Paul, September 2019
Enjoyable camp with great coaching and a lovely atmosphere.
Julie, September 2019
This was the first time I had ever booked a running camp trip so was a bit sceptical as to how I would be as I am not a very experienced or fast runner. I had nothing to be concerned about as all ages and abilities were catered for. The coaches were alway encouraging and very knowledgeable. The schedule was varied offering running coaching in conjunction with Julie's excellent stretch and movement sessions and then the one-to-ones and evening presentations on a variety of relevant subjects. I absolutely loved it and am hoping to return next year.
September, 2019
Having individual coaching on tap is so motivating. A fabulous camp in a wonderful location with runners of all abilities who always inspire me.
Ros, September 2019
Going from strength to strength! Having bought my first running shoes at 51, I have been building up my running gradually. Since I discovered Full Potential last year my progress has been dramatic. I'd got myself to 5K by myself, but thanks to my training in the Algarve I am now, at 56, taking part in regular 10K events and training for a half marathon in 2020. I scarcely know myself in this, it is amazing to find I have the ability and the desire to undertake the training. Many thanks to Full Potential, and especially to Julie, for endless support and encouragement in training.
Jacqueline, March 2018
What an experience! I loved my week in the Algarve, time and space to focus on my running with great coaching & meeting new people. As a slower paced runner, I can highly recommend this camp for ALL ages, backgrounds and abilities - no one is left behind and individual needs are catered for. I have come back a happier, more confident runner for sure!
Lester Milner, March 2018
Thanks for another great time at the March Camp. Missing it already!
Phil Cowin, September 2017
It was a wonderful blend of serious training and sufficient time for relaxation and recovery. Keith, Debbie, Ben and Julie were superb hosts and I learnt a lot about running an nutrition that I can take forward for my training. Keith, Debbie and the team provide a real personal touch and it's clear how much they care about the development of all their runners. It was just a fantastic training camp and I'd recommend it to runners of all ages and abilities.
Jayne Webb, September 2016
As two 50 plus female 'slow' runners were very apprehensive about going on a running 'training' camp. How wrong we were. Debbie and Keith and all the team at Full Potential made us feel very welcome and valued. The camp was brilliant. I learnt more in one week there than I have in years plodding around my village and moaning that I never get faster. The camaraderie was brilliant and I feel inspired to become the best runner I can. I will be booking for next year.
Doug, September 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Full Potential training camp in the Algarve - the camp was really well organised and I really liked the mixture of training sessions, 1:1s, and talks. The atmosphere of the camp was particularly great - really inclusive and friendly and it was clear that all ability levels were taken into account in how the sessions were put together. There were also good opportunities to try things I wouldn’t necessarily (but probably should!) do - like strength and conditioning exercises and aqua jogging. I really enjoyed my time out there, and am looking forward to next year already!
Peter, March 2016
Enjoyed it very much. Great atmosphere, relaxed and still focused on achieving better running. Very nice to meet other runners too.
Isabel, March 2016
The training camp was thoroughly enjoyable. A great mix of sessions, people and informative, well presented talks. First rate coaching and training sessions. Well thought out and there was attention given to all abilities.
Mark, March 2016
I really loved it, every aspect of it. It was really inclusive whatever your running level. Most of all it was a really friendly atmosphere, with everyone getting along great and having a laugh. I definitely gained some good knowledge from the camp and will definitely come back again.
Joanna, March 2016
I really enjoyed the camp.
Andy Crocker, September 2015
What a trip! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
To the coaching team giving their time and knowledge at any point whatever the question, along with enjoying the ride we were all on and laughing with us in the evening.
Keith, my run coach, who finally got me to understand the basic concept of running (not to be first at the first corner and last at the last!) along with a list too long to start.
Debbie with her smile and organising efficiency that Ban Ki-Moon could take some notes from.
Julie for nuggets of inspiration meaning that I didn’t put myself on the physio coach once a month along with video analysis tips on how to run.
Russ on running-based exercises and nutrition geared to me and my lifestyle.
