We are fortunate enough to work with some fantastic people from a wide variety of background and aspirations in running and also daily lifestyle and health goals.
We can talk up how much we enjoy coaching and what we can do for you, but we feel that with a lot of things the proof is in the pudding, so here are a few detailed case studies of some of the great people we work with and have helped.
Darren Smith
Darren has a fantastic attitude towards not just his training and running but also how he balances this with a supportive partner and full time management job. He shows fantastic patience and discipline towards his training and continues to push himself and extend his belief boundaries. He is also a great writer and shares his trials and tribulations through his very entertaining blog – Trailing the pack
Occupation: General Manager @ MKM Malton
What is your Sporting background?
Attempted running in secondary school but often back of the track. Sat on the bench at Football and best I managed in running pre-Jayson was a sub 49 minute 10K.
Time running?
I have been running 3-4 years on and off before meeting Jayson but never more than twice a week and generally once a week. Often sporadic periods of not training for 6 months.
What are your long and short term running goals?
Short term to podium a race of any distance, complete the Yorkshire 3 peaks and finish top 10 in Hardmoors marathons consistently. Long term, haven’t quite worked that out but for 2019 finish top 20 in the Hardmoors 55. The OCC is on my bucket list, consistently challenge for a podium in Hardmoors marathons and finish top 15 in the Lakeland 50. Still working it all out.
What are your standout achievements in running?
Winning my first park run in 18:34, knocking 7 minutes off my 10K PB in a year and hoping the best is yet to come in September and October.
Why did you want a coach?
I wanted to run marathons and beyond but never saw it possible due to injury. I had the ambitions but lacked the plan and direction.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
I heard about this guy who did single leg squats on a tight rope and crushed some race in the Lake District. Also heard about a lass who conquered Scotland and pledged death to all midges! Who wouldn’t want to be associated with that! On a more serious note, I wanted people I could trust and results.
What improvements have you made since working with them:
Where do I begin? Completely transformed myself as a runner, I don’t recognise the injury prone guy of last year. I feel strong and the strength work has really helped tone me up. I feel like I am racing now, not running.
What has been the best part of working with a coach?
The expertise and plan have been immense. But for me it’s the mentoring, support and outside in viewpoint I get. I trust Jayson`s judgement more than my own.
What advice would you give to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
First, decide what you want to do, have a clear vision of what you are willing to sacrifice, in terms of time and it will be a sacrifice. Then get a coach and stick to a plan, most important be consistent, never miss a session and you’ll be shocked by the results. It takes more patience than you can imagine, but one day it’ll all fall into place, but only with consistency and the right plan.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to?
I’ve learnt, then re learnt and learnt again what my limits are. The stronger I get the harder I can push. I didn’t expect strength and conditioning to play such a pivotal role. I also didn’t realise how simple improvement can be if you have a plan to follow. I just do what I’m told essentially.
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
Enjoyment and to feel a sense of achievement.
Edwina Sutton
As well as being a very committed and caring mother of three lovely children Eddie is a very accomplished athlete in triathlon and ultra distance running, representing England and with several course records to her name. She lives in the stunning area of Morzine in the Alps and is also an experienced coach and personal trainer Edwinasutton;
Eddie has been great to work with and has an amazing attitude to balancing being an athlete, mother and great role model.
What is your Sporting background?
Triathlete turned Ultra Runner
Time running?
20 plus years
What are your long and short term running goals?
To be the best I can be! To conquer some mountains, crush some downhills and blast the flats!
What are your standout achievements in running?
Meeting Jayson and Kim.
Why did you want a coach?
To help provide some structure, build me into a stronger runner and oversee my long term plan.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
Jayson is a superb runner himself. I was attracted by his complete lack of ego, his strong belief in strength training, his desire to continuously learn and improve as a coach- I knew this would mean he would always be looking at ways to make me a better athlete and the best I can be!
What improvements have you made since working with them?
I’m a stronger athlete and more importantly I’m more aware of what I’m doing on a day to day basis and how it fits into the overall plan. Every session has a reason and I love that!
What has been the best part of working with a coach?
Having someone else telling me to slow down and take a breath! And someone believing in me when I doubt myself!
What advice would you give to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
Give Jayson and Kim a call!
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to?
Lots of new strength ideas plus I can train even harder than I thought I could!
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
HA HA HA, depends on the session!
