Coaching
Getting Faster!
I’m Martin Cox, a long-distance runner for four decades and a coach for over 20 years. I provide a unique form of online coaching to help you achieve your running goals. Mountain, trail, cross country, road and track, if you love the challenge of competition and seek mastery of your chosen event, I have the experience to help you realise your potential. I used to have a long spiel here about how I coach athletes in a progressive and goal-orientated manner, integrating training principles used by elites for generations. I spoke at length about modulation, specificity, periodisation, and so on, and about how all this will help you get faster. But the truth is I can’t absolutely guarantee that I can help you. I can’t make any grand promises as to whether you’ll find instant success or win some big race. I may not be the answer to all your woes. What I can promise you is I’ll do the best that I can.
I’m not hedging my bets or lacking confidence in myself. I know more than a thing or two about coaching runners, but even so, I’ve failed many times. Sometimes with really talented runners. Human beings are complex. Biology is chaotic. We all have our own deviations in physiology and psychology, which mean every runner’s reaction to different stressors is unique.
However, what I can say with certainty is that every runner will benefit from having a coach. I’m passionate about coaching and it’s been my only job for a very long time now. Coaching is about guiding athletes in their development athletically and as human beings. Coaching is a giving process, and that means sharing a lifetime’s knowledge and experience of distance running. So if you don’t want to follow blindly a generic training program out of a book or generated by a computer, and would prefer something created just for you, then read on!
The Cost Of Getting Faster!
I charge £120 per month. The coaching service I provide is as comprehensive as I am able to make it. For your £120 per month you will receive a personalised training program to suit your age, experience, motivations, and work and family commitments. You will also receive full email and phone support. I will be available by text, phone or email 24/7 to answer your questions, deal with any unforeseen circumstances, and provide whatever help you might need.
I will do my best to take the uncertainty out of deciding when, where and how to train. Your program will specify the precise training durations and intensities for each workout to take the guess-work out of training and ensure that some sessions are challenging, while others permit recovery. Your program will also be flexible and adaptable. Personal coaching is a two-way street – it is a partnership, not a dictatorship! You’ll provide me with feedback daily through a simple online training log. In turn, your feedback will allow me to make adaptations to your program as you progress through each training cycle.
Finally, I think globally. To reach your full athletic potential, the training program is just one piece of the puzzle. I place equal emphasis on integrating strength and conditioning, improving running mechanics, addressing faulty diets, and finding the right balance between stress and recovery in order to optimise health. I also advise on other essential elements of performance, including injury resolution, fuelling for racing, and training for altitude, heat and other environmental insults. I will leave no stone unturned to give you all the support that you need. All for only £120 per month!