Ben for Garmin-geek knowledge in simple terms along with video analysis “Arms, Crocker, Arms!” J
You can read magazines and web pages but to hear it, do it and feel it was way beyond printed words.
Thank you to the fellow runners on the camp, who made it a pleasure. No running hierarchy/egos/who are you - just genuine interest in each other and way beyond running. Banter, hard training and beers/wine to feel good about things after – all ages, all walks of life/careers, and FUN.
Thank you to the hotel and location – rooms clean and exactly what I needed, staff helpful and smiley, breakfast food (loads of it!). How many places can you run the cliffs of the Atlantic and then drop into the ocean for a cool down dip 100m from your hotel – “ahhhh – feeling good!”
Personal Highlights: Handicap Run – 20 runners starting individually over a 25mins period all finishing within 90secs of each other –AMAZING!
Track day: where, post video analysis, I learnt the technique of running and felt the difference through a mammoth session with all the coaching staff ringing in my ears “Arms, Crocker, Arms!”
Loved it all – see you in 2016
Sophie Minter, September 2015
I really enjoyed this running camp and was excited to feel how much I learnt in the space of six days. We did a great mix of sessions: lovely trails, track intervals, easy recovery runs and some tough hills! Every day there were also options to do S & C, stretching class or double training but you never felt pressured to do anything more than you wanted. If the gorgeous pool or beach were too much of a pull you were welcome to spend your week there! I thought the opportunity to book individual sessions with Coach, nutritionist or physio were a great benefit.
Amongst the group was a broad range of ages, personalities and running abilities which was very encouraging as the atmosphere was inclusive and differentiated tasks were set appropriately. Socially this worked well too…there was always someone to spend time with if you wanted but equally fine to do your own thing if you preferred.
The logistics of the week were excellent with clear itinerary, balanced timetable, great value and easy transfers. Hotel was superbly located and rooms were clean and comfortable.
I returned home from Portugal feeling strong, inspired and committed to my training and I’m looking forward to a return visit later this year!
Louisa-Kate, September 2015
The September training camp was fun, friendly and extremely enjoyable. The Full Potential team were fantastic and were on hand to provide expert advice and individual support throughout this well-organised camp. The Hotel is in a great location with easy access to pool, beach, athletic track/ cross- country track, run routes (on & off road) supermarket and local restaurants.
The atmosphere was relaxed and there was no pressure to attend/ participate in every scheduled session on the Itinerary, whatever your motivation you can do as much or little as you please. This training location is such a brilliant place to run and the camp gives you an opportunity whatever your age or ability to meet a lovely bunch of people who you can train and socialise and enthuse about running with. What more can any keen runner want than to train in the sunshine, be surrounded by great scenery, have a variety of organised running activities to pick and choose from, be given bucket loads of encouragement and have readily advice on hand from professional coaching staff?!
I thoroughly recommend this camp to any keen runner, whatever ability or training goal. The company and team offer such a professional service, have such a wealth of diverse experience and nothing ever seems like to much trouble which is why I keep going back for more. I am now coached by Keith, who I signed up with based on the FAB time I had when I went on September training camp in 2014 and I have been made to feel very much a part of the Full Potential running family.
Jegsy Ferguson, September 2015
This was my 5th time on the Full Potential Algarve training camp & once again it delivered in spades, providing a wonderful opportunity for warm weather training, superb professional coaching & the delightful company of likeminded runners.
I always come back with new enthusiasm, new ideas & new friends.
The training incorporates running on sand, running on road, running on the track & a professional cross-country racecourse.
The Full Potential team welcomes all abilities, whether you are a beginner, all the way up to elite. This enables runners to always have someone of their own ability to train with. Not only do you get expert advice on training, but also nutrition & injury prevention.
The program is set up to allow however long you wish to stay, whether that be a long weekend or the full 10 days. As well as the formal lectures & training sessions, there was ample opportunity for 1:1 advice with the experts on all aspects of running, including running technology.
Throw in beautiful food, a quiz night & a suntan & you have the most perfect 10 days away.
