These popular and enjoyable 'open' workshops explore both the science and art of running and cycling through a mixture of practical sessions and classroom discussions. By recording every session on video it is easier for students to analyse their style and technique and to quickly start modifying and improving. The workshops are normally held in the Surrey/Berkshire area and attended by approximately fifteen athletes and triathletes of varying abilities. The sessions normally take place from early autumn to late spring. (Click here to see forthcoming workshop dates and locations.)

During the workshop you'll benefit from professional coaching that includes:

The opportunity to share experiences and ideas with like minded individuals;
Practical sessions all captured on video*;
Classroom discussions that include video analysis and cover topics such as: understanding what exactly is stopping you running faster; how to train smarter (i.e. how to get better results from the time and effort you put in); how to construct sessions to produce specific training effects; how to organise and progress your training schedule throughout the year; pace judgment and how fast you should train; the value of speed work sessions throughout the year; how to avoid injury; the value of cross-training; peaking, and preparing for races; what to wear* (the best shoes and clothing to cope with the weather and underfoot conditions); heart rate monitors (how to use them to your advantage);
Surgery sessions where students can raise issues specific to them.

The one day workshops are great as:

A kick-start for newcomers to running who want to learn and practice good techniques from the start;
Refresher and re-motivator days for distance runners and triathletes;
Bench mark sessions to check on the progress of technique and fitness.

The workshops are also available as 'closed' or 'private' days to individual athletic/triathlon clubs.

*Julian is assisted on the Feelgood days by Peter Barratt who is responsible for the videoing of the athletes ahead of the classroom analysis and discussions. Peter is also as an expert on running shoes and kit. Peter has worked throughout his career in positions within the sports trade, particularly with Asics, Ronhill and more latterly with Mizuno, and has built up an unrivalled knowledge of developments in running shoes and apparel, which he uses to help runners avoid injuries, train in maximum comfort and perform at their best. His aim is to give athletes a clear understanding of what is available, what is suitable for them, and what aspects of quality are worth paying extra for. Peter Barratt is a highly competent and vastly experienced middle and long distance runner. Specialising in the 3000m steeplechase, Peter has won two Southern Counties titles, come 3rd in the SCAA, and represented England.

Julian provides a mixture of run and bike sessions throughout the week and at weekends. These sessions are based at Farnham (Surrey) and Bracknell (Berkshire)

Training in a group provides clients an opportunity to undertake more demanding sessions than could be envisaged if training alone. Prior to joining group sessions Julian will provide personal one-to-one coaching to ensure an individual joins an appropriate group.

Group Run Sessions

Sessions are held on different surfaces and terrains, ie track, road,grass & woodland trails
Daytime sessions: Wednesdays 10.30 - 12pm
Evening sessions: Thursdays 6.30 - 8pm
Training is based around fartlek, interval and speed endurance sessions
Constant feedback on style and technique is provided to each athlete in the group.

Group Bike Sessions

Sessions are either on road or mountain bikes, depending on the weather & time of year
Weekday sessions: Tuesdays 9.30 - 1pm, Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30 am
Weekend sessions: Saturdays 9.30 - 11.30 am, Sundays 9.30am - 1pm

Weekly training groups are ideally suited to those looking for:

A regular, high quality session supervised by an ultra-experienced athlete and coach;
Camaraderie and encouragement that comes from working in groups, i.e. peer support;
An ideal benchmark session, so that current times can be compared with previous efforts;
An opportunity to push themselves harder than would be possible with solo training.

back to top

This type of coaching is ideal for those athletes who would like to benefit from the undivided attention of one of UK's most experienced and respected du-/triathletes, as well as to obtain a training programme that is specifically tailored to them.

The starting point is an assessment interview that will help to establish the following:

The athlete's goals, e.g. a competition, technique/fitness improvement, weight loss, etc;
The athlete's background, i.e. previous sports/exercise experience, injuries, strengths and weaknesses;
Lifestyle constraints, i.e. work/home commitments which impact on the time available for training;
Other factors that affect training, e.g. levels of motivation, access to a gym, etc.

The initial assessment interview is followed by a practical assessment session comprising:

30-50 minutes of both steady, continuous and faster interval running work;
An assessment of technique and style;
An assessment of fitness, including recovery rate.

Formulation of a structured training programme follows the assessment session:

Training timetable, including running and cross-training suggestions;
Stretching routine.

Athletes can then choose how to proceed with their training, either:

'pay as you go' sessions with no commitment from either athlete or coach to specific dates and times;

or

commit to a monthly retainer with no limit on the number of sessions. Those choosing this option can also take advantage of sports massage treatments at a reduced rate and discounts on workshop days.

1:1 coaching is ideally suited to those who:

Require intensive and detailed guidance on style and technique;
Find it difficult to commit to regular weekly training times;
Are looking for a training programme tailored precisely around their personal goals and lifestyle;
Are looking for periodical motivational and refresher sessions.

back to top