Real People, Real Results
Read what people just like you achieve working together with me
Toni
My background is marathon runner and half marathons. People would say I was a runner.
But I knew I was a chaotic, fair weather runner. When it came to training I was all over the place, with no true commitment. If my running partner was unable to run, I would find an excuse not to as well.
I began to ‘follow’ Phill having been sent an email through the Brutal events. The email offered running coaching which piqued my interest, as I had my first 50k on the horizon. I knew I needed to up my game if I was to finish the event. I also wanted to finish the event well, and not crawl over the finish line, or possibly even get a ‘DNF’.
I initially emailed Phill. A few emails/texts back and forth and then a phonecall. I signed up for 3 months; and what a learning journey I have been on.
Admittedly I struggled with the training programme.
Lesson one: real training is hard work. Fitting the sessions into a hectic schedule was hard. Phill listened patiently to all the reasons why I couldn’t possibly do all the training sessions. After my hissy fit I settled into the training routines well.
Lesson two: I had brought up a family used to home cooked food. However, seems that I wasn’t so good with the nutritional side after all! Phill and I chatted about nutrition and he gave me practical ideas on how I could improve on my diet.
Lesson three: as an insomniac I am used to very little sleep, which isn’t so good when training for the longer distances. Phill has helped me with better evening routines, resulting in improved sleep - not every night, but certainly better sleep than I am used to.
Lesson four: for me this whole experience has been learning about myself as well as my running. I have learnt to review my running, however good or bad. I have also learnt to review my life as well, enabling me to focus on the thing that matters most to me, and which up to this point, had taken a back seat.
I achieved my 50k. I finished well.
However, behind the scenes there was so much advice from Phill on how to prepare for the event, a game plan for the event itself and how to recover.
I know I would never have achieved what I did without Phill’s help.
Pip
Before I began working with Phill I'd been running for 3 years working up from parkruns to marathon distances but my training lacked focus and consistency.
Running is my escape from the relentlessness of running my own businesses and I wanted it to feel easier so I could get the most out of this “me-time” and enjoy it more.
Working with Phill has given my training the focus and consistency to make my running achieve this.
We have achieved personal bests across multiple distances but working with Phill has given me so much more.
By working on my nutrition and fuelling I've obtained that feeling of 'that was easy' upon completing events.
Before I met Phill I consumed most of my calories via alcohol and I ate very little. At the beginning, I recall telling Phill I wouldn't change my drinking habits and he never pushed me on this.
But, having worked with Phill for 6 months my alcohol consumption has reduced to that of a casual drinker, I'm eating regular meals and I'm sleeping better.
Phill has helped me understand the effect of life events on my running. By helping me recognise the impact of the 'wheels coming off' in other aspects of my life (there's been some major life events in the time we've been working together) he's helped keep my running on track which in turn has made me better able to deal with the other things going on in my professional and personal life.
Phill's empathetic, flexible & realistic approach to my training makes it easier for me to be a better runner, by providing the structure, accountability and support that works for me.
Damian - Ulta Runner
During the five months I have worked with Phill I have gained a huge amount of knowledge and confidence from him.
We started by looking at my nutrition and he quickly identified a calorie deficit for the level of training I was doing. However he also gave me the knowledge of what types of food I should be eating not just to close the deficit but doing it in the best way for my body.
Phill also gave me information on race nutrition which has really helped on my ultras and given me stamina
to continue running right to the end of my races.
Finally he put together a really easy to follow training plan which combined a real mix of running with strength exercises. This approach has really pushed
me and I have seen better race results too.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Phill as a running
coach
Photos form a 45 mile and two 50k's he completed in
the last 5 months of us working together.
Dave Roberts
Fit for Life
Dave joined my Fit for Life programme at the beginning of December 2023 to build up and be ready to start the Fit for Life journey on the 1st January.
Goals were sent to improve Dave's physical and mental health by working on training, nutrition and mindset including habits and behaviours.
Here’s some of the goals Dave set and what he has achieved…..
