Run
Strong
With Mel
Run coaching for women who juggle it all
Running isn’t just about fitness. For many women it’s about carving out time for yourself in the middle of juggling a family, the mental load and work demands. It’s about finding the confidence to take on new challenges, achieving something for yourself to be proud of and showing your children that women can do hard things.
If you’ve ever tried a running app or a one-size-fits-all training plan, you’ll know they don’t always fit into real life. They don’t always give you accountability when your motivation dips and they don’t offer the encouragement of having someone who understands in your corner.
As a qualified UK athletics coach and a down to earth runner who’s trained through the ups and downs of family life, I know what it feels like to want structure and progress but also flexibility; to love the idea of a race, but quietly fear not making the start line and to use running as a life-line for strength, escape and me-time.
Whether you’re a beginner lacing up for the first time, or an experienced runner chasing a new distance or PB, I’ll help you build confidence, get stronger and enjoy running on your terms.
What I offer
Personalised online coaching
£50 per month (minimum 3-month commitment)
Want support throughout the training process?
- Let me help by offering you an online coaching service that covers all aspects of training which will evolve as you work through it.
- This includes a 1 hour initial video call consultation, unlimited contact via whatsapp, and a monthly personalised training plan and video call to discuss sessions and progress.
- Advice re kit, nutrition and pacing.
training plan only
£50 (no monthly commitment)
Do you have your next race in mind and need a training plan to suit your individual needs.
- Let me create a plan that suits your goals, work/time commitments and current level of fitness.
- This includes a 1 hour initial consultation video call.
- 3 month training plan personalised to your needs/aims.
1-2-1 in-person run sessions
£40 per hour one-off fee
Let’s get together for a session which caters for your individual aim be that speed, distance or just to start to run.
Maybe you’d like guidance on how to do a speed session, hill reps, drills or advice on running style.
A bit about me
I started running to lose weight in my early twenties but I wouldn’t say I was passionate about it. Then as I got older it became a way to release stress, be outside and to challenge myself. I entered a few races and slowly built up to doing a few road marathons. It was when I discovered trail running that I fell in love and when I started exploring ultra marathons I was hooked.
I love the freedom, I love the beautiful places they take me to and I love how with hard work, motivation and support I can show my daughter that women can achieve these amazing things.
As a busy mum, I know how tricky it can be to juggle training and spending time with our families but I am super passionate about showing other mums that it can be done.
I am also very passionate about giving women the confidence to get out on the trails and more importantly enjoy the experience. For many women it isn’t as easy as getting out the door, there can be many barriers to overcome such as feeling safe, finding childcare and navigating menstrual or peri-menopausal symptoms.
I love seeing women have the confidence to overcome these barriers.
Experience
- Various road marathons including London, Manchester and Blackpool
- The Dukeries 40 miler
- The Wall Ultra
- Punk Panther River Aire 50 mile
- Peddars way ultra
- Hardmoors 30
- Equinox 24 event solo
- The Lap
- The 5 Rivers ultra 103 miles
- The Lakeland 50
- The Pilgrims ultra 100k
Testimonials
After completing couch to 5K, I found myself enjoying running but completing the same distance and route again few times a week. I needed a challenge and that’s when I found Mel.
We chatted and I explained how I was feeling and ended up signing up for. Half marathon . Mel was amazing at guiding me and once the half marathon was completed, I was hungry for more; it was time for the big one, a MARATHON!
Mel to the rescue again, I explained (as a busy mum of 3), what my realistic training availability was going to be and she worked with that. She would send me my monthly plan and was cheering me on after each run and checking in.
Marathon training can be lonely but she was there for the doubts, tears and exhaustion of trying to juggle being a mum with the training. If I had a bad week, she adjusted the plan to make it work.
Now I can say I am a MARATHON RUNNER!
Thank you Mel.
Before I started sessions with Mel I had completed the Great North Run twice for charity and I pretty much hated running, because you couldn’t really call my speed a run!
In 2020 a year after I had my little boy, I started sessions with Mel and my aim was to run 5k in under 30 mins and 10k in under an hour, which for someone as slow as me seemed unachievable, but with Mel’s help and training plans I achieved both.
Not only that but 2 years ago I ran 100 miles in May for Mind.
Without Mel’s support, commitment, training plans and my accountability to turn up come sun, snow or thunder storms I have come such a long way and I’ll always be grateful to Mel for that.
Not only is Mel a motivator and a cheer leader, she has become a friend.
Our sessions over these last 5 years are never the same and I no longer hate running!
I couldn’t recommend Mel highly enough.
Check out my other business
I run a mobile personal training service specialising in pre and postnatal fitness.
No childcare? No worries! Let me come to your home or garden and the best thing is your little one’s can watch or join in and learn that fitness can be fun. With 10 years experience in the childcare business before I took on my fitness qualifications, I love to get the little ones involved.
If you’d rather exercise in a group dynamic, join us at the beautiful Easton on the Hill village hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am for Mama and Mini fitness, a fun circuit-based class where I encourage you to bring along your babies and toddlers to join in the fun. I am always on hand to help out with feeding, rocking or simply for cuddles so you Mamas can get your exercise time in a supportive space.