Running Goals

Fantastic experience: Coaching with Matt from Running Goals has totally transformed my approach to running and given me so much insight into my own form. Matt’s programme to prepare me for a recent marathon was outstanding; I ran a huge PB which has given me a great base on which to build. I am keen to work with Matt again and would totally recommend him! Brilliant

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend Running Goals highly enough! I have been training with Matt for 4 months in preparation for London Marathon 2024. My aim was 3h30 but Matt changed my mindset completely and I ended up running 3h19 which was a 40 minute PB! Finding a top coach has been an absolute game changer for me, looking forward to the next challenge now...

Fantastic experience: Matt recently helped me at short notice get around the London marathon, Matt was brilliant, he has so much knowledge and is great to work with I can’t thank him enough, he’s always available for any questions during the training period. I can’t thank him enough for his support and guidance over the last 12 weeks, comes highly recommended from me, I always thought I was fairly good at running with out much effort, but constantly had an injury or niggle with the work I was doing alone and lost interest quickly, Matt fixed this quickly and easily I regained enjoyment from running. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Matt and got my eyes on some pb’s at the age of 35 .

Fantastic experience: Can't recommend Matt enough! I can honestly say that after 1 session with him my form and technique improved massively. A few simple cues and tips that made perfect sense and were super easy to incorporate into my running! Great coach and highly recommend for anyone looking to improve their running.

Fantastic experience: I never had a running coach before but Matt is really helpful and knowledgeable in all aspects of running. I signed up for a half marathon and Matt created a 12 week online plan. It was really well structured and easy to follow and Matt also arranged weekly calls to discuss my training progress and answer any questions. He also taught me about different running training types and the benefits and impacts of rest, recovery, nutrition etc. I managed to complete the half marathon in a faster time than expected and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Matt again for my next running event. Thanks for your help!

Fantastic experience: If you want to bring some structure to your running that helps you get the most out of your training, stay injury free and enjoy doing it, I couldn't recommend Matt enough. Fun but challenging sessions mean you get more out of workouts than you might on your own. And Matt has a great way of explaining the plan and why it brings benefits. 3 blocks of training in and PBs from 5k to half marathon shows it worked for me anyway

Fantastic experience: I worked with RunningGoals to work towards New York Marathon. I had ran 4 marathons before but had always ended up injured in one way or another! My goal was to improve my time and come out the other side injury free! I did the 1:1 coaching and really enjoyed them and felt the benefit of them and I followed a 20 week plan that was written for me. I’ve never felt so ready for a marathon, my body felt good and was excited for the race. Matt was always on hand for advice and guided me through, explaining the purposes of each type of run. I ran the marathon last weekend, a very tough course, but I managed to stay strong and I came away with a pb! I have another marathon next year which is much flatter so I’m excited to see what I could do there!! Thanks RunningGoals, my confidence is growing and I’m finally feeling like my long terms goals are actually within reach!

Fantastic experience: Matt is amazing at inspiring you to run faster and for longer. I’ve been running for over 30 years and never really understand how to run properly- Matt taught me how to run and I’ve achieved PBs in 5k to half marathon. I now understand how to train. He was great when I hit the mid-plan blues too. His support is very motivating as you want to do well- thanks Matt

Fantastic experience: Couldn't recommended Running Goals enough. After starting with no real goal in mind, Matt has brought my 5k time down from 21:46 to 18:47 ; 3 minutes in a year - Never even dreamed my speed could improve so much! Varied training plans, endless encouragement and superb technique drills work together to get great results. Thanks Matt

