MEET THE TEAM
Joe Hand
- Two-Time Marathoner
- Sub 3 Marathoner
- Half Ironman
- 5 Time Olympic Distance
- 6 Time Sprint Distance
As the founder and CEO of Explosive Endurance, I’ve built a coaching company dedicated to helping athletes achieve what they once thought was impossible. Over the last four years, I’ve guided hundreds of triathletes toward their biggest goals, while also leading a team of world-class coaches who share the same high standards and athlete-first approach. My own background spans every distance from Sprint to Ironman, alongside a personal best marathon of 2:53. Education has always been at the forefront having accredited multiple certifications including World Triathlon Level Two, Athletics Ireland Level One, and TrainingPeaks Level Two. But my real focus today is on shaping the vision, systems, and culture that allow Explosive Endurance athletes to thrive—both in sport and in life.
Hi, my name is Lara Drewes. I have been a triathlete for 5 years now and haven’t looked back since. The 70.3 distance is my favourite but I’ve recently dabbled in ultra-running and will be racing my first 250km for charity in September. As both a sports psychologist and coach, I combine the mental and physical aspects of sport to best support you with your goals. Your enjoyment of the individualised programme I provide is my number one priority. I’m here to help you improve your fitness, achieve your goals and build your confidence along the way!
Lara Drewes
Daire Feeley
Sophie Truesdale
My name is Sophie Truesdale and I’ve been racing triathlons since 2021 with experience in distances from sprint to 70.3 including age group and overall wins across all distances. I am part of Tri team Ireland competing internationally at European and world championships and have a gold medal in Duathlon. My goals are to help other athletes to achieve their own individual goals through structured and specific training plans, aiming to develop them physically while also prioritising enjoyment for the sport.
Daire has been Ireland’s number one ranked cyclist for the last five years, Daire brings world class experience and academic expertise to his coaching. Holding a Masters degree in Elite Sports Performance, he combines the latest advancements in sports science with the practical know how earned from years competing at the highest level.
Starting in triathlon before making the leap to professional cycling, Daire has lived the athlete’s journey from grassroots to the top of sport. His background in strength and conditioning, his Masters Degree in Elite Sports Performance and his track record of coaching athletes from beginners to elites make him a trusted guide for anyone serious about reaching their full potential.
Meet some of the trusted coaches on our team at Explosive Endurance!
Our Coaches
TESTIMONIALS
Joe is not just a triathlon coach, he is a true inspiration and motivator. From day one, he believed in me more than I believed in myself. Thanks to his guidance and support the past 12 months, I have accomplished more then I ever thought possible
-Francesca Fornari
Training with Explosive Endurance has been an incredible experience so far. Since I began, I've completed several half marathons and two triathlons. Joe tailored my training plans specifically to address my needs and areas for improvement. He consistently checked in on my progress and adjusted my training schedule to ensure it fit seamlessly with my lifestyle. His support and expertise have made a huge difference in my performance. Beyond his expertise, Joe is genuinely kind and supportive. The entire explosive endurance community has been welcoming and motivating, creating an atmosphere that encourages growth and achievement
- Maggie Whelan
Training with Explosive Endurance has been an incredible experience so far. Since I began, I've completed several half marathons and two triathlons. Joe tailored my training plans specifically to address my needs and areas for improvement. He consistently checked in on my progress and adjusted my training schedule to ensure it fit seamlessly with my lifestyle. His support and expertise have made a huge difference in my performance. Beyond his expertise, Joe is genuinely kind and supportive. The entire explosive endurance community has been welcoming and motivating, creating an atmosphere that encourages growth and achievement
- Maggie Whelan
Training with Explosive Endurance has been an absolute game-changer for my ultramarathon journey. When I first tackled an ultra in December 2023, I could never have imagined how far I’d come in such a short time. Under Joe’s guidance, I was able to attempt the Mozart 100 and complete the Bath Two Tunnels with confidence and a clear strategy, which significantly improved my performance. With Joe’s customised training plan and expert insights, I was able to reduce my 50km time from 6:14 to 4:51 which is a testament to the level of dedication and expertise he brings to his coaching.
- Matthew Dodds
I started with Joe a couple of months ago and almost straight away noticed a huge improvement. Before starting with Joe, I had no experience whatsoever in triathlon. The level of detail Joe puts into each individual workouts made a huge difference in my performance and the enjoyment of my training. The training plan, weekly check ins and weekly group calls have been such a big part of my progression
- Graham Mahon
Starting coaching with Explosive Endurance this year has been a complete game changer for me. The improvement I’ve seen in my performance is massive, with multiple age group wins and overall top 10 positions reflecting this, including at European championships level. With Joe’s help I’ve had my most successful season yet and the structure and support that his training has provided is second to none. I’m so excited to continue progressing and hopefully see more results next year - Sophie Truesdale
I signed up to my first Ironman 70.3 race back in May, with no idea of how I was going to make it to the start line. With only 9 weeks until race day and little to no swimming/cycling experience, I messaged several people asking them to coach me. Joe was the only one who was willing to take on the challenge of making me a triathlete with only 2 months to go. Since completing Bolton 70.3, Joe has helped me to achieve structure (not only within my training), but my life too! Making sure my happiness and health is at the forefront of everything I’m doing. I feel Joe goes above and beyond his role as a coach, really honing in on the finer details, to ensure I am operating as the best version of myself
- Anna Smithies
When I started working with Joe, I couldn’t swim, and my only goal was to complete an Ironman in 9-10 months. I had no clear direction on how to get there. Joe not only gave me the guidance I needed but also pushed me to my limits while always being supportive. What made sticking to the plan possible was how adaptable he was—tailoring the training plan to fit my busy schedule, making it manageable yet effective. His coaching style helped me achieve things I never thought possible like winning my age group In the Irish National Middle Distance Championships in 2024. If you're looking for a coach who will challenge you, believe in you, and guide you every step of the way, I highly recommend Joe - Rebecca Morris
I came to Explosive Endurance a few months ago after getting injured during a marathon training block. I hadn’t swam in years, didn’t own a bike and couldn’t run because of the injury. Joe believed in me from the start and rather than viewing these as obstacles, he made a tailored plan to suit my needs. Over the past few months he has provided me with constant guidance and encouragement, and I am now one week away from my first Ironman 70.3 feeling fitter than ever. If you're looking for a coach who truly cares and will never stop pushing you in order to achieve your full potential, Joe is the person to go to!
- Mary O'Hare
Before starting with Explosive Endurance, I had lost a lot of my motivation and interest in committing to my training due to a very busy workload. Since signing up, I finally got my mojo back while working around my job. This gave me a massive lift as Joe's ideology is a full wrap approach to both training and my social/work life balance
- Clive Ivory
Joe is not just a triathlon coach, he is a true inspiration and motivator. From day one, he believed in me more than I believed in myself. Thanks to his guidance and support the past 12 months, I have accomplished more then I ever thought possible
-Francesca Fornari