Jo, September 2014
Training in the beautifully sunny Algarve for a week - my idea of heaven - as I'm a runner, and running is what this holiday is all about. The coaching is excellent, there are great information sessions on everything from injury prevention to nutrition, the track training sessions are superb, plus the runs around the stunning Algarve are fabulous. On top of that, there is a great camaraderie and you get to make new friends who also want to talk 'running' all evening!
I would highly recommend this holiday no matter what level of runner you are. The coaching is very much individualised and you can do as much or as little as you want.
I'm definitely going back and bringing a few of my running buddies with me.
Lauren, September 2014
Wonderful time with great training, a great setting, lovely people – which is why I keep coming back! Looking forward to seeing you again next year. Julie Ryan, March 2013
An excellent camp, I learnt so much and really feel motivated. The coaching was very informative and supportive. The S&C sessions were hard work but good. The accommodation was very functional although not luxury. I would definitely come back again. I’d love a full range of Full Potential clothing and some silly awards at the celebration dinner.
Maddie Scrafton, March 2014
Everyone was so friendly & the coaches really know their stuff. I enjoyed the balance of x-country runs, track sessions, cliff-top runs, strength training and importantly, sunbathing.
Back at home, I am really missing the lifestyle of a 'professional athlete' but I'm feeling hugely motivated to chalk up some speedy times!
Would I recommend it to my friends? Absolutely. Will I go again? Definitely!
Helen Buxton, March 2014
I'm so glad I came to the camp. I really enjoyed it and found it very helpful. Such an indulgence to just think about running for a week and so lucky to have fab weather too. I'll definitely be trying to come again next year if I can.
Jo Sollesse, March 2014
Thoroughly enjoyable camp and I'm already making plans to come back next year! I loved the track sessions. The coaches always had or made time for you whether it was out on runs, in groups or on a one to one basis. Everyone was very friendly and I've met a lot of new like minded runners.
Cory Bemis, March 2014
Thanks for the fantastic running camp you put together. My brain is packed with running ideas and ways to improve and I hope to implement them over the next month!
Lyn Davis, March 2014
Next year i¹ll be back for longer for sure! I thoroughly enjoyed the short time I had there and think the training camp was excellent. Everyone at Full Potential was so helpful, friendly and professional and the talks and practical sessions were very relevant and interesting.
Amy Jankiewicz, March 2013
I really enjoyed the camp due to the thoroughly approachable staff, the coaching was good as individual’s needs were identified and provided feedback. I was very impressed with Julie’s injury clinic. The accommodation was ok and it was great to be surrounded by international athletes.
Matt Sweeney, March 2013
I really enjoyed the camp and thought the coaching and training sessions were spot on. The Strength and Conditioning sessions and the stretching were very helpful. The evening presentations were very informative and it was great to try out the SiS product, I’ll be using them in future. The accommodation was good but there’s no kettle in the room. The food was spot on.
Will Pitt, March 2013
Thank you SO much for making the few days I had in the sunshine so memorable - I had the best time and learnt a great deal.
Please pass on my very best wishes to all of the people I met, shared tales with, nuts with, ran with - I'm looking forward to keeping in touch and I wish them all the very best of luck with whatever goals they have set themselves
Right, must dash, I have some glutes to strengthen.
See you soon, and thanks again. I really loved it.
Will x
Jo & Bruce Coombe, March 2012
We attended the Spring Full Potential training camp in the Algarve and I just wanted to thank all of the Full Potential team for putting together an excellent training programme. The programme covered all the key aspects of marathon training and was delivered in a very professional manner. We have learnt so much and have already seen a difference in our training and we are confident this will help us improve our race times this year. We would definitely recommend this camp to runners of all abilities who are preparing for races in 2013 and we are looking forward to doing it all again next year!
Lindsay Melling, September 2011
I just wanted to send a quick email to thank all the FP team for a great training camp; Simon and I both had a fantastic time. We are now fully motivated and raring to go......we look forward to joining you again next year!
Caroline Tuck, March 2010
Just to say thanks for organising a great training camp. The mix of training/activities, the location and such a friendly supportive bunch of people made it really enjoyable. I can see why people keep going back for more. We have all got plenty of suggestions for things to work on now...
