Start with a free introductory chat to establish whether I’m the right coach for you. Email richard.kendall80@gmail.com for enquiries, and put “coaching” in the title.

Coaching then includes the 3 main elements described below.

Why get a coach?

You’re eyeing up a big race or challenge, and want to give yourself the best shot. You’d like support with your training, along with advice on all the other things you need to think about. Entering a major ultra, or planning a big challenge is going to take a lot of time and effort, and you want to make sure you’re well prepared when the day comes. You might be grappling with how to deal with something new – greater distances, more height gain, eating on the move, self-navigation, tricky terrain, night running, maybe all of these things!

Why me?

I have supported runners to (e.g.) complete the Bob Graham Round, a first 50 mile race, or take first steps into ultra trail events. I know what works: a combination of the right way to train, what else you need to know, and regular contact and support. My specialism as a runner has been in those challenges which are difficult to complete, such as the winter solo Bob Graham (5th completion), or 2021 Dragons Back Race (75% DNF rate).

It isn’t about being a super-fast runner, but using your time in the best possible way to achieve your goals. My practical approach involves fitting training around life, and covering all the other things you will need to know.

t’s a lot more than just a training plan: I would cover strength and conditioning to improve ascending and descending and avoid injury, and advice on a range of “hill skills”, such as navigation, kit, and technical skills. I have specific experience of numerous UK challenges and events (such as the Bob Graham, Dragons Back Race, Lakeland 100, Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100. I hold the Coaching In Running Fitness Qualification through England Athletics.

Testimonial

From Simon B: Rich can be blamed entirely for my Bob Graham Round attempt. After being the subject of less than subtle suggestions, plus a few chats over a beer, I decided that I would give the BGR a go. The only problem is that whilst I’m a decent club runner with trail experience, I did not possess any fell or mountain experience. 

I gave myself a year to prepare for the attempt and reached out to Rich for a training programme and advice on how to tackle it. The programme focused on a few key areas and gave me flexibility which was very necessary given my work and family life. We spent a lot of time discussing my kit and what was required to train effectively and safely over the winter months. 

What I found most useful was the regular chats I had with him on the areas of training I ought to improve and on the positive progress I had made. The assurance he gave me was invaluable.

Rich provided a great selection of intermediate races for me to tackle, routes for me to do or recce, and contributed considerably to the planning of my BGR attempt. I was also lucky enough to be joined by Rich in person for a few runs which was another great chance to pick his brains.

Without him I really wouldn’t have had the confidence to have even started it but I did and succeeded within the 24 hour cutoff. Thank you very much for the advice and making me a better runner.