The question for me is why did I listen to Ray. I noticed that he actually new and understood what he does, not just an arrogant sport junkie thinking he's the best. Rays coaching isn't arrogant, it's supportive. It's not a big show, it's for ones self achievement. .....he gave me the space to give it a go without hovering. He had a belief I could do it and now I do to.
Colette Marie Robertson
2020-11-09T06:43:57+0000
Over the past six months Ray's training program was great. The plan was to build up for the Mt Isobel challenge (Hanmer Springs). Unfortunately the event is not going ahead as planned due to the COVID issue. However, regardless, I have not been as fit in ten years and I am sure I would have been well placed to enjoy the event. Will definitely be back when and if I pick another event to build up towards.
Alan Mitchell
2020-04-29T08:31:22+0000
Ray has taken me from a broken down runner to an IRONMAN. Thanks Ray for you help and guidance.
Gene Andrews
2020-03-09T23:53:46+0000
Outstanding man for trg advice.
Melissa Greig
2019-12-18T20:17:02+0000
Ray has been an outstanding coach for my son Luke. At only 16 he has been so careful in keeping me in the loop of training as well as careful training for the growing challenging eager teenager who wants to do more !! Ray explains in detail in person by phone or email why what and how. I can highly recommend this man to anyone but especially these young teenagers that want expert advice and guidance in running or triathlon. thanks you so much Ray a very grateful parent Bev🤗😁
Bev Brandes-clatworthy
2019-11-05T10:06:01+0000
Ray Boardman has been my coach for nearly a year, since being under him I have learnt many things like how my stress score can add up and fatigue my body before a race. when to take it hard and when to go easy. Since being under Qwik Kiwi. I have been accepted into this group of other recreational athletes which have taken me onboard and we have good conversations and praise each other when we do well. I have also improved my running times in the 10km especially going from a 38.51 now I had run 34.12 and being only sixteen its pretty good. I have also just run my first half marathon in under 1.20, so am really happy. So if you want to try something new or just get fit, check Ray out hes an awesome dude. Thanks Ray for everything you have done
Cheers Luke Clatworthy
Luke Clatworthy
2019-11-03T17:25:46+0000
By following Ray's programming within a short span of time I was into the world of PB's. However Ray provides more than just a programme. Ray takes the time to get to know each athlete and addresses their goals, what it is that makes them unique and the challenges they face. This means you aren't getting a cookie-cutter programme, rather you get something that is for YOU. I have thoroughly enjoyed my training and already thinking of the next challenge
Brenner Miller
2019-06-19T09:22:09+0000
We had an in depth initial consult and from that Ray had a good idea of what I was after. He quickly gave me a 1 month plan as part of the Tribe focusing on what I wanted (injury prevention for long distance) which was back to basics. In that month I managed to get a fair bit off my 5km time and I've been injury free. I was so happy I changed it up a gear and joined Team Qwik Kiwi. If you're after someone that will push you to get the results you want, Coach Ray is for you.
Jamie Edward Calder
2019-04-18T05:12:00+0000
I met Ray 13 years ago as a young soldier when he was the Physical Training Instrcutor (PTI) for my unit in the Army. Over the first few years I had a good insight into his training style and used his training programmes to run my first marathons in my late teens/early 20's.
When I started to look for a coach for finishing an Ironman I looked up Ray as I had already experienced his coaching and training style. We started with a phone consult where we discussed what my goals were how he ran his training for an event like this and what coaching package would best suit what I wanted to achieve so I went with the Team Qwik Kiwi.
Ray understands the needs of life and can tailor your training around your individual needs, I work shift work on an 8 day week so training was written to suit this. As it is a long process to train for an Ironman Ray uploaded my training week by week and could tailor it to suit changes in my roster, fatigue levels, or if I had any injuries/or niggles. My intention was to do it once but I decided to carry on training for another year to complete Ironman twice along with a number of other events along the way including the Taupo 70.3 half Ironman in 2017 and 2018.
