Run with Elkie

Elke is the most amazing running coach! Elke understands that running is as much mental as it is physical. She helped coach me through some mental blocks I had about running longer distances by setting a training plan for me that was both achievable and yet challenging. As a mother of four children I had some time constraints which Elke was able to plan my training around, she was always ready to adapt the plan according to my needs. Her knowledge about nutrition and recovery from injury is exceptional, I have learnt so much from her. Elke has given me so much more than running, shes made me realise that anything is possible if you ask for help and focus your attention. I cannot recommend Elke highly enough, she is fabulous!!
Nov 27th, 2022

I wanted to get back to running with someone I could really trust to know how to deal with my hip injury. I loved the tips Elkie gave on my form, gait and stance. Incredibly approachable, she made the session fun and relaxed. Wholeheartedly recommend.
Oct 3rd, 2022

Absolutely amazing residential weekend (July 22), with a great feel. Gentle run on the Friday, hard but excellent session on the Saturday and then stunning trail run on the Sunday. Coaching and run leading was awesome and also some interesting talks to relax a bit! Would definitely recommend.
Jun 14th, 2022

Really great weekend running retreat with Elkie and Kate. Expertly put together and coordinated schedule including the perfect mix of running fun, technical coaching, team work, and learning. Super inclusive approach to the runs, and suitable for all levels. Fantastic guest speakers with insightful talks on injuries and mindset - really enjoyed these elements. Yummy meals and snacks. Thank you!
Jun 9th, 2022

Elkie is an excellent coach. A knowledgeable, supportive and motivational individual who has an intrinsic empathetic understanding and approach to training. I cannot recommend Elkie highly enough, I have thoroughly enjoyed time with her and I have learnt so much, and achieved results I would never have thought possible at the start I sought a coach to support preparation for my first marathon as a more mature 54 year old, and which I had entered in memory of a good friend who finally lost her long battle with cancer at the start of the year - my target was the Yorkshire Marathon in October. I had recently returned to running after a couple of years break. While I have run for years I had only completed a relatively small number of races/events a few HMs and the longest distance was a one off 15 miles. I had never had any proper coaching and I had a chronic lack of confidence in my ability and no idea how I would manage to achieve the challenge I had set myself After an initial introductory chat, and attending one of her in-person training sessions, Elkie developed a comprehensive training schedule for me which we adapted over time as my running developed. She explained the importance of each of the elements of training - hill/sprints- tempo sessions and long runs and I conducted monthly Parkruns to gauge progress and entered a number of races to keep me focused With weekly email exchanges and regular zoom calls my confidence and volume and quality of my running improved - in all I have completed more than 700 miles this year - a volume of running I would not have though possible at the start of the year As the mileage started to peak I again started to doubt my ability, however Elkie was extremely supportive and provided many practical ways to help me develop the right mindset and improve my nutrition as well a providing other tips to keep me going. I had a particularly rough patch just as she was heading out on some well-deserved leave - despite being away with her family she still found time to check in via email a number of times during this period to make sure I was doing ok. I have been very fortunate to not have had much in the way of injury in the past so when I had a hip issue within the last couple of months it could quite easily have ruined my marathon dreams - however in parallel with seeking physio input Elkie and I discussed the options and she re-jigged the latter stages schedule to enable me to pick back up my fitness The result was I got to the start line confident that I had put in the training, even though I still had some residual doubts about my own abilities- I think you cannot avoid doubt for your first marathon - I completed the marathon within my target range time despite going out too fast running with a friend in the first 10 miles and having an issue with my headset which meant no music - I did not stop, never wanted to, and there were no walls involved, and my recovery has been swift I have absolutely no doubt that I would not have achieved any of this without the calm, flexible and knowledgable coaching and advice that Elkie provided - I have learnt a lot about myself and other things that will endure long after the glow I currently feel post marathon subsides. While I am taking a few weeks away from coaching, focussing on time out on the trails, I will be looking forward to getting back to coaching in the new year and while I was not successful in the London ballot another marathon is definitely on the cards, and I am excited to see how much further I can improve with Elkies support
Nov 3rd, 2022