Xanthe Johnston: Training for a marathon

I have been working with Brad for approximately six months as an everfit athlete. I am a four time marathon runner and was looking for alternative ways to improve my training, fitness and racing ability. In each of my previous three marathons I have trained solely with running six times a week over long distances. I had posted good times but found I wasn’t improving a great deal or thoroughly enjoying training. 

The programme that Brad offered me was one I was almost sceptical about at first. Firstly I was spending far less time pounding the pavement and more time cross training with cycling and swimming, secondly the running sessions were specific and included track work, sprint training, and relaxed longer runs. However I found throughout my sixteen weeks of training I was more relaxed and rested to therefore enjoy the time I spent running. The cross training gave me a good focus aside from running and kept me fit and strong. The track sessions I believe were highly attributable to my improved racing ability. This year’s marathon I was able to drop a further ten minutes off my previous time, a sufficient leap in time that I hadn’t previously been able to achieve. Furthermore I felt comfortable running, my body felt well-rested, and I had the confidence of knowing I had a large fitness base to see me through the duration of the race.

I believe this training programme and style is highly effective and useful to any long distance runner who is looking for improvement and enjoyment. I am now more motivated than ever to get out and continue to race in different events. Brad is a fantastic coach and although my busy shift work schedule did not allow me to collaborate in person with him during training, he communicated effectively through email and the everfit coaching website. I felt supported and encouraged by Brad throughout my marathon training. I feel this was highly influential to give me confidence in my training and myself during marathon racing. I will continue to work with Brad for the foreseeable future as a running coach, and would recommend his training style and expertise to anyone.