Run with Elkie - Reading

Emily Bunting

Elkie is an incredible, knowledgable and motivating running coach. I started working with Elkie when I found out I had a place for London Marathon, I first started with a running assessment to check my running technique and make improvements. From then, I’ve had weekly check-ins and regular virtual calls to discuss my progress. Not only did I run my first marathon in 4h15 but I also made significant improvement to my 5k & 10k times. Elkie’s running plan enabled me to still run whilst fitting in work and social plans, and kept me accountable. I can’t wait to work with her again on my next running challenge!

Rayna Owens

Elkie is an excellent coach. A knowledgeable, supportive and motivational individual who has an intrinsic empathetic understanding and approach to training. I cannot recommend Elkie highly enough, I have thoroughly enjoyed time with her and I have learnt so much, and achieved results I would never have thought possible at the start

I sought a coach to support preparation for my first marathon as a ‘more mature’ 54 year old, and which I had entered in memory of a good friend who finally lost her long battle with cancer at the start of the year - my target was the Yorkshire Marathon in October. I had recently returned to running after a couple of years break.
While I have run for years I had only completed a relatively small number of races/events a few HMs and the longest distance was a one off 15 miles. I had never had any proper coaching and I had a chronic lack of confidence in my ability and no idea how I would manage to achieve the challenge I had set myself

After an initial introductory chat, and attending one of her in-person training sessions, Elkie developed a comprehensive training schedule for me which we adapted over time as my running developed. She explained the importance of each of the elements of training - hill/sprints- tempo sessions and long runs and I conducted monthly Parkruns to gauge progress and entered a number of races to keep me focused

With weekly email exchanges and regular zoom calls my confidence and volume and quality of my running improved - in all I have completed more than 700 miles this year - a volume of running I would not have though possible at the start of the year

As the mileage started to peak I again started to doubt my ability, however Elkie was extremely supportive and provided many practical ways to help me develop the right mindset and improve my nutrition as well a providing other tips to keep me going. I had a particularly rough patch just as she was heading out on some well-deserved leave - despite being away with her family she still found time to check in via email a number of times during this period to make sure I was doing ok.

I have been very fortunate to not have had much in the way of injury in the past so when I had a hip issue within the last couple of months it could quite easily have ruined my marathon dreams - however in parallel with seeking physio input Elkie and I discussed the options and she re-jigged the latter stages schedule to enable me to pick back up my fitness

The result was I got to the start line confident that I had put in the training, even though I still had some residual doubts about my own abilities- I think you cannot avoid doubt for your first marathon - I completed the marathon within my target range time despite going out too fast running with a friend in the first 10 miles and having an issue with my headset which meant no music - I did not stop, never wanted to, and there were no walls involved, and my recovery has been swift

I have absolutely no doubt that I would not have achieved any of this without the calm, flexible and knowledgable coaching and advice that Elkie provided - I have learnt a lot about myself and other things that will endure long after the glow I currently feel post marathon subsides.

While I am taking a few weeks away from coaching, focussing on time out on the trails, I will be looking forward to getting back to coaching in the new year and while I was not successful in the London ballot another marathon is definitely on the cards, and I am excited to see how much further I can improve with Elkie’s support

Nina Harvey

After an initial Running Technique Analysis with Elkie, where I was given video footage & in depth notes on improvements to be made, Elkie wrote me a detailed, specific & adaptable training programme for a Trail Ultra this year. Having previously used generic plans, this was a much more productive training experience. The sessions were progressive & interesting, which kept me engaged throughout. She offers a wealth of knowledge & advice from her own impressive background in sport. I felt really supported & encouraged throughout our time working together & I will most certainly be back for more of her expert guidance in the near future. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone with any running aspirations, big or small. Thanks Elkie, you're a star.

Nicki O'Dwyer

Elke is the most amazing running coach! Elke understands that running is as much mental as it is physical. She helped coach me through some mental blocks I had about running longer distances by setting a training plan for me that was both achievable and yet challenging. As a mother of four children I had some time constraints which Elke was able to plan my training around, she was always ready to adapt the plan according to my needs. Her knowledge about nutrition and recovery from injury is exceptional, I have learnt so much from her. Elke has given me so much more than running, she’s made me realise that anything is possible if you ask for help and focus your attention. I cannot recommend Elke highly enough, she is fabulous!!

Christos Vernardos

Elkie is an amazing running coach. She tailored the sessions to my needs, helped me understand the areas of improvement and showed me targeted exercises. Elkie is very approachable fun to work with and inspirational. Highly recommend!

Sarah Cooper

Having lived in Australia for a number of years I found my passion for running and all things fitness - when I moved back to London I needed to make sure I stayed motivated. I stumbled across Elkie's running group one Saturday morning and thank goodness I found her! Her group sessions have kept me on track (and pushed me beyond my own limits) through sunshine, rain and snow. I had never been part of a running group before but it is brilliant for motivation and accountability and I have learnt so much about running and how to maximise your runs. Elkie is brilliant at working with you where you are at (I was able to run with her until I was 36 weeks pregnant, tho at a much slower pace than usual) and her running groups are an awesome environment to push yourself in, with her guidance and support. Can't recommend her groups highly enough - for beginner and advanced runner alike. Thanks Elkie!

Richard Balfe

Elkie helped me with some last minute preparations for the London Marathon and gave valuable nutritional insight. She was able to give me sensible pointers on how to evolve my running technique so as not to risk injury too much. I am very grateful for the expert advice and would not hesitate to recommend Elkie to anyone. Many thanks Elkie!

Sarah Collison

Really great weekend running retreat with Elkie and Kate. Expertly put together and coordinated schedule including the perfect mix of running fun, technical coaching, team work, and learning. Super inclusive approach to the runs, and suitable for all levels. Fantastic guest speakers with insightful talks on injuries and mindset - really enjoyed these elements. Yummy meals and snacks. Thank you!