Personalised coaching with someone who is not only a running coach but who has been there, done the training and knows what's its like to be injured is essential .

I've paid for lots of personal training in the past, and no one had the specific understanding of what's involved in marathon training like Girls Run the World coaches did. The exercises set not only focused on what I needed in order to run a marathon strongly (and beyond - I've done an ultra since), but pinpointed biomechancial weaknesses to improve on.

My stability and core strength are now really strong which has made me a better marathon runner, as well as helping to improve and my endurance.

Also, having someone as a mentor  for advice helped me pick up tips that were real breakthroughs, such as nutrition advice. I'd often felt sick towards the end of long runs and discovered I didn't need to take as many gels and have switched to eating more protein.

My goal was to improve on my previous personal best of 4 hours and 13 minutes. I thought I could just about manage 4 hours 10minutes but my dream was four hours, which is exactly what I got!

Having personalised coaching enabled me to fit my training around my busy job, secure in the knowledge that the coaching was targeted to helping me achieve my goals.

Cath Bevan, 52, paediatric consultant

The online training and mentoring provided by Girls Run the World transformed my training experience. 

After discussing my goals, as well as my strengths and weaknesses, Rachael put together a plan which was tweaked continually, according to how well my training was going and the million other things I fit into my life.

It covered every aspect of training, with detailed sessions and guidance on pace, endurance, strength work, stretching/yoga - and even reminders of when to get a massage. 

I was given specific paces to hit for all of the running sessions, worked out according to analysis of previous performance. I learned loads and loved the journey to the finish line of the New York Marathon!

Naomi Trickey, New York Marathon, 2017

Naomi finished the New York Marathon in 4.45.25

Rachael initially set the plan a week at a time as she wanted to see how I was coping with building up the mileage. By using TrainingPeaks, there is no hiding as all the data is there for both of us to see.

My training pace was originially based around completing the marathon in my “wildest dreams” time - but half way through the plan, it became apparent that holidays and life meant that this was overly ambitious and she modified the pace to a more realistic one.

The weekly emails were really supportive, encouraging and gently reminded me not to set off too fast and to discipline myself on the long runs to keep at a slower pace. 

The nutritional advice, particularly about fuelling on long runs was incredibly helpful, and I didn’t hit the wall or feel sick from eating too many sweets and gels.

On race day I felt well prepared, as Rachael had made sure I’d built up the milage so that I had remained injury free and had a mental strategy in place for key parts of the race when the going gets tough.

The most imporatnt thing for me was to be able to run the course, enjoy the day and cross the finish line strongly with a smile on my face. 

Signing up for virtual coaching with Girls Run The World was the best decision I could have made.

Judith Milligan, London Marathon, 2019, 5:24.00

‘I loved the GRTW yoga and running retreat , with well thought out running routes that were fun and varied, from  towns, countryside, rivers and hills with some truly spectacular views.

It was the first time I've run with a qualified coach, and I thoroughly enjoyed this and learned lots. Rachael, Tara and Amy were so inclusive and I appreciated the fact that we were split into three groups so that everyone could be confident about taking part, regardless of speed and ability, nobody felt left behind and or felt frustrated.

The yoga was also of a very high standard and I am speaking as someone fortunate enough to have Yogi parents and who has been to many yoga classes! Last but not least, the food – absolutely fantastic – fresh, healthy and delicious! 

Jo Prior, Amberley Retreat

‘This is the second time I’ve been on a Girls Run The World trip and the second time it has exceeded my expectations. The running and yoga were great, and food delicious.

Most importantly, there was plenty of time to hang out with a group of inspirational women, from all walks of life, who had all taken a bit of time out to be outside and run together. I arrived home feeling stronger, relaxed, more confident, energised and inspired!’

Nikki Welch, Edinburgh - Amberley Retreat

‘The weekend was just what I needed it was great to spend time with so many inspiring women in such a beautiful location. Thanks for adjusting the runs so I could participate at my slow plod. I felt really energised and inspired on my return home.'

Karen Keenan, London - Amberley Retreat 

‘I signed up after seeing a last minute space come available on the trail running and yoga retreat in Sussex- it was the best decision ever! I met fantastic women from all walks of life with a passion for running and health. The coaches were very experienced and helped me with tips to improve my form on hills. The combination of running and yoga over the weekend left me feeling stronger and inspired to continue my running journey. 

Nicole Herholdt