I am Head of Coaching and Development at Vale of York with overall responsibility for coach and athlete development and the junior and senior training programmes. I have England Athletics Event Group Endurance Specialist accreditation as well as being an Athletics Coach. I am also the Head Track and Field Coach at University of York.

My experience of endurance sport spans nearly fifty years and is deeply rooted in empowering athletes of all ages and abilities to unlock their full potential. I started running competitively at the age of 11, and sport and fitness has remained a large part of my life ever since. I’ve coached in a wide variety of community and corporate settings since 1992, and remain a internationally competitive Masters athlete at age 58.

As a former academic, I fuse evidence-based expertise with substantial practical experience to prioritise an athlete’s holistic growth and to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

I do not believe one-size fits all. Consequently my training plans are guides rather than straightjackets and my coaching ethos is fundamentally ‘soul-based.’ 

My coaching philosophy is built upon four cornerstones:

• Consistency: I believe that consistent training forms the bedrock of all athletic progress. At its simplest this means showing up to training and to competition. More nuanced, in designing training plans, I place significant emphasis on a gradual and progressive increase in training load, encompassing intensity and time spent training, thereby ensuring athletes adapt effectively and minimise the risk of injury. This approach may involve a runner carefully building their base of distance and speed over several months.

• Variety: To effectively stimulate physiological adaptation and prevent training plateaus, training must be varied, engaging and fun. This is more than simply altering running distances; it involves the strategic integration of run, jump, and throw at different intensities on varied terrain and topography. Furthermore, I am a keen advocate for the inclusion of cross-training activities to cultivate well-rounded fitness. 

• Athleticism: Developing agility, balance, coordination, speed, strength, and power are key aspects of athleticism at Vale of York. True and sustainable endurance performance is underpinned by a strong foundation of well-rounded athleticism. Consequently, my coaching often incorporates tailored strength and conditioning components, specifically designed to meet the demands of endurance sports. Examples of this include plyometric exercises for runners to enhance running economy and power, targeted core work for improved stability and efficient movement, and mobility drills to increase range of motion and reduce the likelihood of injury.

• Community: The transformative power of a supportive training and competitive community cannot be overstated. They provide invaluable encouragement, fosters accountability, and cultivates a strong sense of belonging. At Vale of York, I actively strive to nurture a culture of camaraderie and mutual support among our athletes. This is achieved through organising group training sessions, creating opportunities for athletes to connect and share their experiences. Our community ethos values both participation and individual personal growth, recognising that these are often more significant than solely focusing on competitive outcomes. Community at Vale of York embodies teamwork, persistence, and the act of giving back to your club and fellow teammates.

Beyond my role in athlete coaching, I am deeply committed to the broader development and well-being of the athletics community. My work with UK Athletics as a Safeguarding Educator and with England Athletics as the Regional Chair for Yorkshire and Humberside, reflect my desire to creating a safe, ethical, and inclusive environment for athletes of all ages. Furthermore, my positions as Trustee and Chair of the Athletics Committee at Vale of York allow me to contribute to the strategic direction of Vale of York Athletic Community, ensuring that we are effectively serving the diverse needs of our community. 

Whether I am working providing guidance online or with people in person, my overriding goal is to empower athletes to achieve their individual aspirations whilst nurturing a lasting love for athletics and running. I am deeply passionate about helping athletes discover their full potential, not just as runners, but as well-rounded individuals. 

I use a variety of online planning and analysis tools to help athletes structure and learn from their training. These include vdot, intervals.icu and runalyze.

Get in touch if you would like to know more.