Bespoke coaching for endurance athletes

MICHAEL BLACK COACHING

Coaching that moves with you

With over 20 years of coaching experience, My coaching philosophy is rooted in understanding each athlete's needs, utilizing the latest coaching models, and empowering athletes to discover what works best for them. I believe coaching is an art, built on trust between the athlete and coach.

Coaching Specialties

  • Cycling

    I combine a data-driven scientific approach with practical road skills - aerodynamics, fueling, power, and techniques to help you reach your peak. As Cycling Ireland’s High Performance Development Coach, my goal is to empower athletes to achieve their highest potential, regardless of their starting point.

  • Running

    With years of experience as both a competitive runner and coach, I offer one-to-one coaching and ongoing support to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re aiming for a 5K personal best or gearing up to run your first ultramarathon, I’ll be here to guide you all the way through to race day.

  • Triathlon

    I have coached numerous athletes to the highest level in triathlon. From beginners to hopeful Olympians, I will help you balance the demands of this sport with structured, progressive, and challenging workouts designed to fit seamlessly into your daily life.

My Philosophy

  • My coaching style aims to balance the physical, technical, and mental demands of sport, while providing the right amount of stimulus and recovery around the daily demands of life. Whether you’re a busy student or full time working parent, you can be assured your training program will fit seamlessly into your life.

  • I cover everything from nutrition guidance to race strategy, ensuring that all bases are covered in training so you feel confident and prepared come race day.

  • Maintaining regular communication is the key to a successful and enjoyable training plan. By only being a text or phone call away, I can better understand your questions and concerns while helping to motivate and inspire you to tackle your biggest sporting challenges.

Supporting athletes to reach their peak

 Russell W.

International Triathlete & Tokyo 2020 Olympian

“I’ve worked for many years with Michael in both capacities as a person and federation coach. Not only does he have a fantastic understanding and experience of endurance coaching but his ability to coach me as a person and not just an athlete is something that is very rare. I hope that the privilege that I had having him in my corner and by my side to qualify and compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo was as special for him as a coach and friend.”

Nikki B.

Adaptive adventurer and one of Ireland’s leading female motivational speakers

“I worked with Michael at the start of my fitness journey. His enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge forever changed my opinion on exercise and fitness in general. I have been a crutch user for many years and found it difficult to adapt each exercise to suit my needs. Michael created a fun and energetic workout for me and I still rely on many of those adapted movements to this day”

 Maeve G.

International Triathlete & Cyclist

“Michael was a very good triathlon coach, mentor, and friend to me for a number of years. He has a wealth of experience in the world of sport, from both the athlete and coaching perspective. Michael was always positive, encouraging and most importantly approachable, as he communicated with me on a daily basis and was there to listen and answer any questions or concerns that I had. If you are seeking a coach to push you to your limits and help you achieve your goals, then I highly recommend Michael. He designs detailed and effective training plans tailored specifically to each athlete taking into account the daily stresses and demands of everyday life. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Michael and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact him today looking for advice.”

Find out how I can help you reach your most ambitious goals.

How it works

  • Schedule a Free Call

    During this call, we will take the time to understand your unique goals, lifestyle, and how personalised coaching can seamlessly integrate into your routine. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals and challenges, so I can ensure your coaching plan is tailored specifically to you. After this consultation, we will discuss the specifics of your training plan and regular check-ins.

  • Receive your Tailored Plan

    Using Training Peaks, email, or whichever platform you prefer, I will send you detailed personal training plans each week. Platforms like Training Peaks, Zwift, and Strava will help me to track your progress, make adjustments, and learn how you’re getting on physically and mentally while you’re working toward your fitness goals.

  • Regular Check-ins

    While you’re working your way through your training plan, I will be completely on-hand to answer any questions or concerns that come up. By scheduling regular weekly checkins, I will be able to help and support you through the ups and downs that inevitably arise with high-level endurance sport training.

Book your free call

FAQs

  • My coaching style balances the physical, technical, and mental demands of sport. I focus on creating structured, progressive, and personalized plans that fit seamlessly into your daily life, whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a busy parent.

  • I combine a data-driven, scientific approach with practical skills to create tailored programs. Regular communication allows me to adjust plans based on your progress, feedback, and lifestyle demands.

  • Yes, I offer remote coaching with regular communication via phone, email, and messaging to ensure you stay on track and supported.

  • I focus on improving key aspects of cycling, including, fuelling strategies, power development, and road techniques. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best, a national championship, or simply want to improve, I’ll help you reach your peak.

  • I coach cyclists of all levels—from beginners looking to build confidence to competitive athletes aiming for high performance.

  • I analyse power metrics, heart rate data, and ride feedback to design and adjust your program. This ensures your training is efficient, targeted, and effective.

  • Yes, I cover everything from nutrition guidance to race-day strategies, so you feel confident and prepared when it matters most.

  • I work with runners of all abilities, whether you’re aiming for a 5K personal best, preparing for your first marathon, tackling an ultramarathon or looking to compete internationally at major championship events. E.g. world championships/Olympic games. 

  • Yes, I provide pacing strategies, fuelling plans, and mental preparation techniques to ensure you perform at your best.

  • My triathlon coaching covers swim, bike, and run disciplines with structured training plans, recovery strategies, and race preparation guidance. I also focus on balancing the demands of training with daily life.

  • I coach athletes of all levels, from complete beginners to those competing at the national or international level, including aspiring Olympians.

  • I design efficient training sessions that fit into your schedule, ensuring you get the most out of every workout while maintaining balance with work, school, or family commitments.

  • Absolutely. Nutrition and recovery are integral to success in triathlon. I offer guidance on fuelling strategies, hydration, and post-training recovery to optimise your performance.

  • Regular communication is key. I’m always just a phone call, text, or email away to answer questions, adjust your program, and provide motivation. This will be agreed in advance of starting your programme. 

Get in touch.

Mickyblack1980@gmail.com
(+353) 833 746 607