profile

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...

PostsLinksRecommendations
Featured Post

Is it time to taper? πŸ€” Navigating the final weeks before race day 🏁

The final, most important part of your training plan Hi Reader, Over the last few weeks, it has really started to feel like marathon season is upon us. We have already seen incredible performances at Seville, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Rome, and coming up, we have runners taking on Paris, Brighton, Manchester, Boston, and London. This week, I have been sending out training schedules that include the magic word: taper. Some of my photos from last year's very hot London Marathon! For some of you,...

3 days agoΒ β€’Β 4 min read

Stepping into Spring: How to shift from winter miles to race pace Hi Reader, Apparently, Spring starts on Sunday, so the TV and radio keep telling me. To be honest, I haven't seen much sign of it yet. I got soaked again coming back from a gym session on Friday - although there was that one sunny day last week, and the daffodils are finally out. But what's the real significance of the first day of Spring for us runners? It marks a crucial countdown: 6 weeks to Brighton & Paris 7 weeks to...

about 1 month agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

The hardest miles are the ones that count the most Hi Reader, Let’s be honest - when the days get shorter, the weather turns cold, and it feels like the sun is on holiday, getting out the door for a run becomes one of the hardest parts of marathon training. This time of year, it’s not just about clocking up the miles; it’s also about battling your own motivation. Setting off into the rain, facing gusts of wind, and running in what feels like perpetual gloom can make even the most dedicated...

2 months agoΒ β€’Β 4 min read

Here's your Coach the Run fortnightly email Hi Reader, We hope you are well and enjoying the start of the season's festivities. This week, we're diving into game-changing topics to transform your running (with perhaps a few extra ideas to add to your Christmas list!) Discover how adaptogenic mushrooms are revolutionising endurance performance. And learn why every runner needs a spiky ball in their recovery toolkit. We also explore the life-changing benefits of marathon running that extend far...

3 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

Finding the right balance in training as you age Hi Reader, As you get older, birthdays can lose their charm - unless it’s a milestone that marks a new age group. Instead, they often bring a lingering question: why does everything seem to be slowing down? I remember talking to Bruce Tulloh at one of our Algarve training camps about how his VO2 max had fallen off a cliff once he reached his 70s. Now, Bruce had the longest high-level career I know; he won the European 5,000m on the track in...

4 months agoΒ β€’Β 5 min read

Here's your Coach the Run fortnightly email Hi Reader, As the seasons change and the air gets crisper, it’s the perfect time to ensure you have the right gear to keep your training on track through the winter. Today is Black Friday, and we've gathered some of the best deals on products we trust to support your running journey. Whether you're building a base for a spring marathon or looking for that ideal Christmas present, these offers are designed to help you and your loved ones run...

4 months agoΒ β€’Β 2 min read

Here's your Coach the Run fortnightly email Hi Reader, Ready to elevate your running game this Autumn? We've got you covered with the latest insights to help you train smarter, perform better, and stay motivated. From assessing AI coaching technology to natural performance boosters, plus practical advice on balancing training goals and optimising your daily routine – this week's collection has something for every runner. 🌞 Up and out: Embrace the magical stillness of a morning run and the...

5 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

Celebrate recent successes & build your best marathon season yet Hi Reader, What an incredible autumn of running it’s been! A huge congratulations to everyone who tackled the Manchester Half and Great South Run - so many of you notched up brilliant personal bests. It's truly inspiring to see your commitment, and I have no doubt you'll carry this momentum forward to achieve personal bests in your spring marathons. We’ve also got runners toeing the line at Frankfurt, Dublin, Valencia,...

5 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

Here's your Coach the Run fortnightly email Hi Reader, A few weeks ago, we talked about the incredible atmosphere of the marathon season. With the leaves turning and the TCS New York City Marathon now less than a month away, the focus for many of us shifts back to our own training. Whether you're targeting a race soon or planning for next year's Spring marathon season, getting the details right is what makes the difference. To help you with that, this email is packed with advice on improving...

6 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read
It's the Berlin marathon this weekend

The incredible evolution of the marathon majors + A bonus progressive run session Hi Reader, The autumn marathon season is in full swing, and it feels like a whirlwind! No sooner had I recovered from the jet lag from Sydney than I was off again to the Berlin Marathon. Meanwhile, my colleagues are getting ready for Cape Town and Chicago, before we all head to our biggest tour of the year, the TCS New York City Marathon. On my travels, something struck me. On the way to Sydney, we stopped in...

6 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read