Coach
TAKE3 was founded by British Triathlon coach Dr Mark Harvey after he struggled to find what he needed for his training and progression. Mark is also a fully certified Level 2 Advanced Retül bike fitting technician, which combined with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, allows an analytical mind and practical nous to provide solutions to problems people struggle to resolve.
In 2005 Mark founded Abingdon and Vale Tri, a club which under his guidance as head coach has grown significantly and resulted in him becoming one of the most respected coaches in the region. His success comes from his professional yet relaxed demeanor, willingness to listen and extensive knowledge with experience.
In the past 15 years, Mark has worked with over 2500 athletes, from 'I can't swim a length' novices, to GB age-group competitors and winners, and Kona qualifiers. In this time he has organised and led over 750 club training sessions.
An uber keen triathlete for many years, Mark has competed in all ranges of triathlon from Super-Sprint to ultra distance events such as Quintuple (x5) Ironman. Events he has tamed include IM Lanzarote, Norseman (Black Tee), Celtman (Blue Tee), Swedish adventure race ÖtillÖ (twice with different partners), the Ridgeway 200km MTB enduro, numerous multi-day adventure races...including Double ( x2) and Quin (x5) Ironman Ultra distance events.
Marks history in sport is extensive, with County representation in Rugby, Athletics and Archery!
Qualifications:
Open water swim coach certification - Institute of Open Water Swimming (IOS)
ASA Level 2 Swimming teacher
Retul Level 2 (advanced) bike fitting - Retul
Retul Triathlon and Time Trial certification - Retul
Running Technique Coach - The Running School
Functional Biomechanics of Running - The Running School
British Triathlon - Level 2 coach
Fully DBS (CRB) Checked
Venue
TAKE3 is centrally located in the small village of Clifton Hampden, just 5 miles South of Oxford. With easy transport links by road or rail, transfers can be arranged at no extra charge from Didcot Parkway train station just 10 minutes away. Travel time from London, Birmingham or Southampton to TAKE3 is just 60 minutes by road or rail.
The facilities are located in a fantastic rural location, based in a converted barn, it offers both a quiet yet very practical site for analysis. The interior has been specifically developed to provide us with the ultimate venue for analysis of both the bike and run. It's quiet, well equiped and comfortable for the athlete, with tea, coffee and home-baked treats are all available on the day at no extra charge.
The endless pool room is located just a short (2 mile) drive away in our purpose built 'Nordic style' cabin. The pool iteslf is a genuine Endless Pool (beware of imitations!), capable of providing a full range of flow rates to suit all abilities, from walking pace to sub 60 seconds/100m! Utilising such a top end pool results in a clarity when filming that is second to none, with minimal bubble and turbulance, the footage obtained is fantastic, whatever the speed.
A regular maintenance schedule plus athletes showering before usage ensures this pool is always in pristine condition.
