Helen & Spencer – from Parkrun to Amsterdam marathon
Like many first-time marathon runners, we somewhat naively signed up for the Amsterdam marathon with little experience of running but excited by the challenge. We had no real idea of what to do or where to start, so we turned to Paul for help.
Paul guided us through every step, from our first Parkrun to establish our baseline training times to running the final lap of the Olympic stadium at the end of the Amsterdam marathon.
The training plan Paul wrote for us was brilliant. Each week we had a carefully judged schedule which stretched us just enough to make progress but always gave us recovery time to absorb the training and had realistic demands to fit around daily life.
Tackling this challenge as a couple with slightly different running speeds added complication but Paul expertly advised us how to balance our training pace so we could run together and still get the right individual training effect without risking injury.
Along the way we’ve had experiences we’ll never forget – from the amazing music and crowds at the Great Manchester 10k to the feeling of accomplishment finishing our first half marathon in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside in Ilkley. By the time we were at the start line in Amsterdam we felt confident and raring to go – thinking how incredible it was that just a little over six months ago we were starting our first ever Park Run!
Training with Paul for this challenge has ignited our passion for running and we can honestly say that we couldn’t have done it without Paul’s support and guidance.
ULTRA MARATHON TRAINING
Mike improved his running technique before starting his ultra marathon training plan
PAIN FREE WALKING
Stu managed to change his walking technique to help prevent knee pain
IMPROVED SPEED
Jaco improved his running speed in preparation for a 5k race
Alice – Renewed her love for running
Having just completed the 6-week course with Paul, I can say that I’ve renewed my love of running and now feel excited to get out and run more frequently. My aim was to enjoy running again and feel more confident in my technique to enable me to run consistently and avoid injury.
Paul has a very approachable coaching style and really listens to what it is you are wanting to get out of the course. He is good at explaining the why behind the technique, and through repeated short intervals, he really helps with getting the connection between your brain and body, so that you can really feel what a good technique is like, so that when you’re out on your own, it is easier to maintain.
Running now feels much easier, and I now prefer to run faster, as it feels more comfortable with my improved technique.
Would really recommend working with Paul, as even in six sessions, I’ve made huge improvements, but the main thing is that I am keen to get out and run again.
Move better. Run better. Achieve your goals.