Anything else you would like to add?
Jayson provides a well thought out plan which fits into your life, is challenging but is also adaptable for whatever life throws at you. He listens, gets to know you as an athlete and takes on your dreams helping you to change them into a reality…. cheesy!!!!
Alex Thornton
Occupation
Construction/Engineering business
What is your Sporting background?
Played a lot of football, tennis and cricket when at school but very little over the last 15 years.
Time running?
8 months properly with Jayson (12 months total).
What are your long and short term running goals?
Long term = Complete a 100 mile trail race (and enjoy it) before I am 40.
Short term = continue building endurance and strength base to complete Hardmoors 7 marathon trail series in 2018.
What are your standout achievements in running?
Finishing Rosedale Hardmoors half marathon in August and having a lot of fun in the process.
Why did you want a coach?
In the same way you would if you wanted to learn to swim/drive/fly properly. Working with Jayson who is an elite athlete (as well as a coach) will be far more effective in me reaching my goals than if I tried to DIY it. I wanted a structured long-term plan from someone who knows what they are doing and Jayson provides that in spades.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
Jayson came recommended to me from a number of friends. I met him, he seemed like a nice guy with a lot of experience/knowledge and was confident he could turn me into a runner and hit my long-term goals.
What improvements have you made since working with them?
I have seen huge improvements since I started working with Jayson in January. The biggest difference is my endurance which has increased massively. My core strength has also improved and I can now run up hills (a bit!).
What has been the best part of working with a coach
Having a structured programme to follow – which is interactive allowing me to comment on each session and ask questions I might have. I also really enjoy the odd run with Jayson which allows him to see if all the hard work is making a difference. Jayson has also given me a lot of help/advice on my hydration and nutrition which has been very beneficial.
What advice would you give to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
Pick a good coach who understands your goals and how to get you there, has done it themselves and hasn’t got so many clients they can’t give you the time and attention you need.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to?
The importance of rest – and also that the vast majority of training is done at slower speeds than you would expect. The importance of strength and conditioning is also something I wasn’t expecting.
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
I run for distraction from my very busy life but also really enjoy it.
Jodie Smith
Occupation
Business Analyst
What is your Sporting background?
Team sports at school then turned to running and biking in my late 20’s. Started competing in adventure racing in 2008.
Time running
Always ran but started taking it a bit more seriously 5-6 years a go. First ultra in 2015.
What are you long and short term running goals
I would really like to get a bit quicker over shorter distances (half marathon to marathon).
Would love to tackle my first 100 miler in the next 12 months.
What are your standout achievements in running?
From a personal point of view the best races I have had are the ones I have really enjoyed and felt strong. So Eiger Ultra and Lakeland 110 stand out for me. I felt great throughout and really enjoyed the run, even in the heat or torrential rain!
My best result was a 5th place at a night time off road 10km. I thought I was last because I couldn’t see any head torches so I ran like a maniac! I pushed myself so hard I was sick at the finish! I still thought I was last at the end because there was hardly any people around! I promised myself I would buy a watch after that…
Why did you want a coach?
I wanted to tackle a multi day running race and wasn’t sure how to train for it.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
I knew of Jayson and Kim from the Hardmoors events. They are always friendly and helpful. Kim has really inspired me the past few years too, she has worked really hard and had some brilliant results.
What improvements have you made since working with them
My up hill running has improved considerably. I would never usually run uphill in a marathon race and the last one I did I ran every hill and felt great. I have no doubt that the strength work I did as part of my program is key to that improvement and confidence.
What has been the best part of working with a coach
Having that extra support when you aren’t sure what you should be doing. The nutrition advice has also been great.
What advice would you say to someone looking for help with their running and fitness
Definitely get a coach. It will help with all aspects of your fitness, not just the running side.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to
I got huge satisfaction from my training, not just because I was stronger or running better. I think the lessons you take from being structured and committed in something pass onto other areas of your life.
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
I have an addictive personality and stressful job. Running keeps me level. I would rather be out in the Moors in the rain and wind than sat on a beach in Spain any day of the week. I love the outdoors and running is a massive part of that.
Anything else you would like to ad?
Jayson and Kim are brilliant coaches. They listen to you and try their hardest to tailor the sessions around your life, rather than set unrealistic training goals you can’t reach. They both understand that lots of different things can affect how your body reacts to exercise, as Kim once said ‘we aren’t small boys!’ (talking about women specific training).
