Meet our ambassador running coaches

🏃‍♀️UK Coaching Week🏃‍♀️

'UK Coaching' are the UK's leading charitable organisation for physical activity and sports coaches. This year they have launched their #Born2Coach campaign that aims to increase the coaching workforce by sparking peoples motivation and drive to become a coach, and also encourage those who are already coaches to further their skills.

Image credit: UK Coaching

Team Runderwear have a huge mix of runners with some competing in marathons whilst others are social runners. However, what everyone has in common is the passion of running and empowering others, therefore we loved this campaign by UK Coaching so we chatted to one of our Ambassadors Steven.

Steven is a keen runner and qualified running coach so we chatted to him to about all things running and coaching. Steven started running marathons around 6 years ago and has never looked back! His first marathon time was an impressive 4:17 and this has since progressed to 2:57 😮

Somewhere in between these marathons Steven found a love of helping others, either starting their running journey or looking to improve through personalised coaching.

With this week being UK Coaching week, we asked Steven why runners should consider using a coach:

“Being a coach myself, I would always recommend a running coach, especially to runners taking on a marathon for the first time. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience to know how to get you prepared for the big day in the best way possible. On top of this, having a coach will also hold you accountable for the training, which I find is a great motivational tool. Of course coaching plans are adaptable and totally tailored to you and your ability, as we understand that life can get in the way sometimes”

Image Credit: sjb_running

With many people starting their marathon training this week (16-week programmes), we also asked Steven his top tips for anyone planning on running a marathon:

⭐️ Before you start, get a trainer fitting (or gait analysis) at your local running shop - The right shoes are key.

⭐️ Get yourself some quality kit - you’ll be running 3-5 days a week, comfort is vital. My ultimate, go-to clothing item is the Runderwear Long Boxer shorts - I never leave the house without a pair.

⭐️ Keep your easy runs easy - You should be able to speak a couple of sentences without getting out of breath.

⭐️ Take care of your body -  Sports massages are a great way to stay fresh. Always stretch/foam roll after sessions - It can be hard to find the time but even 10 minutes before bed will make you feel much better the next day.

⭐️ Be sensible, if you have a slight ‘niggle’, rest for a day or two. Better to be out for a day or two, than a week or two, or even worse months (potentially missing the main event).

⭐️ If you follow an online plan, keep your goal time realistic/achievable. And only increase your mileage 10% each week. If in doubt, reach out to a coach on Instagram for advice. They’ll be happy to help.

⭐️ Most importantly - It’s an incredible journey, so enjoy yourself!

Find these tips useful? Save them as a useful reference during your training, and do share them with your fellow running buddies 👏

Image Credit: sjb_running

We loved chatting to Steven and finding out his top tips.

Get in touch and share your top tips too! #Born2Coach

Happy running!