Some highlights achieved as a result of the training include
- 3rd place overall 2018 Tauhara Trail half Marathon
- Achieved Sports Waikato's Erin Baker and Cameron Brown awards
- Achieved a Ironman All World Athlete (AWA) Bronze rating for the 2019 following 2018 results.
- Completed Ironman New Zealand in 2018 and 2019
- Completed Taupo Ironman 70.3 in 2017 and 2018
Through out the last few years Ray has always been approachable and put in a lot of time and effort each week to keep mine and his other athletes training updated. I wouldn't have achieved the results I have without Ray and would recommend him as a coach to anyone looking to achieve their sporting goals.
Mark Doohan
2019-03-14T03:28:56+0000
I have always been a recreational runner without a lot of direction or planning. Since joining Coach Rays team two months ago this has completely changed. I have a renewed love for my running and increased motivation as each week brings on new challenges. I am being pushed out of my comfort zone and look forward to training for my goal of completing my first marathon. Thanks Ray for taking the time to explain how to use my watch and all the information on levels and pace zones. I will eventually get it all sorted.
Robyn Williams
2019-02-08T08:04:57+0000
Coach Ray helped me so much with my general fitness and my hate of running has turned into a love. In my first crossfit competition I was the leader in my heat for the 200m sprint which is all down to the hill training. I honestly cant thank Ray enough for his training program
Aliccia Gordon
2019-02-03T05:49:01+0000
I jumped on Coach Ray’s 12 week program to Ironman at the conclusion of December’s Ironmaori half. This was gonna be my 2nd full distance, and after just wanting to finish last year, I was looking for a training structure to help me improve and hopefully have a better day in March. Nearing the end of week 8, I have not been disappointed.
With the help of TrainingPeaks, every day of training is mapped out for you until event, handy for letting the family know what your up coming schedule looks like so you can keep the training/life balance in check.
All the swim/bike/run sessions are broken down so they are easy to understand, with what you need to do to get the best out of your training day, with links to his websites that answer any questions you may have.
The swimming drills that Ray gives, make you a stronger swimmer, and becoming faster is the by product of that strength.
A lot of the cycling is time based, gradually building as the weeks pass. With a large portion based on heart rate and time, I have noticed gradual improvements in speed, for the same amount of effort.
As for the running, as I write this, NZ is in it’s January heatwave, and I won’t lie, some of these sessions are tough, as they should be, at Ironman NZ, the event doesn’t start till the last lap of the run, but not so taxing that you won’t have the ability to back up the next day. 2 hours is the longest run workout, but you’ll do that every week, as well as bricks, and always a small run after your long ride.
I would recommend Coach Ray to anyone wanting to get the most out of their training efforts, the ease of understanding that the program brings and its consistency, has given me a quiet confidence that I am on the right track, cheers Ray
Parata Brett Johnson
2019-01-31T04:56:51+0000
Coach Ray is bringing my training to life! I have new motivation, training is interesting and challenging. I look forward to it each week! I am really looking forward to ongoing growth and gains working with Coach Ray 😀
Karen McLintock
2018-08-19T08:00:55+0000
Ray has helped me loads of the past couple of years. His knowledge and enthusiasm is second to none. He has helped me with everything from my schedule, my constant bombardment of questions and understanding the data that is recorded onto my training peaks account. Even when i ask questions on forums (sometimes i think i ask too many to Ray directly, haha) Ray is the first one to respond with a long and detailed answer. At times i honestly dont know what i could of done without his help. I love writing my own plans but having that extra guidance and reassurance that my sessions are correct for me and that im not wasting my time is fantastic. Keep up the great work Ray, and if im asking to many questions just tell me to back off, haha.
Mike Catton
2018-07-25T14:28:32+0000
I started working with Ray at the end of May with less than two months to train for a 26km hilly run in the Queen Charlotte sounds. Due to injury and fitness, I was pretty much starting from the beginning with the training. Through following the training plan I was not only able to get to the start line but finish the run with a smile on my face. Having a training plan to follow ensured that I achieved my training goals and I was well prepared for the event. I’m now planning my next event and looking forward to more training and getting faster and fitter!
