"Working with Paul has truly transformed my running journey!"

Introduction

My name's Paul, a Midlands-based, dedicated, full-time coach. I'm a passionate, ambitious runner with PBs of 5k - 15'18, 10k - 32'08, 10 miles - 52'34, Half Marathon - 69'42. At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, these were all before super shoes! I'm currently working my way back from injury with the long-term of becoming a nationally competitive masters athlete.

My coaching interest has always been in supporting improvement, regardless of level. I've had a lifelong fascination with science, health, and performance, spending most days over the last thirty years thinking about to maximum my potential, or that of others.

Experience

I have over thirty years' competitive running experience. I've raced on road, track, and cross-country, to national level. This has been a period of considerable self-experimentation. I've made every mistake in the book, at least once, so you don't have to! A big part of the deep joy of running comes through testing my limits and exploring my potential, and I'm passionate about helping others to take the same journey.

I've been a member of a numbers of clubs, helping to found and run the junior section at two of these. From the age of fifteen I've been involved in coaching and advising a broad range of runners, from complete beginners to those chasing international honours.

At my current club I manage the senior track and field team, overseeing an historic rise to the top division of the Midland League.

Qualifications

I have a Batchelor of Science Honours Degree in Sports Therapy from Birmingham University. As well as equipping me with in-depth knowledge of running injuries, this included training in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sports training principles, sports psychology, performance testing, and exercise prescription (in particular strength and conditioning for rehabilitation).

I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Worcester University. This gave me a thorough understanding and appreciation for the importance of diet, sleep, and other lifestyle factors in supporting health and performance. In addition to training in biological systems analysis, the course extended my ability to analyse, appraise and interpret studies, allowing me to root my coaching in only the most rigirous latest science.