Running has taken me across cities, through forests, over hills, and into communities I'd never have found otherwise.

It started on the trails, leading slower-paced groups who wanted to explore off-road routes without worrying about keeping up. Here's the truth, though: I'm still the one apologising for my pace, even now. Coaching didn't cure me of that — it just taught me that the feeling never really goes away, and it doesn't need to hold you back either. That's exactly what I want every runner I coach to discover: when you feel safe, welcomed and understood, your world opens up. Speed comes later, if it comes at all.

When my local club asked me to lead their beginners' programme, I saw the chance to build something more structured around that idea — centred on learning, gradual progress, and genuine support. That's still the philosophy behind Run with Mairi today, and it's what I love most about the job — watching someone go from not quite managing to skip in a drill, to running their first 5k, to discovering parkrun, to lining up for a half marathon a year or two later. Fully fledged, and still a bit amazed by themselves.

What I Believe

Running is for everyone — you don't need to be fast, experienced or confident to start. Progress doesn't look the same for every runner, and there's no single pace or path that counts as doing it "right."

Who I Coach

• complete beginners wondering how to start

• slower runners asking "is coaching even for someone like me?"

• trail-curious runners unsure how to get off-road

• returning runners rebuilding after time away

• ultra runners preparing for big adventures

• runners after a one-off session to fix their form or learn how to warm up properly, so they're more resilient training on their own

• anyone asking "can I train for an ultra without being fast?" (yes — absolutely)

If you've ever felt unsure, intimidated, or out of place in running spaces, you're exactly who I love coaching.

How I Coach

I'm a licensed England Athletics Coach and UESCA Ultra Running Coach, and I coach the athlete in front of me — not a plan in the abstract. Life doesn't pause for training, so I build sessions that flex around yours, not the other way around.

I don't believe in "trust the process." I believe in explaining it. Understanding why a session is shaped the way it is means you're more likely to run it as planned — and more likely to make good decisions on your own, long after the training block ends.

My goal is simple: help you understand your training, progress at your own pace, and feel proud of what you've achieved — wherever you're starting from, and wherever you want to go.