Michelle Richardson
2018-07-24T08:59:00+0000
Coach Ray doesn't just do a "set and forget" programme. He analyses each session and provides valuable feedback (including praise when deserved). He knows his stuff and this soon brings results. Every day since being on the team I feel fitter and stronger and eager for the next challenge. I've come to realise that it's more about training smarter, not harder.
He's a top coach and anyone who has a goal and the determination to work towards it are very lucky to have him provide a training programme to help achieve it.
The support of other athletes on the Qwik Kiwi team helps too to make you feel you're not alone on your journey.
"You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great"
Janne Falkner
2018-04-02T23:49:29+0000
I've been with Coach Ray /Qwik Kiwi Coaching for a few years now - ever since I decided I wanted to do an Ironman. Ray was really supportive and encouraging and the sessions he put together for me got me to the best physical place for me to achieve my goal. When I got injured Ray made adjustments to my training so I could keep doing what I could and not go backwards too much, and if life got in the way we just worked around it. Its been a great collaborative effort with lots of communication, support & encouragement.
Any goal YOU want to achieve - whether its running 5km, biking 20km, swiming 3km or doing an Ultraman Ray will get you there
Helen Majorhazi
2018-03-31T19:45:29+0000
Peter Fennim
2017-11-11T09:13:25+0000
John Humphries
2017-05-25T00:37:47+0000
I have been using Qwik Kiwi since 2006 to take the guesswork out of the training I need to do for a variety of events. The personalised training programme from Qwik Kiwi / Coach Ray features many of the workouts he publishes in his Coach Ray/Qwik Kiwi blog. They have been successful in getting me to the start line of many events of various lengths and disciplines (triathlon, duathlon, cycling short and long distances, time trials etc, adventure races, running events). The workouts coupled with my personal desire and commitment to achieve are a win-win for me !
Di Chesmar
2017-04-01T06:08:22+0000
Book of the Month June 2021 – Runner’s Kitchen
I’ve recently got this cook book published this year, it’s jam packed with delicious meals to fuel your training. I’ve made a number of the meals in the book already.
Friday Fartlek Run: Ironman Speed Session #3
Speedwork is an important skill set for all runners, it can provide improvements in your VO2 Max and enhance your threshold running ability. This is a great session for all runners and triathletes especially those running events between 10km & marathon.
Wednesday Windtrainer Workout: Josh Amberger’s 70.3 Knockout Punch Session
The ability to put surges into your 70.3 pace and to recover from them, is beneficial for all athletes to put in a surge and break up the front pack to lifting your intensity on a short hill climb. This workout covers a range of intensities and is great for 70.3 triathletes, road cyclists and XC mountain bikers.
Tuesday Training Plan: 8 Weeks to a Faster 10km RUNNING (INTERMEDIATE Start any Monday)
This 8 week programme will take you through challenging sessions that will build your fitness and speed in order to run 10km faster at the end of the programme.
Designed for an intermediate runner aiming to run their 10km in the range of 35 – 50min. The primary goal of this training plan is to prepare you to RUN FASTER.
Chef Ray – Cinnamon Ginger Cookies with Lemon Glaze
This cookies are a great snack during or after training, they are easy to prepare but make sure you have enough lead time.
Saturday Swim Session: Gale Bernhardt’s Endurance 3 Workout
Endurance is a critical component of fitness for triathletes and long distance open water swimmers. This is a great session for triathletes and open water swimmers to do to build their top end speed.
Friday Fartlek Run: Ironman Speed Session #2
Speedwork is an important skill set for all runners, it can provide improvements in your VO2 Max and enhance your threshold running ability. This is a great session for all runners and triathletes especially those running events between 10km & marathon.
