Gareth

Why did you decide to get a coach?

Having started running longer distances I wanted to improve my technique and like most others improve my times

How long have you been coached?

2 ½ years, 2yrs with Kerry at Full Potential

What have you achieved?

My overall fitness and speed has increased, my overall knowledge of running development has grown and ultimately I have achieved new PB’s in everything from 1 mile through to full marathons

What do you enjoy most about the coaching?

The coaching with Kerry is always focused on me as an individual, is always varied in how we can achieve results and being involved in a discussion about how things went along with future goals

What would you say to someone thinking about signing up to coaching?

If you are thinking about coaching you have taken the first step, the second is to get in touch with Full Potential so you can talk to a member of the team without pressure before signing up. It’s one of the best decisions I made for my running, the other was to start coaching beginners myself!

Mark

Why did you decide to get a coach?

I was in a running club which became more of a social thing so really wanted to progress and was also getting injured a lot due to no real plan whilst also overtraining. I figured chatting with someone who had experience would help me progress on both these points. I also wanted to figure out what I wanted from running as before coaching I didn’t really have a plan.

How long have you been coached?

2 and a bit years

What have you achieved?

Mostly injury free and PB’s for both my 10k alongside my Half Marathon too! Mentally I am so much stronger for the longer runs now. I’ve also recently started to move into trail running which helps me blend my love of running with the mountains. I’m happier when running, and it shows in my personal and professional life too.

What do you enjoy most about the coaching?

Its really nice to have someone break down your running and analyse how you’re performing. Having someone to push you and also when to take it easy is difficult but Kerry has been awesome in finding a balance of both. Knowing that someone is as excited for your results is pretty special too.

What would you say to someone thinking about signing up to coaching?

Having a coach has changed me and my running. I’m an amateur that now runs with a professional mindset thanks to having Kerry as my coach.

Jonathan

Why did you decide to get a coach?

I started running in 2015, in my early thirties. For the first few years, I had no issues at all and then I got injured.

Coming back to running in my view is harder than starting. Mentally you know how far and how quick you can go, but your body really isn’t listening to you. I tried lots, and I think my ego got the better of me at times, leading me to want to give up. I had a choice, give up or get a coach.

I attended a session at my local running club given by a member of the team at full potential running. I thought to myself, these guys sound like they know what they’re talking about, lets give them a go.

Let me tell you, coaching isn’t just for the elite, it’s for anyone who wants to have a consistent approach to running.

How long have you been coached?

Since March 2020

What have you achieved?

Well, that’s a good question. I’d say most importantly I’ve not missed a training session. I’ve hit every target session and given it my full attention. I’m not back to my pre-injury race times, but I do know that following the plan and having regular catch ups with my coach Kerry, will actually take me beyond my pre-injury race times in a sustainable way and hopefully avoiding injury. Most importantly, I am really enjoying my running again.

What do you enjoy most about the coaching?

The varied plans that continually push me. These are tailored to meet specific goals and needs, and you are constantly accountable to a coach. Let me tell you, if you want to run, the team at full potential are going to hold you accountable at every stage and get you where you want to be.

What would you say to someone thinking about signing up to coaching?

Doooooo itttttttt. Seriously. There is no magic bullet to health but running comes pretty close. It is great for your physical health, its great for your mental health and it is completely freeing. Whether you’re a 5-minute miler pushing for elite times, or you’re a 13 minute miler hoping to get around your first half-marathon, the team at full-potential will get you there, you just have to follow the plan and have a nice catch up with your coach now and again. Kerry has taken me through my goals and helped me to remove both physical and mental barriers to achieving this.

I can’t recommend full potential enough. What a team.

Mathieu

Why did you decide to get a coach?

I decided to really start running when I was 30 years old after my son, Leo, was born after many years of doing nothing and starting to pile on the pounds. I have always seen my dad as a hero and wanted to make sure I can achieve great things with Leo when he will be older. While I ran a bit at school in my youth, I knew nothing about how to actually put a plan together. I was using Garmin and saw that full potential was providing some plans. I did some research and Keith's story was quite amazing and resonated with me, who was 30 years old at the time. I decided to go ahead and I have been running consistently for 3 years now with full potential.

How long have you been coached?

I started in April 2017.

What have you achieved?

Back in 2017, Kerry (my coach) has quickly helped me to do my first half marathon in less than two hours. We have since worked on all the different distances (5K, 10K, half and ultramarathon) smashing all my PBs again and again.

Beyond the running they have helped me to change my lifestyle, I shed 3 stones. I feel much better physically and mentally and Kerry has been a constant support for the past 3 years to help me through successes and tough times.

If you would have told me back then that today I can run a 5k in 20 minutes, I could run ultramarathons I would have laughed but that’s a reality and above I have shared so many fond memories being cheered and run with my son.

What do you enjoy most about the coaching?

First, Kerry is a great person and that makes it enjoyable. What I really like is that she can always adapt to new challenges and really support me through my successes and setbacks. Thinking and talking about what I want to achieve is really making a difference.

Kerry is always coming up with new things that while achieving the long term goal helped to keep focus and keep the whole process fun. Her experience and knowledge about running and races has really helped me to become a much stronger runner.

What would you say to someone thinking about signing up to coaching?

I would not think twice going for it, they would help you to achieve things that you may not even think is doable. The investment is nothing compared to what it has brought to my life.

Sally

Why did you decide to get a coach?

There is a plethora of information on the internet and so many ‘experts’ willing to give advise which I often find overwhelming or contradictory. Although fortunate not to sustain any injuries as a result of running apart from the usual twinges I didn’t feel as though my form or pace were as good as they could. Also having decided to embark on running The Abbotts World Major Marathons I decided I needed the personal touch of a coach to help me achieve my goal of running at least one of them under 4 hours. Finally I only started running five years ago at the age of 59 I was concerned I may be more susceptible to injury.

How long have you been coached?

I have been coached for about 18 months

What have you achieved?

I have a better understanding of why its important to include a variety of types of runs in my training. Increasing speed is not just a matter of running; nutrition and cross training also pay an important part. My form has improved although still needs work on and I am definitely a faster and stronger runner. I have knocked 40 minutes off my marathon time running Dublin Marathon in 2019 in 3 hrs 51 minutes.

What do you enjoy most about the coaching?

Kerry is fun to work with and takes time to understand what I want to achieve and realistic as to my aspirations. I enjoy the monthly chats which provide the perfect opportunity to discuss what I find easy or difficult and she will modify my plan accordingly and I can always contact her at any time if I need to.
I find the structure of a training plan beneficial and more inclined not to skip a training session as I am accountable to my coach. Kerry is supportive, adaptable and really motivates me to work as hard as I can.

What would you say to someone thinking about signing up to coaching?

I would definitely recommend anyone wanting to reduce or avoid injury, improve stamina, form and to become an efficient, effective and strong runner to engage a coach.