My story

My name is Nick Coley, I’m a father, husband, cycling fanatic, snowboard shredder and seeker of personal development. Over the last 15 years I have worked within corporate learning and development roles in the sports sector. 

 

I also have more than 25 years’ experience of racing mountain bikes from cross country (XCO) to ultra endurance and stage races, all the while learning about what influences mental and physical performance when you’re racing. 

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I graduated from Winchester University with a BSc in Sport Science and Psychology in 2004 and continued to race bikes at a regional level. I dipped my toe into snowboard instructing and found great enjoyment from helping others learn new skills and ultimately do things they didn't think they could. 

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In my late 20’s I raced mountain bikes at national level and began branching out to international races, completing the Cape Epic in South Africa - an eight-day stage race over 850km. 

 

In 2014 I raced my first Leadville Trail 100 Mountain bike race in the United States - a 100-mile mountain bike race in the Colorado Rockies, starting at 10,000ft above sea level and rising to 13,000ft. In 2014, I finished the race at 9hrs:15 minutes - 15 minutes behind my target.  

 

I returned in 2015, physically ready to crush the 9hr target, but ultimately I finished with a slower time of 9:34 with a sense of ‘failure’ and no idea of where to go next or how to improve my performance. I realised that I had focused on physical attributes and neglected the mental aspect of performance which ignited my interest in the psychology within sport.  I revisited topics from my BSc in sport psychology and begun revisiting the psychological aspects which underpin learning and understanding how individuals and teams develop.

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In 2016 I returned to Leadville and with new focus and a new mindset that removed all negativity in favour of my goal, I steamed across the line with a finish time of 8:52! That day, I gained a true appreciation of mental performance and it lit a fire inside me to inspire and coach others about mental training and performance. 

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In 2018, I went back to University and studied for an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I graduated in 2020 and moved on to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Sport and Exercise Psychology Accredited Route (SEPAR) with the aim of gaining HCPC professional accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist. I have also developed further as a coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) to develop my coaching practice.

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I’m now working with a range of individuals across sport, exercise, performing arts, and business settings, to develop individual awareness, and enhance performance and wellbeing. 

 

I’ll work with you to create a customized plan of action for yourself, your team or organisation. Get in touch to learn more about my vision and consulting approach.