For UK Coaching Week 2024, we spoke to coach and tutor Rhian Roxburgh about her coaching journey including some top tips about triathlon.

Rhian is co-founder of GOG Triathlon Club, alongside her husband, and also tutors British Triathlon’s Triathlon Leader course.

Rhian's interest in triathlon began long before her immersion into the sport. After a year of discussing it with friends, she had a wake-up call when one of them asked her how the triathlon was going. Realizing it was time to turn talk into action, she promptly signed up for her first triathlon that very day.

With little preparation, Rhian borrowed her friend’s bike (old school, gears on the top tube), she swam in her swim suit with no bra and attempted to put clothes on after the swim (including cycling gloves). She then spent the entire run holding onto her chest.

Over the next two decades, Rhian immersed herself in triathlon, fuelled by a passion for learning and improvement. Initially being coached herself, she quickly became intrigued by the intricacies of training and coaching. She pursued certifications, including British Triathlon level 1 and 2, and began coaching at her local club. After starting a family, her local club petered out leaving Rhian and her husband to take matters into their own hands.

Together, they founded GOG Triathlon club, organising regular training sessions that attracted a thriving community of over 200 members. Rhian’s thirst for knowledge continued and she completed many other qualifications including open water swimming coach, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and British Triathlon’s level 3 course. This was alongside teaching full time.

In 2018, fuelled by her dedication and supported by her loved ones, Rhian made the bold decision to transition from teaching to full-time coaching, founding her own venture, TriRox Training. The leap of faith paid off, and Rhian found fulfilment in guiding aspiring triathletes toward their goals.

Her journey took another exciting turn when she seized the opportunity to become a tutor, a role she had long aspired to. Grateful for the chance to empower others in their journey, Rhian eagerly embraced her role, relishing the chance to mentor and inspire the next generation of triathlon leaders.

 

What is your favourite thing about tutoring the Triathlon Leader course? And tutoring other aspiring coaches? 

Rhian expresses that she enjoys knowing that the participants are learning something new and manageable for them.

“Also knowing that this is the start of their journey and they are going to get many hours of pleasure from being a leader, or moving onto becoming a coach.”

“I also love the enthusiasm from most of the people on the course, a lot of them seem to be genuinely keen to bring triathlon to their area or to their club and are fully committed to getting others involved in triathlon.”

 

How do you feel that being a Triathlon Leader tutor has developed your own skills as a coach? 

Rhian believes that the course has improved her due diligence when it comes to every aspect of triathlon and in particular, Health and Safety. She says:

“Obviously, as a coach writing a Risk Assessment and Emergency Action Plan becomes second nature, but when you are sending others out to lead a session and be responsible for others, I feel a greater sense of responsibility to have every aspect covered.”

She says she thinks more deeply about the ‘what ifs’ and it shames her to say that she realises that the box ticking has purpose.

“Tutoring many different people from all walks of life, all in one room makes me think about how to approach them, how different people learn, supporting those with additional learning needs (this is something I did as a teacher, but it is very different as an adult - they understand their learning needs and know exactly what support they would like) so for me, it is realising how important communication, empathy and leadership is and wanting the participants to feel that I am approachable and that I truly care about the course, delivering it the best I can and that is the best for them too.”

 

What are some common challenges that new coaches face, and how do you address them during your tutoring?

Rhian explains that one thing stopping quite a few people from completing coaching courses is the paperwork involved, getting the DBS or the safeguarding course completed. This is often due to it being seen as daunting. She often finds herself guiding people to a course and explaining how easy the DBS is to carry out.

Another common challenge that Rhian notes is the ‘what ifs’ and participants having the confidence to be able to deal with something that crops up in the session, and knowing what to do in the situation.

“We go through different scenarios, in the 3 disciplines of the sport and usually that will reinforce that a lot of it is common sense, remaining calm in any situation - the more scenarios we go through, the easier it becomes and the more confident the participants get.”

 

What have been some of your proudest coaching moments?

Rhian explains that she coaches a different group of beginners each year, many of whom have never been on a bike or can’t swim more than a length. She takes them through a 12 week course to a triathlon.

“My proudest moments are when they cross that line.  The emotion they show and happiness that they have achieved what they thought was impossible is magical!”

 

What would you say to anyone else thinking about getting involved in coaching?

“It is such a great job! Be it voluntary or a full time job, I love it!”

“Being able to help someone improve - even just a little bit, sticks with them and that sticks with you!  It is a rewarding job.”

“Find your people - decide who you want to coach, beginners? Advanced athletes? females? children?  and just go for it!  You won't regret it!”

Rhian ends with the message: “Continue to be open and keep learning!”