Coaching

Following a brief but illustrious racing career (including twice winning the prestigious Lakeland 100 and placing 8th at the CCC — one of the world's most competitive Ultra-Trails — full palmarès HERE), I started 1:1 coaching in late 2017 and have since worked with athletes of a wide range of talent and ability, from Skyrunning national champions, to retirees who just want to get more out of their running or finish their first ultra.

Whatever your background or experience: whether you're a seasoned athlete looking to work with a highly race experienced coach and gain fresh training insight, or are simply seeking more guidance to train more consistently and with and motivation, following more structured plan that comprises more purposeful daily workouts — if you know where you want to be with your running: I can help you get there!

If you're seeking genuine progress with your running and want to benefit from the accountability and direction that comes with 1:1 coaching: Get in touch today! Step Above and achieve your running APEX this year: you are capable of far more than you think.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Initially, we will arrange a video call (if you're based near Chester, we can get out for a run or meet in person) so I can get to know more about you and your goals, and how I can support you in achieving them. Following this initial consultation, if you're happy to proceed, I'll generate a training plan for the initial three months of training, with the plan subsequently updated and delivered monthly and any adjustments made weekly. Any plan is highly flexible and subject to change in accordance with any other commitments you may have.

Training is delivered via the TrainingPeaks platform (for which there is a great mobile app), linking to your GPS watch and allowing us to seamlessly track your training, while also acting as a diary into which we can both add comments and workout feedback. Each technical workout features a video tutorial (EXAMPLE) to help fast-track your education and awareness of core training principles and practice. Ahead of each target race, it's usual to create a bespoke nutrition and pacing strategy based on your individual goals.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to training and coaching; some clients need more guidance than others. Therefore, coached athletes benefit from unlimited 24/7 contact and support via email or WhatsApp, as well as a monthly video call to discuss any queries you may have regarding training, equipment, diet, etc. The current rate for 1:1 online coaching is £150 PCM and a two month initial commitment. To ensure a high quality of service for all clients I work with, my capacity is capped at 12 athletes.

Whether your goal is to complete your first SkyRace or Ultra-Trail, or maximise your athletic potential and step onto the top of the podium: I can help, so please get in touch today via mike@apexrunning.co

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Prior to working with Mike at the beginning of 2019, my training was determined by how I felt on the day and what the weather was doing. During our first chat we discussed my athletic background, current environment, work/life balance, etc., and narrowed the goals to Skyrunning UK & Ireland series races, so I could compete in events which truly inspire me... Fast-forward to the end of the season and with a bit of hard work along the way, I am the Skyrunner UK & Ireland champion for 2019. I could not be happier!" — Coached Athlete Kasia Osipowicz.

"Mike is a fantastic coach, very enthusiastic about running, racing, and coaching. I found myself at a place with my running where I had plateaued and wanted to look into ways in which I could improve. As soon as I started working with Mike, he was able to quickly assess and understand where I was with my training and provide me a vastly improved plan, to get more out of each session and to help me work on my weaknesses. While life was quite a challenge for me in 2019, he managed to improve my race times considerably. I could not have been happier with the results." — Coached Athlete Matt Johnson

"I’m not the fastest runner but I’d lined up a year which included the Lavaredo Ultra Trail & TDS, and I wanted to have a good training plan/expert advice so that I could give them my best shot. I have a history of getting niggles which have restricted my training in the past so Mike tailored the plan to suit, including regular S&C & form drills. Following that plan, along with regular input from Mike, meant that I had a long consistent block of training, culminating in a successful completion of the new, longer TDS. I’m sure that working with Mike was a major contributor to this." — Coached Athlete Dave Boothroyd