Real People. Real Results. | Phill Young Coaching

First Marathon — London 2026

Lucy
★★★★★

I started working with Phill Oct 2025 for the purpose of training for my first marathon (London 2026). I already know Phill from our running club and had recommendations from other club members.

I have been running with our club for 10 years and have participated in many events from 5K through to half marathons but have never achieved a marathon. As this potentially was my one and only marathon, I wanted to do it justice and get the correct advice and support.

I started my training plan with Phill early, 7 months before London so I had the time to adjust and get used to the training structure. It would also incorporate strength training which I had never done before.

I quickly settled into the training plan that Phill had set me. I liked the routine and the structure. The best thing for me was seeing Phill face to face once a week for one of my strength sessions. It enabled us to catch up on life and also gave me the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. He put my mind at ease with my marathon related queries and worries.

Phill based my training plan around my life and around the running club schedule as he knew that's how I preferred to train.

I liked the accountability with providing regular feedback to Phill via the apps he uses and that he could see my results from my runs.

Phill also supported me with my nutrition to ensure I was getting the correct amount of protein/carbs etc. He gave helpful suggestions with suitable foods and recipe ideas.

Phill was always calm and empathetic. I knew he was available if I needed anything. I trusted him and felt confident in my ability to run my 1st marathon.

My marathon experience was amazing and everything I wanted it to be. I may even consider a 2nd marathon!

I would absolutely recommend working with Phill for whatever goals you want to achieve.

Lucy
First marathon — London 2026
Fit to Run

Recent results

Matt
★★★★★
"
Working with Phil was great, the plans were easy to follow. I had to be consistent and do the work. Yeah, I'd definitely recommend Phil's coaching.
Matt
Parkrun PB from 24:55 → 21:55, 3 minutes off in just 9 weeks
Fit to Run
Miriam Gonzalez Moedano
★★★★★
"
I've never been stronger, faster, or more confident. I couldn't recommend Phill enough.
Miriam Gonzalez Moedano
10k & half marathon PBs smashed, targeting 40+ mins off marathon time
Fit to Run
James Swann
★★★★★
"
Working with Phill has truly been a godsend, especially for those who think it might be "too late" to start. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
James Swann
Started trail running at 58, stronger, more confident and injury-free
Fit to Run

Client Achievements

Straight from my clients — here's what they accomplished in 2025.

★★★★★
New PBs in 5k, 10k and half marathon. Ran 12 half marathons in 12 months, on road and trail Beat target in first 10 mile race.
Structured responsive training with workouts focused on building strength, speed and endurance.
Chloe Power
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Guildford 10k PB, official chip time 49:25, Garmin 49:01. A time she thought was unreachable.
Training plan tailored to fit her life, consistent support and check-in calls, and a clear race-day plan.
Miriam Gonzalez
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Completed Winter Spine Sprint South (46 miles, self-supported) in January 2025, majority of the race in 2ft of snow. Now training for the 108-mile Winter Spine Challenger South, averaging 45+ miles/week with 7,000+ft elevation gain.
Strategy planning, creative training plans, guidance and encouragement throughout. Phill has become part of his obsession, a joint effort all the way to the finish line.
James Sackley
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Breaking her 5k PB for the first time in six years.
Reflecting on training and recovery each week, planning ahead, and Phill's weekly feedback ritual. A mix of running workouts and purposeful gym routines kept her mentally and physically fresh.
Tory Clarkson
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Running Derwentwater with confidence and the fitness to run with relative ease.
Coaching and structure for his running goals. Previously hurt himself as he knew no boundaries — now feels supported and confident to tackle much more.
James Swann
Fit to Run
★★★★★
A mindset shift. moving from trying to "push through" alone to building consistent habits. Feels more grounded, in control, and positive. A change with bigger impact than any single metric or milestone.
Structure, accountability and honest reflection. Daily check-ins and goal-setting kept him moving forward even during tougher patches.
Adrian Somerville
Fit for Life
★★★★★
Bringing running, fitness and nutrition fully into his routine.
Weekly check-ins, accountability, support calls and clarity in his plan.
Ewan Ross
Fit for Life
★★★★★
3rd overall in his age class in the UK Orienteering Urban League 2025.
Strength and conditioning work, plus weekly sessions that are good for wellbeing and mindset.
Ross Maclagan
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Transformed her nutrition, now eating ~2,000 calories/day, and cut alcohol consumption by around 80%. She hadn't planned to change this at all when she started.
Accountability each week and a forum to reflect on how positive habit changes affected her running and daily energy.
Pip Elms
Fit for Life
★★★★★
Completed the Maverick Oxfordshire Original.
Pre-race prep to a full race-day plan — a game changer. Holistic approach helped with pre-race anxiety and mindset. Stood on the start line with a whole new level of confidence.
Rachel Barraclough
Fit to Run
★★★★★
Half marathon PB and Park Run PB in 2025.
Structured training and nutrition plan, one-to-one strength training, and mental and emotional support.
Karen Henderson
Fit to Run
★★★★★
"It's a win every time I turn up for a race with the confidence that you have installed in me."
A structured plan and being pushed to do better.
Mark Arnold
Fit to Run
★★★★★
2 × 50k races completed, plus a 10k PB by 10 minutes.
Training plans plus help organising her running life, nutrition, sleep, planning for and during events, and recovery. Always encouraged and very supportive.
Toni Hirschfield
Fit to Run