Wednesday Windtrainer Workout: Neal Henderson’s “Ladder of Death”
This session comes with a warning …… not to do it too often. Only a few times a year, once in the final couple of weeks as you build up to a key event. It covers a range of intensities and is great for 70.3 triathletes, road cyclists and XC mountain bikers.
Tuesday Training Plan: Triathlon Bike/Run Beginner 16 week programme (currently riding 2hr & running 1hr)
This bike & run programme will see you improve your overall cycling and running fitness in 16 weeks time.
The programme is designed to be conducted in conjunction with a swim programme (available through Qwik Kiwi Coaching or if you are training with your local Master’s or other swim squad).
Chef Ray – Bean, Corn & Zucchini Quesadillas
Easy to make and full of flavour these quesadillas are so simple even your young kids can get involved in preparing them.
Saturday Swim Session: Cameron McEvoy – The Hardest Sets Ever #1 For Mortals
Com Games Gold medalist & Olympic Bronze medalist, Cameron McEvoy has swum some tough sets during his career, over the next few weeks I’m going expose you to a number of his toughest training sets (and variations for mere mortals).
- by coach_ray_nz 1 week ago
Qwik wee lap of Lake Matheson on the way home today ♂️♀️ #qwikkiwi #coachray - by coach_ray_nz 2 weeks ago
Got out for my first ride in #stickyforestmtbpark today. Easy to navigate and get around in. Looking forward to future - by coach_ray_nz 2 weeks ago
Qwik 30minute spin of the legs along the #westcoastwildernesstrail today ♀️♂️ #qwikkiwi #coachray - by coach_ray_nz 2 months ago
We are now officially in Beanie weather, with snow capped mountains around. ♂️ #qwikkiwi #coachray - by coach_ray_nz 2 months ago
Great to get out for a run on a beautiful and crisp morning ♂️ #coachray #qwikkiwi - by coach_ray_nz 3 months ago
Day 7 of 7 running 10k A Day. The back to back run days have been a challenge but certainly - by coach_ray_nz 3 months ago
Training volume is going up a bit this week. Got to Day 6 of my 10k A Day challenge. Legs - by coach_ray_nz 3 months ago
Always good to get out for a run. Today is day 3 of a 7 day streak of running 10k - by coach_ray_nz 3 months ago
Day 2 of the 10k A Day feeling good 5 days to go ♂️ #coachray #qwikkiwi - by coach_ray_nz 3 months ago
Having been a bit poorly the last couple of weeks, I had a walk yesterday and felt good enough to - by coach_ray_nz 4 months ago
Quick spin in the #torturechamber to clear the legs out and clocked up enough time to level up to Level - by coach_ray_nz 4 months ago
good old Pace Calibration Run (PCR), this used to be a stable when I was coached by @sweat7sam and has - by coach_ray_nz 4 months ago
Milla even gave me a wave today, compared to last time we ran and hiked around here ♂️ #coachray #qwikkiwi - by coach_ray_nz 4 months ago
My swim times are coming along nicely as we move into the winter season here in NZ ♂️ #qwikkiwi #coachray - by coach_ray_nz 4 months ago
Great morning here on the coast to cruise through a long run ♂️ #qwikkiwi #coachray - by coach_ray_nz 5 months ago
Beautiful morning for a couple of drill sets working on swim technique ♂️ #coachray #qwikkiwi - by coach_ray_nz 5 months ago
Having missed an opportunity to visit #niagarafallscanada when I was in #toronto I was pleased to see an opportunity to
28 Day Faster Cyclist Challenge
This programme will improve your FTP and enhance your cycling fitness. Designed for Beginner & Intermediate cyclists and triathletes who are looking to improve their cycling fitness.
I'm so certain that you will be improve your FTP I have given it a 100% money back guarantee if you haven't improved your FTP over the month. I don’t care what your excuse for not improving over the duration of the month…..
- I didn’t do any training…..
- It was raining…..
- It was windy…..
- I slept in…….
I’ll still give you a 100% refund.