Below 30 minutes for parkrun - 25/11 = 30:46 -> 06/04 = 26:30 ✅ ( 24:23, a nearly 2 minute PB at Frimley Lodge parkrun during the programme)
Run 10k in under 58 minutes - 25/02 = Alice Holt Trail 10k = 53:37, 2nd fastest 10k ever ✅
Lost 1.5 stones - 03/12 - 100kg 31/03 - 88.9 = 11.1kg / 1 stone 10.5lbs ✅
Improve diet and eating habits ✅
Improve core strength = previously did not do any strength training, noticeable changes to core strength
Jo Oliver
Fit for Life
I've been working with Phill for around 9 months now and had initially asked him to help me with my running and strength training. It soon became clear after chatting and asking for some additional guidance that his Fit For Life programme was perfect for me.
Over the last 9 months my outlook and approach to life has drastically changed for the better.
I am now able to use my time productively with the help of daily journalling and have made several personal accomplishments in the time that simply wouldn't have happened without Phill.
Phill is always able to help me improve things for the better and is a great support, reminding me of the whole reason I started this journey and holding me accountable if I get a little lost.
I feel confident now that I am fit for the journey ahead, and I am enjoying continuing to grow stronger as I age to ensure I can live the best life possible for myself and my family too.
Dan Allison
Fit to Run
I started working with Phill three months ago as I had a tough trail half marathon booked and I knew I needed to make some improvements to my running.
The training plan Phill put together was tailored to my existing condition and the specific race I had booked.
It was a combination of running sessions and strength work, and evolved over the weeks as we got nearer the race.
We had regular catch up sessions where Phill would review my progress and answer questions. He also made ad-hoc changes to the training plan where he saw fit.
I completed the half and finished 9th male and 4th in my age group which I was really chuffed with. I wouldn't have been anywhere near that if I hadn't worked with Phill.
Highly recommended, and wouldn't hesitate to use Phill again for my next challenge
Chris Mack
Fit to Run
First ever marathon completed in 3hrs 25mins finishing 5th in my age category. Race went exactly to plan hitting my target pace of 4.50 per km on the nose!
Great to do it with all the boys who also ran brilliantly and raised £1,500 for @cardiacriskintheyoung
Felt comfortable and no “wall” hit… this is all due to my coach @phillyoungcoaching who made sure I was in the best possible place from the training plan, nutrition & mental side! He really is top!!
Lee Ludlow
Fit for Life
Lee lost almost 19kg / 3 stone in weight and 38.5cm / 15 inches across his body, in the first 90 days of working together, amazing!!! This only tells part of the story, in Lee's words....
"WOW its been a great programme and experience.
Home workouts have been hard but not over the top so push you just enough to be doable.
My running capabilities has gone upwards and not stopped its been brilliant.
Hills are now my friend, I've done lots of training on trails this couple with 1-2-1 session has really helped. Hills aren't an enemy any longer.
Understanding food has transformed my diet, but realising that if you have indulgent night or weekend it isn't the end of the world and does you good occasionally.
Phill has become a friend as well as my coach.
Nothing is ever too much, training, nutrition, what events to do what tech is worth a look at."
Lee's top 10 wins...
1. Weight loss
2. Clothes fit
3. Better understanding of food/nutrition
4. Fittest I've been for years
5. Able to do more than 1 pull up.
6. Core feels strong a stable
7. Moving around in life/work is easier
8. Improved knowledge on training and whats required
9. Feel able to be more out going/ stepping out of comfort zone.
10. Generally feel i have more energy so the enjoyment is back to excercise
Have loved every minute of helping Lee and a real pleasure to work with, looking forward to what's next
Lyn Taylor
Fit to Run
If you are looking for a running coach I cannot recommend Phill Young enough. All Phill's coaching can be done virtually so it doesn't matter where you live.
Despite running with a bruised kneecap I still achieved a 21 min marathon PB at the Brighton marathon last Sunday.
I would not have done this without Phill's plan and coaching. Phill sets the runs/paces in an App and comments on every run as well as scheduled phone calls and replying to WhatsApp messages.
He also helps with strength and mobility workouts.
I would not hesitate in recommending him and will be back for my next PB.
Copyright : Phill Young Coaching 2025