Success stories
Here is some feedback from a few people I have helped achieve a goal recently, but don't think it is just about aiming for a big sporting achievement. Even if you are just looking to get back into shape after some time out, simply give me a call and we can get started!
"I started running about 5 years ago but have only been running regularly since 2007. Since then my times have gradually improved as my training has got better but when I decided to run my second marathon this year I started training with Paul, in the hope that I might get a "Good for Age" time (sub 3.45).
Although I've been following some kind of training programme for a while now it made such a massive difference having a well constructed, professional programme through from Paul every week. There was never any temptation to "just do an easy 3 miler" or skip sessions as every week I had to send Paul feedback and early in the four month training programme I could already see the results - having spent all of 2008 trying to break 20 minutes for 5k, I ran 19.47 after only one month training with Paul! I have also set significant new PBs for 10k and half marathon.
In the week leading up to the marathon I had a confidence crisis and my legs refused to work on my final run. Convinced my hopes of running the marathon were over, I emailed Paul in a panic. He calmed me down, told me to relax and stop worrying - the training was all in my legs. So I turned up on the start line a few days later, and ran the marathon in 3.38 - 7 minutes faster than my goal and 15 minutes faster than my previous PB!
The next goal is a sub 3.30 marathon, and I have total faith that Paul can help me achieve that too!"
GEORGIE STARKIE
- Target: Marathon
"Unfortunately my mum died of cancer last November. During her illness she was provided with a lot of care and support by Dorothy House Hospice Care. They are a registered charity which offers physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to patients and their families facing life threatening illness, death or bereavement.
Dorothy House is an amazing cause and to thank them for the amazing support my family received at a very tragic and difficult time a group of us (Matthew Price, Charlotte Sandy, Caroline Rea, Emily Lewis and me) decided to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 18th October.
Paul was a fantastic support providing me with weekly training programmes. Thanks to Paul I not only managed to run the whole race but I actually felt fit enough to enjoy it too!
We all managed to complete the Half Marathon and most importantly we raised a total of £2,700 (including gift aid) for Dorothy House."
www.dorothyhouse.co.uk
LOUISE PRICE
- Target: Half marathon
"I am a keen athlete and have been competing in triathlon, running and cycling for several year's. I had reached a plateau and wanted to go that extra bit faster! This is when I discovered Paul Ryman Fitness. My primary goal was to complete an Ironman - Paul compiled a complete training schedule which he e-mailed to me on a weekly basis.
My personal plan also catered for several training races - which to my surprise beat a few personal best's along the way! After training with Paul's own experiences with Ironman racing I was delighted to achieve my goal with a very respectable result. Paul was always on hand for advice and support especially with my weakness - Swimming. I found the 1-to-1 swim coaching extremely useful.
I am already planning my next challenge and will be calling upon Paul's services once again."
KEITH PENNY
- Target: Iron Man France -
Feb 2009
"Thanks to Paul's exceptional encouragement and charming personality I have lost nearly 2 stone in the last 5 months. Each week I receive a thoughtfully constructed work-out schedule for that week which Paul has produced himself. It not only fits comfortably into my lifestyle, but is also fun and varied! With the weekly weigh in, monthly one to ones, and nutritional guidance, Paul's expertise and determination for his clients to succeed is second to none!"
HELEN JOHNSON - Target: Bristol Half Marathon -
May 2009
"After being entered into Bath triathlon by some friends as a 'comedy' Christmas present, I turned to Paul for some help in ensuring I didn't embarrass myself on the day. Paul put together a 4 month training plan to improve my swimming, biking and running. He found me some smaller races such as Bradford-On-Avon Tri (which he did with me) to help prepare for the main race. With all his help I ended up a respectable 40th on the day after starting the year with no previous race experience or CV fitness. He will work you hard and you WILL achieve what you set out to do, what ever it may be!"
SCOTT MARTIN - Target: Bath Triathlon -
July 2009
"Before I started training with Paul I was getting all my information from books and magazines. This was ok, but everything was guesswork - I wasn't sure if what I was doing was right. Paul scrutinised my training diaries, assessed my swimming from the pool side and provided me with weekly plans tailored specifically for me - he even took into account the hilly terrain in the local area! He is always available and quickly responds to any questions or feedback I have about all areas of my training.
I've really enjoyed my training and, although I've had to work hard, I've felt fully supported throughout and the results speak for themselves. My times have improved dramatically (only two of my 11 eleven races this year fell short of personal bests) and I finished my first Olympic Triathlon 22 minutes faster than I'd hoped to!
"
JAMES UINGS - Target: -
June 2009
"After 20 years of laziness and gluttony I decided enough was enough and in November 2008 set myself the personal target of running the London Marathon 2009 for charity. I very quickly realised I needed professional help and called in Paul Ryman.
One of my biggest hurdles (and excuses) for not exercising was my job as I work long hours and travel a lot but Paul has been incredibly flexible around his diary and each week we have managed to fit in a session to check progress while I independently work through a personal schedule designed to incrementally build up strength and stamina.
Paul quickly worked out how I ticked and how to get the best from me - each week he would apply a bit of stick, (often in the form of a weigh-in) and a lot of carrot in the form of regular praise and the opportunity to punch him during a boxing session. During the six months my opinion of Paul alternated from personal torturer to miracle worker, but through his continued good humour and confidence somehow he managed to make even the most painful sessions fun (kind of!)
Still cannot quite believe it but thanks to Paul I managed to complete the London Marathon 2009 in 4hrs 38 and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. During the training process my husband was so impressed with my progress that he also signed up to the Ryman fitness school and between us we are now aiming at various Triathlons and marathons. One target we both share is trying to get Paul to break a sweat - not sure that will ever happen!"
KATHRYN AUSTIN - Target: LONDON MARATHON -
Aug 2009
"From watching my wife get fitter by the week, I really had no choice so in Feb 09 decided to enter the London Triathlon - Olympic distance (1..5k swim 40k cycle and 10k run), a big challenge for me.
Paul always went the extra mile quite literally whether it was running, cycling or swimming which was a bit unfortunate because I had to too. 6am starts or open water swims were regular fixtures in the training scheme, but incredibly Paul actually made them bearable and as I got fitter nearly fun. I really felt better after each session and started getting comments from friends and colleagues about looking fitter both of which helped the motivation.
Paul competes at the highest level in triathlon so has a huge amount of technical knowledge and experience so he knows what you are going through. His tips ranged from latest hydration and nutrition advice (not swallowing too much of the London Dock water!) to practical advice about the race. I was really well prepared for it.
I completed my Tri in my target time which I am happy with - however I know I can do better so I am re-evaluating my goals with Paul and deciding on the next challenge. Watch this space."
PETE AUSTIN - Target: LONDON TRIATHLON -
Aug 2009
