Coaching

When I started running in 2012 I couldn’t run down the beach near where I lived at the time for more than 10 minutes without having to stop and walk off a stitch. Just five years later I had won the prestigious Lakeland 100 twice and placed top ten at the CCC, one of the world's most competitive Alpine trail ultras! I've now been coaching for over two years 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 and finish their first ultra.

Although I was already well versed in the training principles behind endurance performance thanks to a decade of competitive XC mountain bike racing during my youth, my progress through the ultrarunning ranks is thanks to being a student of sport science, posessing a sound work ethic and being open-minded enough to experiment with new training processes and techniques relevant to ultrarunning: an ongoing process of exploration.

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 simply someone seeking more accountability, guidance and motivation to train more consistently with a more structured plan, with more purposeful workouts through the dark winter months - if you know where you want to be with your running, I can help you get there!

An athlete’s endeavour is a constant work in progress. Ultrarunning rewards experience and determination over natural gift and with the right attitude and willingness to learn, anyone can run 100 miles (or more!) and run them to their full potential! A curious nature drew me into the sport and now I take pride in giving back and helping others enjoy a similar rise throughout their ultra-journeys. Knowledge really is power in this sport! Don’t waste your time doing the same thing over and over, hoping for better results: learn from my mistakes, step above and achieve your running APEX. You are capable of far more than you think!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

After contacting me via the email address below, I’ll be in touch to arrange a time to chat for an hour or so to get to know you and work out how I can support you. Even better, if you can get to Chester or North Wales, we can get out for a run and chat in a less formal atmosphere and discuss your background, strengths and weaknesses, what motivates you and how this may relate to your future running aspirations. Following this initial meeting I'll block out the first three months of training, bearing in mind any other life commitments you may have.

You’ll need a GPS watch with heart rate monitor and a smartphone. Training is delivered via TrainingPeaks online software (for which there is a great mobile app) that links to your Garmin Connect/Movescount, etc. account, allowing you to seamlessly track your training, acting as a diary into which we can both add comments and workout feedback. It also offers a range of training insight and planning tools. You also have unlimited 24/7 support via email or WhatsApp messaging/voice/videocall to discuss any queries you may have regarding training, equipment, diet, etc., which is especially helpful in the lead up to a target event! I usually work out a race nutrition plan with most clients ahead of a target race too. Coached athletes also benefit from guaranteed entry to any APEX Running event.

I don’t prescribe to a one-size-fits-all approach to training and coaching, so my pricing reflects this. Some clients need more guidance than others. My current rate for 1:1 online coaching is £90 PCM, with three months paid up-front, then monthly payment via direct debit, representing excellent value in the current market. If you require a short-term (<16 weeks) supported training plan, perhaps for a specific upcoming event, or just want to give working with a coach a try with no ongoing committment, please get in touch for one-off services.

I also offer a 1:1 'Training MOT' service: a 60-90 minute video call consultation where we can discuss how to enhance your training relative to your goals, recommended reading and advanced training principles and how to employ them effectively - diet, strength training, plus much more. It's a sure-fire way to rejuvante your passion for training! The current rate for this is £80.

Whether your goal is to complete your first ultra or maximise your athletic potential, I can help, so please get in touch today!

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