About me

 

I’ve always believed that sport should be both challenging and enjoyable. When people enjoy the process, they build confidence, stay consistent, and ultimately perform at their best. That belief continues to shape the way I coach today.

 

My background began in PE teaching before moving into coaching and competing myself, including representing Scotland in hockey. I first discovered triathlon in the early 1990s after watching the Monikie Triathlon on television, and what started as curiosity soon became a lifelong passion for endurance sport.

 

Over the last 30 years, I’ve raced at elite level duathlon and coached athletes across triathlon, cycling, running, and orienteering. During that time, I’ve seen many trends and quick-fix approaches come and go, but one thing has always remained true — every athlete is different.

 

There is no single formula for success. Effective coaching comes from understanding the individual: their background, goals, lifestyle, strengths, and challenges. Training should adapt and evolve, not simply follow a fixed plan. I believe sessions should be purposeful and challenging, while still allowing flexibility around injury, illness, work, family life, and recovery.

 

My aim as a coach is to help athletes grow in confidence and understanding over time, so they feel empowered in their own training and decision-making. Whether you’re new to endurance sport or chasing ambitious goals, coaching should feel supportive, personal, and built around you.

 

Now, having left my role of Head of Performance Pathways at Triathlon Scotland. I have capacity to take on new athletes.

 

Fiona Lothian

 

Testimonials

 

Anne Paul - Triathlon Ireland Hall of Fame

 

"I have been very fortunate to have Fiona coaching me for many years which is no doubt the reason I have kept going so long.  Her expertise ,experience and  knowledge is exceptional.  She also understands the individual requirements of an athlete and always gets you in the best possible shape for races whether that is short distance,  long distance, duathlon, Xterra or guiding for paratriathlon"

 

Anne's Hall of Fame Interview here

 

 

 

 

Qualifications

  • Level 3 Triathlon Coach - British Triathlon
  • Degree in Physical Education
  • Doctorate in Applied Sport Science

Experience

  • numerous roles with British Triathlon and Triathlon Scotland latterly as Head of Performance Pathways for Triathlon Scotland
  • raced as an elite duathlete 1995-2000
  • coaching World Age Group  Medallists in Triathlon & Duathlon
  • working with individuals new to the sport to complete their first triathlon or other endurance event
  • working with youth athletes looking to progress on the performance pathway.
  • providing fitness programmes for those that want to incorporate exercise /activity into their lifestyle
  • developing educational resources for coaches and athletes