Fantastic experience: -----------------Updated review - September 2022 ----------- I have been working with Matt on an online basis for 2 years straight now. Reflecting back one thing strikes me, I have not had any significant injuries since working with Matt. There is significant benefit is letting someone who knows what they are doing write your running training plan and advise you not to do stupid stuff like go for a 10 mile long run the week after your season break just cos your mate suggests it. I got injured a lot before I Matt got me training smart, no longer the case Matt’s enthusiasm has not damped over time, and I am still learning. I hit my sub-20 minute 5k goal with Matt's help and I am now training for half Marathon. ----------Original review 2021 ---------- Working virtually during lockdown with Running Goals taught me a great deal about running. My coach Matt structured my running and showed me how to safely increase my weekly mileage, with great results. My plan was supported by weekly phone calls, well worth it. So much thought and science was applied into the plan, leading to a season 5k PB. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: UPDATE: I continued working with Matt with the aim of getting a half marathon PB at Anglesey. I last ran the course in 2020, and it took me over 2 hours. With Matt’s help I got my PB, finishing in 1hr 38mins! I never thought it would ever have been possible for me to get a time like this but Matt’s support was amazing - the personalised plan, the drills and sessions, and the coaching to prepare mentally - all helped me to achieve my goal. I’m super happy and looking forward to my next running challenge! —— Before I started working with Matt, my running was inconsistent and, frankly, not very enjoyable. Since starting the plan, I've become a stronger, faster runner and enjoy every run far more than I did before. In just two months, I've taken off 1.5 minutes off my 5k time, and I'm sure I'm on the road to improve that even further. I'd highly recommend Matt to anyone who needs help with a specific running goal or is in a bit of a rut - the plans and runs are varied, personalised and really improve technique and strength.

Fantastic experience: Had a great six week block of training with Matt, who definitely helped me improve both my technique and confidence to run faster & more efficiently.

Fantastic experience: Matt provides an amazing service! I have recently joined the military an obviously running is a massive requirement. I have always struggled with running and improvement, but Matt has not only made our 1:1 sessions fun but extremely educations and informative. I have recently undergone a fitness test with the military which is a 2.4K run and has to be completed within 11:09. Thanks to Matt and his running techniques I ran it in 10:23 comfortably! This was all achieved with only 2 months of training with matt!! Definitely recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Matt's expertise and advice has been invaluable to me and has really helped me improve my running. We have trained together for a year now and in that time I have reduced my marathon PB by a massive one and a half hours, recently running a PB of 3:21 at the London Marathon. Before meeting Matt, I embarrassingly only really knew the basics when it came to running training, never mind specialised training for marathon running, but his help has been straightforward, easy to follow and easy to put into practice. He has also been a pleasure to work with, always on hand when I've had questions, and so I really can't recommend him and his services highly enough. If you're looking to improve your running, I really wouldn't look any further. Top man! Thanks, Matt!

Fantastic experience: I have been running in the beginners running group with matty for around 12 months and my confidence in running has improved dramatically. Before running with matty I couldnt even run for a bus however along the way I have learnt techniques which has resulted in me earning my 5K PB before Christmas. I would definitely recommend matty to whoever is interested in having a running coach.

Fantastic experience: A fun way to significantly improve technique and fitness. Each session is well thought out with clear goals and tailored to individual ability. Before joining the group I was apprehensive as I didn't want to be left behind or feel out of my depth. I couldn't have been more wrong. Training is fun and has already resulted to a significant improvement and a PB for 5km!

Fantastic experience: Great group to run with. The sessions really focus on improving technique and everyone involved are really friendly. Every session is really positive, fun and designed around the ability of each group - nobody is ever left out!! Would highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Have just finished a 6 week program with Matt and cannot speak highly enough of him. I had been training for the London marathon which got cancelled and I was at a bit of a loose end with my training. Matt re focussed me and changed my whole philosophy on running. I am now out of the “mid paced rut” and my easy runs are actually easy. My consistency with pacing has improved massively and my 5k time has improved from 18:30 - 17:17 whilst maintaining between 50-55 miles per week. The sessions included in the program were always different and challenging. I particularly enjoyed the race series which provided a competitive edge. I raced every Friday over distances ranging from 200m to 5 miles working on both speed and endurance. Weekly phone calls from Matt kept me focused and motivated. Can it believe the difference in my running in just 6 weeks and we are now pushing on towards a sub 3 hour marathon attempt.Something I would have said was impossible 6 weeks ago!!

