Testimonials

Dave Creamer is probably the main reason for my 10-year ironman addiction. Not only is he a great coach, more importantly he shows you how to maintain the correct balance. Ironman can be taken far too seriously. Dave is great at keeping it real and making it fun. If you’re enjoying yourself then you often achieve your best results. He also makes you feel really good about yourself. For example, if he can run fast, using those little wee short legs of his – anyone can. Karl Woolcott
I first met Dave in January 2005 at Freyberg pool for a Sunday training day – where I was invited along by a group of guys I had met the week before. It was my first experience at a ‘brick’ session and we ended up swimming for an hour, riding 120km and running 14km – I was pretty tired after that. Billy told me I did well. I had only just got into triathlon a couple of months ago and completed my first half Ironman at the Tauranga half in January 2005. I had decided to enter Taupo Ironman in March 2006 (which was that horrible ‘shortened’ Ironman). I realised I didn’t actually know what I was doing, i.e. Swimming is my strongest discipline and at that time, I used to swim 6-7 times a week and only ride and run 2-3 times a week each – I thought that was normal. After talking to a few friends I realised how important it was to have a coach to do the longer races, to avoid overtraining, or (what I was doing) – training too hard in one discipline and not hard enough in another! I had quickly become addicted to triathlons and wanted coach Billy to help me go further, so shortly after the horrible March 2006 Ironman I asked him very nicely if he would mind being my coach! Billy has been amazing. He has helped me in so many ways over the last 5 years, throughout my training, my race plans, nutrition (yep – its pretty cool having a coach telling you that its okay to eat moro bars and pies on a long ride), and the mental preparation and toughness of the longer races. Every few months we sit down and he creates a programme for me, focusing on what races I want to do/what I want to achieve, and then how I am going to get there. My performances have improved significantly over the years. He is now a regular training partner, organises the Ironman training days over the summer, and has waited at the finish line for me to finish a couple of Ironmans in Taupo – amazing. Since I have been coached by Dave/Billy, I have completed 9 Ironmans, 6 or 7 half Ironmans, 15 – 16 marathons, several half marathons, 3 enduro’s (2 laps of lake Taupo), a 100km Oxfam trailrun, World Long distance champs in Perth 2009, qualification for other world champs teams, and many other sporting achievements! Billy has taught me that nothing is too hard if you put your mind to it. He has got the biggest heart out of any coach you would ever meet! He is always there for you and will always help you where you need him. Billy has so much experience and knowledge, through his coaching/PT’ing and his own triathlon/running/other achievements – I have and I would recommend him to anyone at any stage of their triathlons/running ‘career’. He is AWESOME! Deb Trendle
I met Dave a few years ago and a little later wanted to get back into triathlons. I wanted to complete NZ Ironman but had not done anything like that for almost 20 years. Dave provided me with a programme in 10 to 12 week blocks with the aim of finishing Ironman a year later. He immediately gave me the confidence I could achieve my goal. Dave’s programme’s built up my strength, fitness and confidence by giving me clear intermediate targets through the year. Dave also works to make sure that training fits into the rest of your lifestyle so that you can retain a balance. He is always approachable, friendly, enthusiastic and positive. He never seems to stop smiling. On our group rides and runs he is always happy to share his knowledge with anyone who is in the group. I have introduced other people to Dave and have never heard a bad word from them. I have now been following Dave’s programmes for three years, which has included half marathons, Taupo Cycle Challenge, K2 cycle ride and triathlons. Despite being an old fart in my 50’s Dave is getting me to be faster and still enjoying training and competing. Paul May
I have been working with Dave for over 6 years now. He is my personal trainer, mentor, training buddy, coffee confidant, fellow competitor and sometimes-coach. His passion, enthusiasm and knowledge are second to none. He was the one who introduced me to the sport of triathlon, and accommodated my foibles to help me get better and better, faster and faster, and stronger and stronger! He is still the first person I turn to for advice, wisdom and confidence building. What is perhaps most amazing about Dave is how he puts his own sporting ambitions on hold for others, and how he genuinely celebrates and relishes others’ successes, whether that means them losing those few kg, completing that first triathlon, or finishing an Ironman inside target time. He is an inspirational guy who intuitively knows how to motivate and get the best out of people in a way that fits their needs and circumstances. James Turner New Zealand Age Group World Championship Triathlon team 2008, 2009 and 2011Twice age group winner of the Harbour Capital Half Marathon (2008 and 2011)New Zealand National Sprint Triathlon Championships – bronze medallist (45-49 age group) 2011
