Ciarán Murphy
Winner at Visit Nenagh Classic - A1 Athlete
‘David Brennan brought me to a level of fitness and strength I did not know was possible, and gave me the belief that I could win’
My victory at the 2016 Visit Nenagh Classic was a result for my coach, David Brennan, as much as it was for myself. David brought me to a level of fitness and strength I did not know was possible and he gave me the belief that I could win regardless of the race.
Just a year ago I got dropped in the A3 race and I actually pulled up for a while, before finishing with a few more dropped riders just for the training. That is an example of how far I have come.
There were a lot of wet, cold and windy miles in the meantime, along with prescribed turbo intervals and gym sessions. Confidence building was also a big part of David’s approach and the combination of these were the defining factors in getting me ready for the 2016 season.
After a good winter’s training I wanted to go to Nenagh again to see how I could hold out against some of the best Junior and A3 riders over a tough, 110k course. This was to be my first big test of the year and I had both the confidence and strength to aim for a result.
With the training and confidence that David had given me, I was able to hover and hold my position around the front of the bunch while staying relaxed and calm. I was in a better position at the foot of all of the climbs and, while I wasn’t able to match some of the Juniors peddle-stroke for peddle-stroke on the ascents, I was always close enough to catch them on the descents without burning excess energy.
Being strong and calm I was able to read the race better and I didn’t waste energy fruitlessly chasing breaks. I worked in a chasing group until the race came together and, in the last 10km, I felt I could win it. I had two teammates and I asked them to string the group if they could in the last kilometre as I was going to win the gallop!
I delivered in style. Thanks David and A1 Coaching.
Ciarán Murphy – Winner at Visit Nenagh Classic
Richard Murphy
Ironman Podium - A1 Athlete
“It’s fair to say that these results have exceeded my expectations in less than two years. Thank you Alan, and A1 Coaching”
In less than two years I went from being a triathlon beginner to an Age-Group podium in an Ironman 70.3 race, and qualification for the World Championships.
Alan Ryan of A1 Coaching had a big role to play in this. He is practical, approachable, and has a great depth of knowledge and experience from which to draw.
He paid particular attention to my circumstances and helped identify the most practical and effective use of the limited time available. From this, he put together a training programme that would fit with my busy schedule of long commutes and a young family. All I needed to do was get out the door when I said I would, and do the hard work.
In the 2015 season I haven’t finished outside top-10 in any Irish Tri race and have been on the podium three times. Along the way I’ve knocked 2:20 off my 10-mile TT and 1:50 from my 10-k TT.
It’s fair to say that these results have exceeded my expectations in less than two years. Thank you Alan, and A1 Coaching.
Richard Murphy – from Beginner to Ironman Podium in Two Years
Ken Tobin
Man of the Rás - A1 Athlete
“Now I know that with high-quality, structured training as provided by A1, you can be nearly 40 and finish the Rás comfortably in 10 to 12 hour of training per week”
I decided that I wanted to ride the Rás at least once in my life when I came back to cycling in 2013 after 18 years off the bike. However, apart from the long break, my fortieth birthday was approaching fast, I was married with children, and had a job that limited my training time.
The reaction from some was as expected: “The Rás … yeah …. sure sign of a mid-life crisis … why not take up golf and take things easy”.
A1 Coaching saw it differently, and especially my coach, Aaron Buggle. He kept me deeply focused since September 2014 and kept encouraging me. He helped me to improve to my abilities but never pushed me to train too hard. The training wasn’t just about the physical side but also the mental side of training – how to deal with the peaks and troughs of a hard four-week block of training and explaining how my body would react, and my mind too.
Aaron is 15 or 16 years my junior yet, in years of knowledge he is literally aeons ahead of himself. I’m glad I met him: it was a pleasure to know him as he’s a true gent in every respect …and still a beast on his bike without even trying.
Now I know that with high-quality, structured training as provided by A1, you can be nearly 40 and finish the Rás comfortably in 10 to 12 hour of training per week, even with a bad crash or two thrown in!
My dream is realised now and I have those precious Rás memories – epic stages in the West of Ireland; huge line-outs; three laps of Skerries; and my kids being there to see me collect that coveted FINISHERS medal – something deeply and forever engraved in my memory.
Thank you Aaron and A1 Coaching.
Now, here’s to starting training again in September…albeit not as intense as last year.
And the Mondello gallops… Yes please!
Ken Tobin – Club and Rás Rider