Fantastic experience: Before seeking help if a running PT I could barely run half a mile without having to stop. I'd been doing the Couch to 5K for weeks and wouls keep struggling to get past week 6 where you had to run for like 10 minites without stopping! All it took was a few sessions with Matt and his incredible guidance, I was able to step it up and complete my first 5k run just a few weeks later. Matt would check in on me during the week to see how my runs were going, and gave me the best advice on how to perform better - even if it meant having to be frank with me and tell me I might have been pushing too hard. For anyone who - like me at the time - really wants to find the fun side to running, or maybe even find out where it is you might be going wrong on your runs, I can honestly reccomend no one better. Cheers Matt

Fantastic experience: Matt has been such a great help and I strongly recommend Running Goals. The tailored training plans are excellent and the individual sessions are always so well thought out. He's really enabled me to progress, taken account of some tricky health challenges, and provided me with the confidence and support to help reach my goal. I've cut 14 minutes off my half marathon time in 4 months. Cheers Matt.

Fantastic experience: I joined Running Goals (a.k.a Matt) as I had run off & on for around 12 months, constantly getting injured & feeling I wasn’t progressing as well as I should I went down for a session to see how it was & I’ve been going back ever since. The group is small so it’s very personal & not intimidating like bigger groups. Matt watches, explains easily & guides you, all whilst pushing you! I’d never been to a running club before as I found them an intimidating idea. But I look forward to going each week as I always come back having learned & improved. His training plans are also fantastic! Get down & try it out!

Fantastic experience: I am not in the first flush of youth and needed some one-to-one coaching to help me prepare for 10k from scratch. My daughter gave me a Running Goals voucher for Xmas and that was my introduction to Matt. Each of our sessions, together with his detailed training schedules, prepared me for my chosen event in about 3 months. The quality of his advice and his detailed knowledge were of the highest standard but, above all, he was friendly and understanding. I would recommend Matt without hesitation.

Fantastic experience: Thanks to Matt from Running Goals for today I got a race PB of 5 minutes! I train with him once a week and follow his plan. He’s honest, focused and positive. I recommend him without hesitation to anyone who wants to improve their running performance.

Fantastic experience: The great thing about Matty is that he makes you think about how you train rather than just going out running on the same routes every week. Since working off his training plan, there has been a stepped change my performance and times over the shorter distances have come down. He’s very supportive and always makes the effort to keep up to date with how a race or event went for me

Fantastic experience: After a long break from running I approached Running Goals to help me get back to it. Matt set up a very reasonable plan that didn’t look too scary or put me off! I’ve been building on this over the last few weeks, my confidence, pace and endurance have all improved in a short space of time. Matt is very approachable and patient, keeping in touch regularly really helps with motivation. The sessions are varied and the plan incorporates different runs specifically planned for personal outcomes. I would totally recommend running goals.. go for it!! J McG

Fantastic experience: Currently using Matts services to undertake my speed sessions as part of a sub 3hrs plan for London. He's got me to week one of the 16 plan in great shape - its the first time I have been taught technique or understood the full benefits. There is no way I would have put myself through the sessions as hard as he has pushed me - which is exactly why I signed up ! Flexible on time and location a great service all round.

Fantastic experience: I have been training with Matt for a couple of months and he has improved my technique and helped to cure a long running injury. His knowledge and attention to detail are second to none and his sessions keep it fun even when it’s really hard

Fantastic experience: Matt is a great running coach, I would have no hesitation recommending Matt whatsoever. Very friendly and very knowledgeable coach! I worked with Matt for just over 6 weeks and my technique improved massively and my general stamina, which meant my 5k times went from approx 28 mins to averaging 23 mins. Each session was different, and he actively encouraged you to think about what was being worked on and would push you to get outside the comfort zone, which helps build up the skills. He also kept in touch between sessions to check on progress to help during the sessions. Thanks Matt, it’s been a great help!

Fantastic experience: I started training with Matt for the Liverpool Half Marathon. During these 6 weeks he really pushed me out from my comfortable zone. That made each running session more interesting and fun. The most important benefit was that he educated me in different running technics and he taught me how to improve my performance. He has a strategy and a very structured method of training. He is as well supportive and kind. I totally recommend him for anyone who wants to achieve and perfect his or hers running goals!