Running Coaching · Edinburgh
Train for Your Distance. Develop Your Running.
Whether you’re starting out, training for a road race or developing your speed, coaching starts with your goal and your current ability.
University-qualified running coach Former 400m hurdles athlete Level 4 Strength & Conditioning coach
A Better Way to Train
More Running Is Not Always Better Training.
Progress comes from giving each session a purpose, building your training at a rate you can manage and allowing time to recover. What that looks like depends on your experience, schedule and goal.
Purpose Progression Recovery
Meet Your Coach
A Runner's Experience. A Coach's Eye.
I started track and field at 12 and went on to compete in the 400m hurdles, continuing into my first years at university, where I specialised in track and field and running during my Physical Education degree. The event taught me how much running asks of you: rhythm, technique and managing your effort when fatigue sets in.
Today, my coaching starts with your goal and training history. Someone building a first running routine needs a different approach from a road racer or a hurdler preparing to compete. I choose the work that fits you, review how you respond and adjust from there.
I start with the runner in front of me: their goal, their history and what their training needs next.
Who It’s For
Different Runners. Different Goals.
You don’t need a race entry or a fast time to begin. We start with where you are now and what you want your running to do for you.
New and returning runners
Build a manageable routine, learn to judge your effort and develop confidence as your running grows.
Confidence first, then distance.
5K to marathon runners
Train towards a distance or target event with sessions that have a clear purpose and fit your life outside running.
Every session has a purpose.
Sprinters and hurdlers
Develop acceleration, speed, rhythm and event-specific conditioning around your experience and goals.
Speed is a skill. It can be coached.
Masters runners
Keep developing your running with attention to your training history, available time and recovery.
Train smart and keep improving.
Strength for Runners
Strength That Supports Your Running.
Most running plans stop at the running. As a Level 4 Strength & Conditioning coach, I treat strength as part of your running, not an extra you fit in when there’s time.
Well-planned strength training helps your body cope with the demands of running, supports your technique when you’re tired and gives you more power when you want to run faster. It’s always planned around your running week, so it supports your key sessions rather than competing with them.
Often one or two focused sessions a week, adjusted to your goal, experience and schedule.
Hold your form when tired
Strength work for your hips, trunk and lower legs supports the posture and control you need as a run or race becomes harder.
Build capacity for training
Progressively planned exercises help you develop strength for the repeated demands of running, alongside sensible running volume and recovery.
Develop force and power
Depending on your goal, lifting, jumps or plyometric drills can develop the qualities used in hills, finishing speed and sprinting.
Your Training
The Right Work for Your Goal.
Alongside your strength work, every part of your running is planned around what you need now. The balance changes with your goal, experience and available time.
Running sessions and pacing
Every session has a clear purpose, with effort and pace set from your current ability, not guesswork.
Selected for your goal
Technique and drills
Observation, feedback and drills, used only when a technical change will help you run better.
Speed or endurance development
The emphasis follows your goal, from acceleration and speed endurance to sustained running.
Load and recovery
Weekly volume built gradually, with easy days and rest planned so you can keep training.
How We Work
A Plan That Develops With You.
Your coaching starts with an honest look at where you are. From there, each phase is coached, reviewed and adjusted around your response.
Assess
We look at your running history, current training, goals and the time you have available.
Plan
I set a direction and give each session a purpose that fits your starting point.
Coach
We work on the running skills and physical qualities most relevant to your goal.
Review
We look at your completed training, feedback and how you’re responding.
Adapt
Your next phase reflects your progress, recovery, schedule and changing goals.
Steps 02–05 repeat with each training block.
Training With Direction
Build Towards What Matters to You.
Your goal gives training its direction. That could mean becoming a more consistent runner or preparing for a race or competition period.
Run for yourself
Build a consistent routine, develop fitness, return to running or simply enjoy making progress. You don’t need an event on the calendar.
Prepare to compete
Work towards a road race or a sprint and hurdles competition period, with training shaped around your event and the time available.
Foundation Development Goal-specific work Compete or review
An example of how training can develop, not a fixed programme.
Ways to Work Together
Coached In Person, Online or Both.
Your goal, schedule and need for direct feedback shape the coaching approach. We’ll discuss the right level of support during your consultation.
In-person running coaching
Work on running drills, technique and short accelerations in the functional area at JD Gyms Edinburgh Chesser, with strength coaching where appropriate. Outdoor running sessions can also be part of your plan.
Best for: hands-on technique and strength coaching.
Hybrid running coaching
Follow your running plan in Intervals.icu between selected in-person sessions. When strength work is included, I deliver that programme through Trainerize. We review your training and adjust it as you progress.
Best for: training independently with regular coached sessions.
Online running coaching
Follow a personalised running plan in Intervals.icu, with feedback and adjustments as you train. If your plan includes strength work, you’ll receive that through Trainerize.
Best for: runners outside Edinburgh or with a changing schedule.
Common Questions
Questions About Running Coaching.
You can begin without a race entry or a particular pace in mind. Here are answers about where we train, how the plan works and the support available between coached sessions.
The Short Answer
We start with your running experience, goal and available time. You don't need to choose a distance or a coaching route before we speak.
Can I start running coaching if I’m a beginner?
Yes. We start with your current ability and build a routine you can manage. Early coaching may focus on judging effort, developing consistency and gradually increasing the running you can complete.
Do I need a race or target distance?
No. Better technique, more controlled repetitions or completing more useful work can also show progress. We review your training over time and increase load when it is appropriate.
Where do in-person sessions happen? Do I need a track?
You don’t need to train on a track. At JD Gyms Edinburgh Chesser, we can work on drills, running technique, short accelerations and strength in the functional area. Outdoor sessions can be arranged nearby when they suit your goal.
What happens in the free consultation?
The rate varies between people. Improvements in training performance may appear before visible body changes, so we review several signs of progress rather than promise a particular result by a set date.
How often will I run or train each week?
Yes. We begin with suitable exercises and coach technique, effort and a manageable routine. The plan develops as you gain experience and confidence.
How do hybrid and online running coaching work?
Your running plan is delivered through Intervals.icu. We review your training together through regular check-ins, which can take place by Zoom. Hybrid coaching also includes selected in-person sessions. If your plan includes strength work, I can deliver that part through Trainerize.
Can you help me prepare for a race or track competition season?
Yes. Training can build towards a road race or a sprint and hurdles competition period. We plan around the demands of your event and review progress along the way.
Your Next Step
Tell Me What You're Running For.
Share where your running is now and what you’d like to work towards. We’ll agree a practical starting point and the coaching route that fits your goal and schedule.
Free 30-minute consultation In person or online No obligation
What happens in your consultation
- We talk through your running Your current routine, your experience and what has or hasn’t worked so far.
- We clarify your goal What you want to work towards and the time you can realistically commit.
- You leave with a clear starting point A recommended first step and the coaching route that fits you: in person, hybrid or online.
JD Gyms Edinburgh Chesser or online via Zoom