Since i started trail/ultra in 2017 I had always written my own running program, training block and strength sessions which at the time seemed to work but the more I ran and raced everything was just getting repetitive and mundane which in turn made training very boring. That said during that time I managed to achieve some very good results with a win in the Snowdonia Maverick Ultra and few podium finishes in the Pen Llyn Ultra 50 miler and Winter 35mile races. My final race as a self coached athlete was the 2019 Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50 which despite finishing second, i wasn't happy with my result as there were alot of things that went wrong and finishing nearly an hour behind first place prompted me to seek guidance and coaching advice.
So that is when I decided to call on the guys at High Peak Running to hopefully give me that edge to progress and also to give me a variety of structure along with feedback in my training to keep things interesting. From speaking to Brennan over the phone and giving him my goals along with family and work commitments, he came up with a programme that suited both straight away and we got to work with the Snowdon Skyline coming up in a couple of month.The build up was great with a variety of trails, hills, speed and S&C ensuring I was ready for race day. Despite staring strong and sitting in 3rd with only 1 big climb left I took a tumble and tore the ligaments in my ankle which was no doubt a headache for any coach.
Once the injury had headed, Brennan put together an amazing recovery program for me ensure I didn't rush back to soon and ensure my ligaments and muscles were strong enough to endure the rigours or trail running. With his background in running and cycling he made the training really enjoyable and progressive which made the recovery process enjoyable and specific.
I managed to recovery fully and got the opportunity to test it in the first race in the 2020 UK & Ireland Skyrunning series in the Gaelforce Skyline which was extremely challenging but ultimately the ankle passed and I had a really strong performance which i fully enjoyed.
Post the race in Ireland the whole world went into Lockdown and races were being cancelled left right and centre so having a coach keep you on track during this time was extremely importance and that just what you get from the High Peaks Running team. Bespoke 1 to 1 training with constant feedback and advice when required. During this hard time Brennan managed to bang together at short notice a bespoke programme for my ambitious Paddy Buckley Round which despite the atrocious conditions I managed to complete that to the training and support from the team.
Now we are focusing on a successful 2021 season. Anybody looking for bespoke coaching with constant support, I cannot recommend these guys enough. Hopefully they will get the whole trained athletes together for a training camp in 2021..
Oh i also manages to get a road 10km PB during this time so very transferable which shows the diversity of training provided.