A festive message from Coach the Run! πŸŽ…πŸŽ„β›„


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Here's your
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Coach the Run fortnightly email

Hi Reader,

Hats off to all of you for continuing to show up and run – even when it's super chilly outside! With the winter solstice yesterday, brighter evening runs are around the corner! πŸ˜‰ β˜€οΈ

In this email, we share a fantastic opportunity that will warm you up – an amazing running training camp in Portugal. Also, Brandon, our shoe expert, gives us his Christmas top 10 shoe review.

Plus, if you're getting your runs in at night, we have an essential guide to running safely in the dark. And Mike also shares a hill training hack!

Don't forget there's still time to put one of our training plans into action and begin your New Year challenge!

We hope you have a fantastic holiday season. Enjoy running in between the cheese and chocolate! πŸ§€ 🍫

TOP 10 SHOES

This New Year, give the gift of performance and comfort!

The right shoes can transform a running journey, and our guide to the top 10 running shoes is the ideal starting point. If you’re looking for the perfect treads for a loved one, check out our guide to shoes to help them crush their 2025 running goals!

Check out Brandon's latest run down...

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RUNNING TRAINING

Running in the sun!

Baby, it's cold outside, so how about planning an amazing trip to sunny Portugal for a running camp?

We invite you to join the 2:09 Events Algarve Spring Running Camp: your ultimate running transformation.

Discover an immersive running experience in Falesia, Portugal, designed to elevate your performance and passion.

This comprehensive camp offers:

βœ” Two weeks available: March 8-15 and March 15-22, 2025

βœ” Limited to 90 runners per week

βœ” Located at Victoria Beach and Sport Resort

βœ” Coaching by elite athletes.

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The experience includes:

βœ” Daily morning and afternoon running sessions

βœ” Diverse routes: beach, cliff tops, trails, roads

βœ” Complementary activities: yoga, pilates, core fitness

βœ” Evening seminars and social events

βœ” Personalised coaching for all skill levels.

Enjoy the Algarve climate and coastal scenery, with a private running track and cross-country course. Perfect for runners seeking skill enhancement, motivation, and an unforgettable training experience in a beautiful setting.

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London Marathon 2025 Countdown
Sunday 27 April - 4 months to go

Count down to 2025-04-27T07:00:00.000Z​

Whether you're a marathon novice or a seasoned runner,
we have a running training plan just for you.

Brighton Marathon
/ April 25

​See details β†’

(Still charity places)

Ibiza Marathon
/ April 25

​See details β†’

Milton Keynes Marathon
/ May 25

​See details β†’

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ONE-TO-ONE MARATHON SUPPORT

Maximise your marathon training every step of the way

Our one-to-one online coaching is perfect for half-marathon and full-marathon runners of all levels.
​Run Your Best Race is our premium subscription service that includes online sessions with London Marathon winner and head coach Mike Gratton.

This winter, we've welcomed many new runners preparing for the spring season, and we'd love for you to join us, too.

Sign up today for Β£180
(3 months support)...

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​What's included:

  • Our aim is to get you a super PB...
  • 1-hour kick-off call with Mike to review your target goal and running history
  • Personalised training plan, supplied every 4 weeks based on your feedback & progress
  • Unlimited messages to coach Mike via our private portal
  • 3x extra video with Mike to help you support you during your training block​
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Your exclusive sportsshoes.com
15% discount code:

MQ10ZWOI84

For all our subscribers - the code will give you 15% off SS25 products​
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The code expires on 1st May 2025. SS25 products are current season items. In most cases, SS25 will be stated in the product name. For Nike products, SP25 and SU25 are included in the promotion. (Exclusions apply, including but not limited to Brooks, Coros, Garmin, Shokz and Maurten)

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ASK MIKE

Ask the Coach: Using a running watch for effort pace on hills

Subscriber Ray recently asked us: β€œWhen aiming for marathon pace on a hilly course in Surrey, should I focus on the β€˜effort pace’ shown on my watch instead of the actual pace?”

Mike answers this question in our latest Ask the Coach blog. To summarise – if you’re running hills, embrace the challenge! Your perceived effort trumps watch metrics. A steady pace that feels comfortable is key. Trust your body, not just your tech!

Want to ask Mike anything? We’d love to hear from you.
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RUNNING TIPS

Top tips for running safely at night

As the nights get longer, it's important to take extra precautions when running at night. Plan your route, wear reflective gear, and bring a light source to ensure you're visible to others. Remember to let someone know your plan and check the weather before heading out.

Staying safe doesn't mean you have to stop running. Follow these tips and you can continue your nighttime workouts with confidence. Click to read the full article for more night-running advice!

Bonus New Year Codes & Deals


HUEL / Get 10% Off Your Subscription​


DR.VEGAN / 15% off​
Code: DR15


Direct Running / Extra 5% off Adidas​

Code: ADIDAS5 (ends 31/12/24)


Grenade Protein Shakes & Bars - Up to 50% Off (ends 31/12/24)

We may earn a small commission from your purchases, which helps support our website and keep our content accessible.


"Back yourself. As long as you’re healthy and not overdoing it, then age doesn’t matter. Just reach for the stars and back yourself."

Keely Hodgkinson

 

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Bye for now

Please share your stories with us on Instagram or Facebook. If you have any questions, please drop us an email.

Thank you!

​Mike Gratton
& The Coach the Run team

Coach the Run

Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans, with expert advice from London Marathon winner Mike Gratton. Join our mailing list to receive running tips, event details, discount codes, and more every two weeks...

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