FAQs
What is your coaching philosophy?
I believe that no one knows you better than yourself. I work with you to uncover the answers to your challenges, identify and overcome obstacles, and move you towards your goals in the most efficient and effective way possible.
How is your approach tailored to each runner?
I believe that every runner is unique. I customise my coaching to fit your specific needs and goals, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner with a specific goal or struggle you are trying to overcome.
What types of running goals can you help me achieve?
I can help with a variety of goals, from establishing daily running habits to achieving long-held race objectives. Whether it’s completing your first 5K, improving your marathon time, or simply incorporating running into your busy life, I can guide you.
What if I don’t have a specific goal? Something isn’t working but I don’t know what it is.
Honestly? You are exactly the kind of runner I love to work with. We will start by exploring what’s going on, what’s going well and where you feel stuck. Then, together, we’ll work out a goal. It might be that you don’t want or need a goal; the issue is the pressure you put on yourself to develop one. There’s no right or wrong way to approach running, we will find the way that works best for you.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
A typical session would start by looking at what you’ve done since we last spoke, agree on a focus for our session and then explore ways you can move things forward to achieve your goal. You can expect to agree some actions, but these are led by you, what you want to achieve and what feels realistic. I do not give you homework, you choose how you want to take things forward. A session generally lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
Do you offer virtual coaching sessions?
Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual coaching sessions. I also offer walking sessions. Whatever works with your schedule, location and preference.
How often will we meet?
The frequency of our meetings will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some clients prefer weekly sessions, while others prefer fortnightly or monthly sessions. I also offer accountability check-ins between sessions – these can be by email, text or Whatsapp – and are optional.
How do you help with developing mental resilience?
Mindset training is the core of my coaching includes techniques for maintaining motivation, handling setbacks, and developing a positive, goal-oriented mindset.
I struggle with consistency in my training. How can you help?
I hear you. This was me and I know how hard it is to overcome. However, consistency is key to success. We’ll work on creating a realistic and manageable training schedule, set micro goals to keep you motivated and develop strategies to overcome the barriers that are keeping you from running as regularly as you would like.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Personal Performance Diploma from The Coaching Academy (accredited by the International Coaching Federation). I am an NLP Practitioner (accredited) and have qualified through British Athletics as a Leader in Running Fitness and Coaching Assistant. My qualifications, combined with my personal experience, allow me to offer well-rounded and effective coaching. I also have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology which gives me a deeper understanding and awareness of people. My area of intersted is motivation and habits.
Can you share some success stories from past clients?
Absolutely. My clients have achieved a range of goals, from making lasting daily habit changes to hitting new personal records in races. There are some testimonials below and I am happy to share specific examples and more testimonials if you ask me.
How does your personal running experience inform your coaching?
As an everyday, or ‘regular’, runner with years of experience, I understand the struggles and highs of training. I’ve faced inconsistency, injury, and mindset challenges, and have learned to overcome them. My journey from a 2:40 half marathon to 2:04 is an example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and training.
What are your personal running achievements?
I’ve completed marathons in New York and London, multiple half marathons, and have a 10k PB of 54:33 and a 5k PB of 25:58. I’m also running my third run streak and am in my fourth year. My previous streaks ended at 90 and 100 days. I ran 2020 miles in 2020 (having not completed the 2018 and 2019 challenges).
Can you help me if I have specific health conditions or injuries?
We’ll work together to create a safe and effective schedule that balances your training plan and lifestyle to minimise the risk of injury. I can help you follow the advice of a medical professional to ensure your training is appropriate and safe.
How do you handle nutrition and diet in your coaching?
I can offer general advice on fuelling for runs and maintaining a balanced diet. Having lost 23kgs and maintained my weight loss, I can share my personal experiences and resources that have helped me. For specific dietary needs, I recommend consulting with a registered dietitian.
What if I’m not interested in running races?
No problem. My coaching is about helping you find joy and consistency in running, whether or not you choose to race. We can set goals that are meaningful to you, such as weekly mileage, improving your overall fitness, or hitting a distance milestone.
