Hear from the Team
At Bowstead Performance Coaching, we understand that for most athletes, training isn't a full-time job—it’s a high-priority passion that must fit between board meetings, family commitments, and a demanding career.
We have successfully coached hundreds of athletes, ranging from CEOs and business professionals to busy parents balancing a household. Our secret isn't more hours; it’s more precision. By utilizing our proprietary Ironman Training Framework, we optimize your physiological performance within the time you actually have available.
We don't just give you a plan; we build a metabolic engine that allows you to show up at the start line of Ironman NZ or 70.3 Taupo with the confidence that every minute of your training had a purpose.
If you’re considering a triathlon or running coach, I can’t recommend Mark Bowstead highly enough.
I trained with Mark for around two years, during which time I achieved six consecutive PBs in the Ironman 70.3 distance and two PBs in the full Ironman. He even helped me qualify for the world champs on two occasions .
As a dad of three with a demanding workload, I really valued how Mark tailored my training to fit seamlessly around my life. His approach was smart, sustainable, and incredibly effective.
Perhaps most importantly, I stayed injury-free by training with the right balance and intent, and I gained a deep understanding of training principles that I’ll carry with me for years to come.
If you’re thinking about taking your performance to the next level, get in touch with Mark—you won’t regret it. Not only is he an exceptional coach, he’s also a genuinely great guy.
Tim Anderson
When I reached out to Mark, I had a pretty ambitious goal. I was just over three months out from IRONMAN NZ, coming back from a bone stress injury, and still building up walk/run sessions. I had a decent base, but my fitness was probably the lowest it had been in years after taking a couple of months fully off to rehab. But I told him I wanted to race well, not just participate.
Mark embraced the challenge and in just three months, he carefully guided me from small walk/runs to achieving my second-fastest IRONMAN time and earning a spot on the age group podium which I was super happy and surprised by after such a short build.
What stood out most was how carefully he managed my return from injury. Communication was always open, and he adapted sessions based on my feedback to ensure I stayed healthy and avoided re-injury. We were also aligned on the importance of strength training, which has now become a regular part of my routine and has made a huge difference to my ability to keep training consistently.
Since the race, Mark has continued to be incredibly flexible and supportive, adjusting my training around a busy and often changing work schedule that involves travel around the country. He makes it easy to manage, and I always feel confident that my training is both purposeful and sustainable.
Hannah Martin
Training with Mark has been a game‑changer for my triathlon performance.
My goal was to prepare for 70.3 Works Champs New Zealand, and Mark’s data‑driven programming through TrainingPeaks, paired with clear, consistent feedback, gave me structure and confidence throughout the build.
One of the biggest differences in Mark’s coaching is his adaptability. Even when the data suggested I could push harder, he always asked how the session actually felt.
That “real‑feel” approach meant my training was adjusted based on how my body and mind were responding—not just numbers on a screen. It kept me healthy, reduced fatigue, and helped me stay engaged during tough blocks.
The plan always felt personalised, balancing high‑quality sessions with the realities of work and life. Understanding why each workout mattered kept me motivated and progressing.
The result was incredible: I arrived on race day feeling strong, prepared, and more confident than ever before.
I’m genuinely grateful for Mark’s coaching and would highly recommend him to anyone—whether it’s a first Ironman or chasing a new personal best.
Damon Clark
"I’ve been training with Mark for just under a year, initially setting my sights on completing 70.3 Taupō again—this time faster. I was drawn to his data-driven approach and the way he uses TrainingPeaks to structure and personalise training.
While life unfortunately got in the way and I had to step back from that goal, Mark has been incredibly understanding and adaptable throughout.
Despite the challenges, we still achieved a great result —I set a new half marathon PB, shaving nearly eight minutes off my previous time.
I’m really looking forward to getting back on track and setting new goals with Mark’s guidance."
Nikki, Auckland NZ
Mark has been an incredible coach for me across both running and triathlon over the last 5 years. With his guidance, I’ve hit PBs in both the marathon (2:47) and half marathon (1:19) and advanced my Ironman training significantly.
What really sets Mark apart is his experience as a former pro athlete and hence his ability to really speak through the lens of someone who has been there and done that at the highest level, an important confidence builder when striving for PB’s. Furthermore, he is really attentive with his communication — always quick to respond, thoughtful in his feedback, and genuinely invested in your progress. He’s got a really calm, positive coaching style that makes the whole process enjoyable, and he’s super flexible in adapting training to fit the individual.
Couldn’t recommend him more highly