition, bike set up and maintenance, to name but a few. I visited Karen's training camp on a number of occasions. The facilities are great, she has an endless swimming pool that I could use as well as lots of strength and conditioning equipment. I would highly recommend Karen, she is very knowledgeable and passionate about training. She made me feel very comfortable and confident that I would achieve my goal.
Lorraine Butler, Athlete & Head Teacher
Having been an endurance athlete for 20 years, I have worked with online services and face to face coaches. To me, Karen has all the best qualities you want/need. Knowledgeable and caring and a willingness to communicate whenever needed via email, website, or social media. Karen is there to answer questions or deal with potential problems.
However, what really sets Karen apart from other coaches is her depth of knowledge. Certified at the highest levels and gifted with the ability to teach you, as an athlete, as you grow. Truly outstanding!
I’ve been working with Karen over the last few months in the build up to the 2018 season. Karen has helped me considerably with my swim stroke through coaching sessions and training plans. I was really struggling with my breathing technique but Karen quickly fixed this and had me swimming competently after just a few sessions. The training plans and nutrition advice that she has provided have considerably improved my performance. The training plans were adjusted to my needs, feedback and goals. I liked the variety of the workouts and the intensity. I’d recommend Karen to triathletes of all levels. I hope to work with her again in the future.
Tom, UK Government, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
I'm a new triathlete, and my experience with Karen and her training facilities over two days were fantastic. Karen was attentive, professional, and gave a good combo of encouragement and tough love. She's positive and funny and I would highly recommend working with her!
Joen, Technologist
Had a very enjoyable 5 day tri training stay at chilli tri. Karen and Sean made me feel very welcome as I was by myself, and put some preferred breakfast items in the fridge having checked what I wanted first. The room was clean and functional with a kitchen and en-suite, and the villa has excellent views and is in a very quiet area. The coaching i received from Karen during the stay was very good, particularly the swimming. She also was flexible to accommodate some changes to my schedule during the stay. The cycling through the mountains had some lovely scenery and nice descents. My only word of warning would be that Competa and the surrounding area is very hilly/steep so be prepared for that whenever going from the villa to walk, run or bike : which was good for me on a training camp! A lovely camp overall.
Phil Andrews, Finance Director
I have just finished a six week swimming course with Karen, I can highly recommended her. She helped enormously with my swimming techniques or lack of I should say. I feel now that with all of the things that she has taught me I can put in place and improve as a swimmer. I have even discussed going back to do more classes to help with both my husbands swimming and my own Thank You!
Sabrina, Business Owner
I've done 3 training camps at ChiliTri now, and highly recommend it. Bespoke training packages, great swim/bike/run locations, and excellent accommodation. The advice on the other aspects of training; nutrition and fuelling, transitions, strength training, is also invaluable. Coming here has more than enhanced my training, it has completely changed the approach and technique, and the results I'm getting are proving its effectiveness!
Rosemary Young, Project Manager
Our family visited Chili BnB for a mixture of warm weather training and fun family holiday. The town of Competa is built on a steep hillside, giving it real character, and Chili BnB has a commanding position above it in a villa filled with character. Sean and Karen made our visit effortless with a healthy, nutritious breakfast each day and offers of transportation and supported bike rides to the coast. My wife and I were able to borrow bikes for the duration of the visit which made our logistics easy. Our 11 year old daughter loved the endless pool that doubled up as an opportunity for a cooling dip or to enable technical stroke analysis by Karen, a qualified British Triathlon coach. We joined in an excellent Chili Leisure circuits session and also a spin class. The rooms were excellent quality and the inclusion of chilled drinks in a fridge is a welcome touch. My wife loved running on the local trails and I found the smooth roads amazing for bike riding. We'll be back.....
Mike, Triathlon Organiser
Karen runs challenging and fun training sessions that stretch me but keep within my capabilities. She makes sure that my technique is spot on to avoid injury and makes some great suggestions on other things I can do outside her sessions. Always a few laughs whenever I go with a really friendly group of people.
Suzanne Birch, Project Manager
"I am really enjoying the [Final Surge] plan. I have two kids under 2 years old, so its been a chess game to get the work outs in when I can, but I do enjoy the structure and the added strength/mobility work".
Garrett Daniel
"I finished my first ever Ironman distance triathlon, at the Ironman world championships in St George (got lucky as I had registered before it was the WC race) and I wanted to thank you for your [Final Surge] plan that I closely followed. It particularly helped me improve my swim quite a bit".
Kiran Shivaram
Grab a copy of our FREE Best Swim Workouts for Open Water Book
Get it here.