I've been running, coaching and working in the world of athletics for over 25 years. As a former international distance runner, I bring a vast amount of personal experience, knowledge and expertise at many levels to my role as a coach. Motivated to help runners and athletes of all ages and abilities achieve their potential and reach their goal, whether this is completing a 5k, running a marathon or smashing a PB, is what I’m about.
Qualifications
I am a UK Athletics qualified Leader in Running Fitness, Coach in Running Fitness and Athletics Coach and have taken England Athletics modules in Movement Skills 1 & 2 and Physical Preparation.
Following a degree in Marketing from the University of Strathclyde I enjoyed an athletics scholarship at the University of Alabama completing a degree in Sports & Fitness Management. Mixing with coaches and athletes from many different countries undoubtedly helped shape my thinking about coaching.
In Lancashire, Somerset, Germany and Denmark I worked as a teacher and Personal Fitness Trainer before launching into an 18-year career in athletics development with governing bodies of athletics, including England Athletics. There I organised and ran coach mentor programmes, county and regional squads, established beginner running groups and organised over 50 workshops in topics such as Marathon Preparation, Psychology & Confidence, Biomechanics of Running, Physical Preparation, Visually Impaired Running, Training for Running in Water, Posture & Screening and Child Athlete Development.
Coaching
I currently coach young athletes at Horsham Blue Star Harriers in fundamental movement skills, athletics and endurance running as well as working with adults.
Running and Racing
As a keen competitor, my most recent accomplishments include:
- Ran a PB marathon of 2hr 56.04 in 2023 in Eindhoven
- Currently the fastest over 55 female parkrunner and Half Marathon runner in the UK in 2023
- Completed my 29th parkrun in April 2023 running a parkrun PB of 18.04
- Ran my quickest time for 4 years at this year’s 2023 Brighton Half Marathon 81.44.
- Overall female winner of the 2022 Barns Green 10k, 2023 Mel’s Milers 10k and 2023 Run Gatwick 10k.
