Here's what athletes have to say about Coach John Newsom

I first met John when I was still living in Hong Kong back in 1999. He was coaching and training at the National Sports Institute as their guest coach. Recognising that John was the best athlete around I invited him to live at my place. Back then he paid his share of the rent by teaching me how to ride a bicycle and sharing his coaching knowledge. His support and patience were instrumental in my early (and fast) development as a triathlete. I also observed what it was like to be an international class athlete. Since then I have done plenty more training with John around the world and he was a key consideration for my decision to relocate to Christchurch, New Zealand where I have spent the last five Southern Summers.

John is a softly spoken guy but he knows his stuff. He has raced at the top level in every triathlon distance and has transformed himself into a top coach. John dedicates himself to his athletes and his excellent work ethic means the athletes receive top quality, timely service. If you want to achieve your absolute best in our sport then you will be in good hands with John Newsom

Gordo Byrn 8:29 IMer, Ultraman Champ and Coach

Emily Miazga 2008 Coast to Coast Champion

"John Newsom started coaching me in August '07 to prepare me specifically for C2C '08. Before we began working together we made a specific agreement from the outset that established my race goals, training guidelines and what we both expected of each other. Together we identified my strengths and weaknesses, and John tailored my program to these, as well as to fit my work schedule. The difference between other coaches I've had, and what John gave me is very noteworthy. In my build up, John addressed all aspects of training: physical, mental, emotional and logistical.
Specifically John's training log was an excellent tool to keep me on track, honest and motivated with my workouts. The actual layout of his program was specific and very scientific, but not confusing or overwhelming like other programs I've seen that require a PhD to decipher! Also John possesses a coaching style with experience and modesty beyond his years that personifies a perfect balance between science and technology (i.e.) HR monitor, periodization methods) and disciplined training with flexibility and adaptability to "real life" challenges such as work stresses, time management, and relationships. In my build up to C2C, I was far from the perfect, disciplined athlete; I had my share of bumps along the way! But because of John's approach, he got me through the hard times, provided the guidance I needed to arrive at the race line with 100% confidence in my ability. I was relaxed, not nervous, but rather excited! During my actual race, I never once thought "why I am doing this?" nor did I ever question my ability to win even when I was down by over 12 minutes! I truly enjoyed the whole process and had fun along the way and my victory was about as sweet as they come!

"Nothing is insurmountable", "minimize the losses" and "no matter what you do, never give up."

Thanks John!!!"

Todd Johnson (Age Group athelte USA)

I began training for my first sprint triathlon in 2004 and progressed up through the distances to half Ironman in 2006. When I made the decision to race my first Ironman in 2007, I knew I'd need quality guidance to help me prepare for the race. I spoke with several coaches, but in the end, the decision was very easy. John's in-depth knowledge of what it takes to prepare athletes to succeed in triathlon comes through in an easy going straight forward personality. From crafting daily training sessions to developing a race plan; analyzing lactate results to setting training zones; answering questions via email and phone conversations, John covers all the points.
I had a great race with John's help and look forward to working with John in the future.

Todd Johnson
USA

Paddy Johnson (Age Group Half Ironman Athlete UK)

There are many coaches out there that seem to be offering the same service but that is only how it first appears; they are all different. I originally chose John because he placed most emphasis on getting to know me first and then built a realistic training program around my other commitments. I continue to use John because it works and, most importantly, I believe I get his piece of mind. At the 2007 Weymouth HIM I did 4:33 setting a 13 minute PB (over 65 minutes faster than the first time I did this event).

Steve Hatton (Age Group Ironman - USA)

Working with John this past year has been terrific. I've gone the self coached route and used other coaches as well. John's attention to detail and race specific work plan gave me the personalized training I needed. I got a lot more out of John than a training plan and the results speak for themselves. By training for my race and executing a plan that implemented that training, I went from 10th to 2nd in my division at the Napa Valley Half Ironman by cutting a full half hour off my run split. With John, not only did I get a highly personalized training plan, I got "taught" how to listen to my body and how to use that information to race well.

• John is an attentive listener; he has always listened to me and given meaningful, regular feedback during my training. He is very personable and approachable.
• John responds to my emails and phone calls promptly and always makes me feel like I am valued.
• John has taken the time to get to know me as a person/athlete (what motivates me, my goals and my approach/attitude to training). This knowledge has ensured that the program he provides is interesting, focussed, balanced and appropriately challenging.
• John is a top level athlete himself and I think this gives him a high degree of credibility. He knows what works and what doesn't. As an athlete he can relate to the highs and lows of training and as a Coach he is able to motivate, guide and offer practical solutions.
• The individualised training I have received from John is clear, easy to follow and the details of each session ensure that every time I run or bike, I know exactly how to approach the session in order to achieve the maximum benefit.
• When planning my program John takes into account the other commitments I have. This removes much of the stress of trying to juggle training with work and family, and ensures I am fitting in all the key sessions I need to in a week.
• One of the most significant advantages of having John as my Coach is that he does the time consuming and highly skilled job of periodising my training over the season and breaking it into training blocks, individual weeks and daily sessions. This frees me up to concentrate on actually doing my training - a big, big plus!
  
  
  As an athlete it is natural (and smart) to use quality equipment and this is usually achieved with some significant financial investment. I buy running shoes best suited to my individual running style and needs. The bike I ride is set up specifically for my personal physical dimensions. The wheels I race with were purchased to enhance my riding/racing style.
  
  However I believe the single smartest investment I have made towards fulfilling my goals as a duathlete has been to have John as my Coach".