FAQs

What is a holistic approach to running and fitness?

A holistic approach means considering all the factors that influence your running and fitness to find the right balance for you. A lot of runners do the miles. A smaller number squeeze in strength training. Even fewer prioritise nutrition... see where I’m going?

It’s not just about training, it’s about everything around it. Recovery, sleep, nutrition, stress, family life, work demands… they all matter. A holistic approach looks at both training and non-training demands to help you get the best out of yourself and be able to sustain it.

What qualifications do you have?

Where do I start... I hold an honours degree in Applied Sports Science and a foundation degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Over the years, I’ve added:

Coaching in Running Fitness (CiRF)
Level 3 Endurance Coach
Two Level 2 Gym Instructor qualifications (I resat one after a break from gym-based instructing)
Level 3 Personal Training
Level 3 Sports Massage

...and a few others. These have helped me coach a wide range of athletes and build my business. I’m big on continuous development. I don’t claim to know everything, but if it helps you, I’m always willing to learn.

Qualifications are great, but what experience do you have?

Absolutely—experience matters. I started out working in gyms, mainly within higher education. After moving to Scotland, I stepped away from the fitness industry for a while and worked in the NHS as a Senior Improvement Advisor.

I took up running during Covid, which led to my own race experiences and roles like Welfare Officer and now Head Coach at my running club, Newton Road Runners. I’ve coached people from their first 5k to their first ultra, from knee surgery to sub 20min 5ks and everything in between.

Do you only coach runners?

No, but running is my wheelhouse. That said, I’m confident my skills, knowledge, and approach can support a range of goals. I hold myself to high standards, and if I ever felt I couldn’t help you get the most out of yourself, I’d be honest about it.

I just want a plan, do you offer that?

Possibly in the future, but it’s not something I offer right now.

Why pay for a coach when I can just use an app like Runna or Coopah?

Great question. AI is improving fast, and apps are cheaper—no doubt. But here’s the thing: you’re not a robot.

Apps can track missed sessions or paces. What they don’t track are sleepless nights, the one-too-many celebrating your team’s win, newborn feeds, work stress, or the need for real accountability. That’s where a coach comes in.