Our Coaches.
We offer a highly personalised coaching plan for athletes at all levels, from beginners to elites. We are determined to help our clients reach their athletic goals through a balanced and sustainable training plan, while also achieving the highest level of performance in every aspect of life.
A decade plus of coaching experience means we’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to!
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Tim Reed
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Clint Rowlings
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Liz Blatchford
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![Joe Gambles]()
Joe Gambles
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Sam Appleton
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![Jen Mulligan Triathlon Coach]()
Jen Mulligan
Tim Reed.
PERSONALISED COACHING.
While studying to become PDHPE teacher Tim became fascinated by exercise physiology and endurance sports. Tim decided early on he was more interested in endurance sports coaching than becoming a teacher and so knuckled down on learning as much as he could about training for endurance sports while casually dipping his toe into triathlon to gain a very thorough understanding of what an athlete experiences as there is a limit to what a coach can learn from a text book.
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This toe dipping transformed into a total belly flop immersion as Tim worked his way through the age group ranks and then turned professional at the relatively late age of 25. From there, Tim established himself as one of the more consistent performers on the world long course triathlon circuit collecting over 90 professional podium finishes, an Ironman Australia victory and multiple Australian and Asia Pacific titles. The highlight of his professional career collecting a World Championship title at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2016. Unlike many pros who start coaching as their career earnings drop and they search for alternative revenue, Coaching has always been a part of Tim’s day to day life because he genuinely gets immense joy out of helping others achieve their athletic goals and through the continual pursuit of perpetual learning. Tim has learnt not just through the many athletes he’s coached and the success he’s achieved as an athlete but also from the many mistakes he’s made along the way. We’ve made most of the mistakes so you don’t have to!
QUALIFICATIONS IN BRIEF:
Over 90 Professsional Podium Finishes
20+ IM 70.3 Distance Victories, Ironman Champion, 2 x Ironman Asia Pacific Champion, 3 x Australian Champion, 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Champion
15+ Years Coaching Experience
Has coached multiple athletes from rookie right through to Ironman and Ironman 70.3 age group and professional victories and podiums.
Multiple years experience before turning pro as an age-group athlete balancing work with training.
3 kids and a working wife. A strong understanding of balancing training and recovery with life.
BPDHPE, BEd
CLINT ROWLINGS.
PERSONALISED COACHING.
Having spent his childhood being dragged to every triathlon event on the east coast of Australia watching his dad compete, the triathlon and endurance sport lifestyle was almost a forgone destiny. The spectating soon progressed to competing in kids events and dabbling in endurance sport throughout his teens.
Races became a weekly occurrence. Late nights were replaced with early mornings and soon enough the hobby became a lifestyle.
Clint has competed in 70.3 and Ironman events throughout Asia, Oceania and North America.
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Being exposed to the sport from an early age has helped build a broad depth of knowledge in endurance sports and exercise physiology.
After completing the Triathlon Australia coaching course in 2015 and Later on the USAT core coaching course Clint has worked with athletes with superb success at helping them reach their goals.
Guided by the RPG coaching philosophy, Clint’s aim is to build a well rounded athletes who achieve their realistic training goals but not at the expense of the other pursuits or relationships with loved ones.
RESULTS ALONG THE WAY INCLUDE:
Ironman Australia age group champion
Ironman 70.3 top 10 overall placings
Representing Australia at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 2018 and 2019.
LIZ BLATCHFORD.
Personalised coaching.
Liz has the longest history in the sport of all the RPG coaches having been involved in triathlons since the age of 13.
Liz’s eighteen year professional career included twelve years on the ITU / World Triathlon circuit achieving multiple World Cup victories and podiums. During her short course career, Liz represented both Australia and Great Britain in the Commonwealth Games and in over 10 elite World Championships.
For the final six years of Liz’s racing career Liz switched to long course racing with just as much success quickly establishing herself as one of the best in the world.
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Liz won on debut at both the 70.3 and Ironman distance, and went on to finish 3rd in Kona in her rookie year. Liz accumulated numerous Ironman and 70.3 wins and podiums from 2012-2018 with the highlights being three times back to back Ironman Cairns titles and two podiums in Kona (2013, 2015).
Importantly, from a coaching perspective Liz also has an understanding of balancing racing with other demands competing as a professional and a mum achieving an incredible 2 Ironman titles while while balancing the intense demands of motherhood.
Liz began coaching in 2014 and post retirement gets the satisfaction she use to get from racing through helping her athletes achieve their goals (and beyond). Liz takes particular pride in helping women to work with their cycle and subsequent womanly superpowers to get the very best out of themselves in training and on race day.
RACING CAREER & COACHING HIGHLIGHTS:
18 year professional career.
Multiple World Cup Victories and Podiums
Commonwealth Games Representative
4 x Ironman Champion, 2 of which as a Mum.
2 x Ironman World Championship Podiums.
10 Years + Coaching Experience
Experience coaching athletes of all levels from rookies to guiding athletes to AG and professional podiums and victories.
BSc, GradDipEd (PDHPE/Sc)
2 kids and a working husband giving a strong understanding of training and life balance
joe gambles.
PERSONALISED COACHING.
