I started running in March 2013 with an ambition to run a mile every day that month. It ended pretty miserably with shin splints and I learned my first lesson about how badly things can go without a proper plan and how difficult it is to set a goal with little idea what you're asking of your body!  Despite the issues I faced, I found my love of running and in September of that year I ran the Great North Run and I've not looked back since. 

Over the last 12 years I've increased my race distances and have now run eight marathons and got my teeth stuck into a bit of ultra running too. I've completed races such as Race to the Stones 100km, Peveril 33, Kielder Ultra and Pilgrim's Ultra. 

As well as being a qualified running coach, I also chair a women's running club in Sheffield and am training to become a personal trainer. 

I'd describe my coaching approach as I'm 'athlete-centred'. This is fundamentally about fostering a human connection. It's about recognizing that beneath the running gear, the sweat, and the drive to excel, there's a person with dreams, anxieties, and a life beyond the sport.

• Seeing the individual: It's understanding that each athlete has unique needs, learning styles, and emotional landscapes. I want to take the time to truly know the people I work with, including their strengths and their vulnerabilities.

• Creating a safe space: Athletes need to feel comfortable expressing their concerns, fears, and even their doubts. I work with people in a supportive and non-judgmental environment that helps people to thrive.

• Empowering autonomy: Athlete-centred coaching isn't about dictating every move. It's about empowering athletes to take ownership of their development, to make informed decisions, and to learn from their experiences. 

In essence, being an athlete-centred coach is about recognizing that success isn't solely measured in wins and losses. It's measured in the growth, resilience, and well-being of the individuals I work with, and to create a foundation for people to achieve their full potential, both on and off the trails.