More from Phill's clients

D
★★★★★
"
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Phill as a running coach.
Damian
Completed a 45 miler and two 50ks in 5 months
Fit to Run
D
★★★★★
"
I wouldn't have been anywhere near that result if I hadn't worked with Phill. Highly recommended.
Dan Allison
9th male, 4th in age group at trail half marathon
Fit to Run
C
★★★★★
"
My coach made sure I was in the best possible place from the training plan, nutrition and mental side. He really is top!!
Chris Mack
First marathon in 3hrs 25mins — 5th in age group
Fit to Run
L
★★★★★
"
Despite running with a bruised kneecap I still achieved a 21 min marathon PB. I cannot recommend Phill Young enough.
Lyn Taylor
21-minute marathon PB at Brighton Marathon
Fit to Run
J
★★★★★
"
Over the last 9 months my outlook and approach to life has drastically changed for the better.
Jo Oliver
9 months — whole life transformation
Fit for Life
D
★★★★★
"
Below 30 min parkrun ✅  Sub-54 10k ✅  Lost 1.5 stone ✅
Dave Roberts
Lost 11kg, sub-27 parkrun, sub-54 10k
Fit for Life
L
★★★★★
"
Phill has become a friend as well as my coach. Nothing is ever too much.
Lee Ludlow
Lost 19kg / 3 stone in the first 90 days
Fit for Life
K
★★★★★
"
Do it. It's not just a 1 to 1 session a week. There is accountability, mindset, nutrition and a plan for your goals.
Karen Henderson
28-minute half marathon PB & sub-52 10k, after 2 children
Fit to Run
M
★★★★★
"
Phill will get you the results that you want. He is very approachable and always on hand to give extra advice or talk over any issues you are having.
Mark Arnold
10-minute half marathon PB, first marathon & first ultra
Fit to Run
A
★★★★★
"
Do it, go full in. I promise you that you won't regret it.
Adrian Somerville
5+ years, keeping in shape and feeling positive
Fit for Life
M
★★★★★
"
The coaching and support that Phill gives will be tailored to suit your needs. He has a wealth of expertise to enable a beginner or a seasoned ultra runner to achieve their goals.
Michelle Finnighan
Established sleep patterns and nutritional stability
Fit for Life
C
★★★★★
"
Do it! Especially if you want to improve your running performance and push for those big goals.
Clare Merritt
Over 1 minute off her Windsor half marathon time
Fit to Run
T
★★★★★
"
Do it, you have nothing to lose. I never thought my running could improve at the age of 56.
Tracy West
Improved speed, no longer finishing at the back
Fit to Run
R
★★★★★
"
Do it, it's challenging, rewarding and fun.
Ross Maclagan
Improved strength, core and mental health, 2 to 3 years
Fit to Run
H
★★★★★
"
Definitely contact Phill to discuss your needs.
Helen
Feeling motivated to train from week one
Fit to Run
D
★★★★★
"
With Phil's expert plan and guidance I was able to achieve 3:22, which I was over the moon with. Can't recommend enough!!
Dean Penfold
Marathon goal: sub-4hrs → achieved 3:22. Plus 5k & 10k PBs
Fit to Run
S
★★★★★
"
I'm really enjoying working with Phil and his flexible approach to my training and look forward to seeing exactly what I can accomplish!
Lucie Schulz
Marathon training — pace, nutrition and mindset all improved
Fit to Run

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