Joe has been involved in endurance sports for as long as he can remember. At the age of 5, he took part in his first cross country race and continued to run throughout his teenage years-and he is still running at 41! He excelled at many sports but, at the age of 12, took part in his first triathlon and instantly became hooked although he often remarked about how much easier life would be if he only had to do one sport!
Joe worked hard and did well, rising through the ranks of the Triathlon Australia junior system. He was soon lucky enough to have the opportunity to race against his idols which was a great motivation for him. His first elite race was at the Oceania Championships when he was only 16. He continued to race domestically in Australia while completing his business degree before heading to Europe to race for French, German, and Danish teams.
Upon returning to Australia, he turned his attention to long course racing where he found his niche and quickly proved himself against the very best.
In 2008, he moved to Boulder, Colorado to focus on his racing and he quickly became a highly competitive professional with countless wins and podium finishes.
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In 2021, after over 20 years in the sport, Joe retired from racing and is now a triathlon/strength and conditioning coach and regular commentator for Ironman. He is a family man and a lifelong vegetarian turned vegan, being one of the few 100% plant based professional endurance athletes around. He has achieved more than he ever imagined through patience, dedication, and meticulous hard work. Joe brought humor and integrity to every start line, making him a respected pro and a great coach.
“Joe is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with. He is so thorough in covering every little detail regarding training, recovery, strength work, and mindset day to day, but also over the course of a season and beyond. He has an extremely deep understanding of the human body and movement and how to get the most out of it- as well as how to keep strong and healthy. As an athlete himself, Joe can relate to his athletes and seems to always sense ahead of time what is needed- extra recovery, a day on the couch, or a little motivation to go after a big session. Whatever your goals, I cannot recommend Joe’s help and guidance enough.”
Heather Jackson - 6 x Iroman Champion, 16 x Ironman 70.3 Champion
RESULTS & Qualifications:
20+ years racing as a professional Triathlete
15 years experience in coaching at all levels and abilities
Current Wahoo Sports Science coach
Level 3 USA cycling accredited coach
National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified (NASM) - Personal Trainer
Bronze Medal Ironman 70.3 World Championships (2013)
5x Ironman 70.3 Boulder Champion (2011,12,13,14,16)
Bronze Medal ITU Long Distance World Championships (2017)
Silver Medal ITU Long Distance World Championships (2011)
Ironman Wisconsin Champion (2010)
Gold Medal ITU Long Distance European Championships (2008)
sam appleton.
personalised coaching.
Sam Appleton, is a distinguished Australian triathlete and coach, whose passion for endurance sports and commitment to excellence have fueled his remarkable journey in the world of triathlon. With a wealth of experience as a professional athlete, Sam has seamlessly combined racing and coaching, imparting his extensive knowledge to athletes seeking to elevate their performance and achieve their triathlon goals.
As a triathlete, Sam Appleton has left an indelible mark on the sport, with numerous Ironman 70.3 victories and multiple top 10 finishes in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, highlighted with a career best of 4th place in 2017. His results showcase a relentless pursuit of excellence, characterised by a combination of technical prowess, strategic intelligence, and an unwavering work ethic.
Sam's coaching philosophy is rooted in his personal experiences and the principles that have guided his own success in the triathlon arena. His coaching approach goes beyond the conventional, emphasizing a holistic view of training that encompasses not only the physical aspects but also mental resilience and strategic planning.
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With a commitment to individualized coaching, Sam tailors his programs to the unique needs and aspirations of each athlete. Drawing from his own triumphs and challenges, he provides valuable insights into optimizing training regimens, refining race strategies, and cultivating the mental fortitude required to excel in the demanding world of triathlon.
Sam's coaching style is characterized by a balance of encouragement and constructive feedback, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for his athletes. His dedication to their success is evident in the personalized attention and mentorship he provides, aiming not only to enhance their athletic performance but also to nurture a lifelong love for the sport.
As an accomplished triathlete and coach, Sam Appleton's expertise extends beyond the technicalities of swimming, cycling, and running. He understands the intricate interplay of these disciplines and brings a comprehensive perspective to coaching, ensuring that athletes under his guidance receive a well-rounded and effective training experience.
RACING CAREER & COACHING HIGHLIGHTS:
17 x Ironman 70.3 Winner
Multiple top 5 finishes at Ironman 70.3 World Championships
15 years racing professionally in triathlon
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of triathlon training and physiological responses.
Young family and working wife, giving experience and understanding of balancing training and other life stress contributors
JEN MULLIGAN.
personalised coaching.
Jen is a true wise veteran in the sport with over 16 Iron distance events, countless IM 70.3 races achieving many Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifications and completions.
Jen is a nerd in the best sense of the word in both her highly respected physiotherapy work and her perpetual curiosity in both the technical and physiological components of improving swimming, cycling and running.
Jen is also a qualified Masters Swimming Coach and has worked with both swimmers and triathletes from beginners to highly experienced elite age group athletes.
As important as the qualifications and experience is her immense passion for helping athletes achieve their training and racing goals while ensuring their health and the other areas of their life are not impacted detrimentally.
RESULTS & Qualifications:
AusTri Development Coach
Masters Swimming Australia qualified Club Coach
B.Sc. (Physiology), B.Physio.
Ironman AG wins x 3
Ironman and 70.3 podiums x 11
Best result: IMNZ 2024 overall 3rd AG female, AG win
Multiple long course, standard and sprint distance podiums in Elite/Open category