UK Coaching Week 2024 | Jamie Collins

To celebrate #UKCoachingWeek we are speaking to some of the great coaches from around the country who inspire us every day.

Jamie Collins, 44, is Head Coach at Three Peaks Triathletes, based in Inverurie. He manages and coaches the club’s twice-weekly TriStars training sessions, as well as supporting the adult weekly swim session and other ad hoc sessions.

How did you get into triathlon?

I took up triathlon about 12 years ago, having played rugby for 20 years. I was looking for a sport that I could continue to be competitive in at the various age groups.

It all started when I got a new bike and a work colleague suggested I gave a local triathlon race a go, which I really enjoyed. I also like the multisport aspect, as it makes training much more variable and fun!

Why did you decide to take the step into coaching?

I was keen to see if I could learn more about how to improve my own training and thought it might help. Also, we are a small club and I wanted to support it more.

As my own kids got older and were keen to get involved, progressing to coaching and running the TriStars group seemed like a natural progression.

You are the Head Coach at your club – what does that involve?

My main role is to coordinate the coaching session plans for the season between the available coaches. For the TriStars, this includes ensuring our planned sessions progress along with the TriStars as they get older, fitter, and stronger.

I also try to ensure it’s fun for them and I ensure we build in fun, competitive training races for them.

What do you enjoy most about the coaching you do?

For me, it’s seeing our members enjoying training and having fun. Many don’t race, but we do try to encourage it by focusing on key local events and getting as many of the adults and TriStars group out racing.

We’ve had a number of fun club days out at races and seeing our members progressing from nervous swimmers and cyclists to confident racers is great to see.

Do you have any future ambitions for your coaching journey?

To be honest, much of my coaching has been focused around getting my own children active and racing. I think as they get older, seeing what sport they decide to focus on will probably dictate what I do next.

I’m more involved in mountain-biking and cross triathlons, so hopefully I will get more involved in coaching it!

Why should others consider becoming a coach?

It’s great fun, but also helps build confidence in yourself. It can sometimes seem daunting coaching a group of 20+ kids, but very soon it becomes easy and enjoyable.

I also find it opens up options if I want to become more specialised in coaching specific areas, as I’ve started to develop good basic coaching skills. I think many clubs need our support, and it’s a great way to give back to the club and community.