Dave aka Billy and I met at the start of the Ultimate Trihards – at this point in time, I could hardly swim 300m, had an old mountain bike and running was a form of torture for me. Under Dave’s patient guidance I have managed to complete events I never thought I would be able to and now also own a very cool TT bike. Dave’s continued belief in my ability to push myself led to me completing my first Ironman event in 2007 (before it was dark!) and in 2009 his coaching got me to the World Triathlon Age Group Champs and I didn’t come last! (Didn’t win either but that was asking the impossible even for Dave!). Dave is an athlete and coach who has the ability to get the best out of anyone he coaches – his dedication to helping people get the maximum out of triathlon is legendary. I would definitely recommend Dave as a coach – his all-round approach to the sport (and great understanding of the need for daily chocolate) will ensure you not only get the results you want but have fun at the same time. Angela Campbell, Original Ultimate Tri-hard
Ironman Dave Creamer, (or Coach Billy to his many friends), is for me simply the best fitness coach I’ve ever worked with – and I’m happy to recommend him to others! He has a wealth of experience in a wide range of fitness training techniques, including gym work, athletics, triathlons, biking, swimming, etc. His technical know-how, coupled with a relaxed and friendly approach and a great sense of humour, makes him an excellent choice of coach for anyone who wants to get fit, lose weight, or improve in their chosen sport. As a trainer Dave has so much to offer, especially if you might take your sport a little more seriously or want to excel. When he helped me train for NZ athletic championships and the World Masters in Canada, he meticulously planned what was needed for each event. Rain or shine, he always joined in on the training and track sessions with me. Coach Billy walks the talk and is always willing to give his best to help you achieve your best! Rob James
Coach Billy has been my personal trainer for about 7 years now – I first met him when I went to Les Mills on the Terrace and said I wanted a PT who was good and enjoyed a laugh on the way through. I wanted to get fit, lose weight and better manage the stress of my full on job. The manager immediately recommended Billy. Over the years Billy has delivered, and more, all that I wanted. His good-natured approach, expertise, boundless enthusiasm and sense of humour keep me interested week to week. He also laughs at my jokes, so really earns his money. Through his encouragement I have again participated in competitive sports that we have worked towards at training, both against the clock and other over 45s. This year I have competed in the Masters Games indoor sprint rowing and am now training towards a 10km road race in September.I sense he is quietly trying to turn me into a tri-athlete, and I expect we will play cat and mouse on that for a number of years to come. If only I could swim. I should add that Billy also has huge cred in the Wellington sports scene as a successful Ironman, marathon runner; and also in team sports as a top soccer and tennis player. Andrew McIntyre
In 2003 my daughter arranged a meeting for me with “Billy” (Dave Creamer). After a light lunch of green-lipped muscles and a cheeky Pinot Gris, I toddled down to Les Mills on the Terrace – silly me! After a test of press-ups, sit-ups and other fiendish tests, I quickly realised the error of my ways! So here we are 8.5 years later – 2.5 stone lighter – still meeting twice a week. Our training patterns have varied over the years – but we always have our objective to strive for – the present one is to bench press 140kgs before my 76th birthday – and who is to say we can’t improve on that! No words of mine can express my appreciation for the training programmes and attention to detail “Billy” has instigated – as someone who has beaten prostate cancer, I know that my overall fitness was a major contributor to this. I say to all potential triathletes and similar, don’t hesitate – put your physical requirements in the hands of one of New Zealand’s finest – you will not regret it. I am a better person physically and mentally for the knowing of “Billy”. Allan Appleton