I'm a former international athlete, having represented Team GB over 1500m at the World Indoor Championships in 2012. I have always had a passion for helping others, particularly when it comes to being involved with someone's development. When I was running, I worked as a teacher and I then moved into elite athlete tutoring and mentoring, before finally making a transition into the coaching world. When I stopped competing at an elite level, coaching seemed like a natural step for me to take, which is when I founded New Levels Coaching. 

I started running at school but only really took it seriously when I got to the age of 16, before that football was my thing. In terms of injuries I've had too many to list, but one of my biggest issues when competing was my lower legs. I was forever getting shin and foot problems and no matter what I tried, it always seemed to be my biggest problem. 

The athletes we work with don't lack motivation, if anything they are always wanting to train. However, the biggest things that prevent them seeing that training through are often injuries or illness, and unfortunately this often means that rest needs to become a priority. 

My big takeaway from that podcast was understanding the technology behind the shoes. I didn't fully understand what they were trying to achieve with it until we had that discussion, which really opened my eyes. The fact that the science is backed by literature in terms of research is also hugely impressive. It's one thing saying 'these work' but it's another actually going out of your way to prove this with literature to support your claim. 

I love them! When I first put them on, I honestly thought they felt 'too comfortable' to be a running shoe. I was a little worried about this, because they felt super comfy and quite big compared to other shoes I run in. However, after 6 weeks of wearing them, I really do love what the shoes offer. The biggest compliment I can pay them is that I recently completed a 17 mile run and had no feet or calf issues off the back of this. Usually, my feet would hurt after a run of this distance. 

Yes I do, but I also understand that everyone is different and has their own preference. Where I see the biggest benefit with True Motion shoes, is the emphasis on trying to keep runners injury free. Rather than focussing solely on performance, the emphasis is on keeping runners healthy and I think this a huge selling point to any runner. 

Do it...but do it gradually! Don't build up too quickly as this will lead to overload and potential injuries. There is no better feeling than finishing a run and getting that rush of endorphins that really does set you up for the day. 

Now, this is a great question and I'm not sure I can give one answer that is specific to everyone. What I would say, is to choose something that either motivates you or excites you. Whether that's a challenge of running longer distances, or a shorter distance but increasing the pace, it’s great to set yourself a goal. 

It’s easy to choose something that sits within your comfort zone, but sometimes people like to go well beyond this. No matter what goal or challenge you set yourself, my best advice here would be to make sure that you are prepared. The biggest mistakes happen when people aren't prepared and this includes not doing enough, or the right type of training. 

• Set yourself a goal because it makes it easier to get out of the door and keep yourself accountable. 
  
  
• Find a training partner to meet up with, as this can help with motivation and keeping each other accountable. 
  
  
• Make your life easier by putting your running kit by your bed and sticking to the five second rule. When the alarm goes off, count to 5 and by the end of this you should have your feet firmly planted on the floor ready to put your kit on. Staying in bed and rolling over always makes it harder to get out, but you’ll feel so much better after getting out and exercising! 

It's designed for runners of all abilities who are looking to find out more about how to improve their running technique. Everyone's technique is different, but there are fundamental elements that underpin running technique that a lot of runners neglect. Basic single leg strength work for example is something that is often forgotten about. During the day, we look at everything that underpins running technique whilst teaching new drills and skills for attendees to take away and implement into their own training. 

Spaces are still available, so if you’re looking to improve your running next year come and join us and we can set you on your way to achieving your running goals for 2025. 

Pop along to one of our demo runs or buy a pair for yourself.