I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Jayson and Kim again for more coaching.
Claire Howard
I’ve been running for 35 years; moving through the schools cross country system to club competitive level yet working with Kim was an absolute revelation. Kim’s expertise and experience demonstrated that there are always valuable lessons to be learned from others to help you be the best runner you can be.
In recent years I’d moved my focus away from the tarmac to trial. I was relishing the freedom from the tyranny of mile markers and splits in a number of trail marathons. Yet despite this I couldn’t shake off that nagging feeling to strive for more and dip my toe into the waters of ultra running. I’d browsed ultra running forums and frankly they scared me with talk of huge mileage, back to back days and races with terrifying names.
If I was going to do an ultra – The hardmoors 60 was my race of choice – I wanted to do it justice, but in a way that fitted my other lives as busy working mum and partner, who didn’t have the time to disappear for days of privation in the Scottish Highlands. I was looking for the structure and reassurance of an evidence based training plan that could be flexed to suit. Coupled with a mentor to whom I could talk through hopes, fears, dreams, runs, and races – to prepare me mentally as well as physically.
Step forward Kim from Cavill Coaching who delivered this and more. I’d heard of her status through the Hardmoors race series community. I knew from the initial meeting that her approach was the right one. Forged from stellar performances in a range of ultra races, her experience and dedication stood out. Coupled with this was her ability to impart this knowledge in a way that was inspirational, motivational – building my confidence and reassuring me I could succeed. She was also able to deliver the straight talking I needed – especially during the early days when the training schedule sometimes seemed to fly in the face of ingrained ‘old runner’ habits – habits that suited road but would undo me on a tough ultra race.
She was meticulous in her approach to delivering a balanced plan that suited me as an individual – building in flexibility where required, capitalising on areas I was already strong in and developing those where I had less experience.
A stand out feature of Kim’s training was her emphasis on strength and conditioning training. As I progressed through the training plan this made a real difference in my performance as I was able to maintain my form in the latter stages of tough training sessions and races. I felt stronger, more stable and sure footed in my running than ever before.
She taught me the importance of quality over quantity, being clear on the purpose of each session rather than banging out endless, mindless miles. As a result my weekly peak mileage was actually less than previous regimes I’d followed, reducing my risk of injury and responding to a major concern of mine that running ultras was for other people with more time than I could ever devote.
Her personal experience of competing was an invaluable resource to tap into. Nutrition, pacing,, feed stations, checkpoints – all shared with me. She taught me to be mentally ready to respond to the unexpected and unwanted – building my mental resilience so I could cope with moving into uncharted territory of bigger mileage and longer time on feet that an ultra brings.
I’ve done masses of races yet it’s no exaggeration to say that this race, under the tutelage of Kim, was the stand out race of my life. Her advice and support over the 6 previous months carried me
every step of the way enabling me to finish strongly with a huge smile on my face. I’m continuing to use her balanced strength based approach; drawing on her plans and tweaking them to my future running goals – Being part of Cavill Coaching is an investment for life, not just for one race.
Craig Harriman
Occupation
Technician at Northumbrian Water
What is your Sporting background?
Ran for my school and as a junior at a local club
Played football until early twenties until I realised all I wanted to do was run 🙂
Time running
I have been running seriously for 4-5 years now for local running clubs
What are you long and short term running goals
Short term – to improve my running ability and run well over and beyond the 50 mile distance
Long term – complete a 100mile race and then improve on my ability over that distance.
What are your standout achievements in running?
1st place at the Urban Ultra 35
1:20 Half Marathon pb
Why did you want a coach?
I was struggling with coaching myself while training for ultra marathons and couldn’t find any ‘internet plans’ that worked for me. I felt like I needed a coach who understood both me and what it takes to run them distances
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
Jayson and Kim are both amazing people. I had known about their personal running abilities for a while and as soon as I contacted them they were so friendly and welcoming it was just like talking to your friends. They know exactly how to get the best out of me and fully understand what I’m wanting to get out of my running.
What improvements have you made since working with them
I feel so much stronger whilst running and I’m definitely getting quicker over longer distance.
What has been the best part of working with a coach
Working with someone who has the same passions as me and trusting them 100% that they know what I need to do to achieve my goals.
What advice would you say to someone looking for help with their running and fitness
I’d give them Kim and jaysons contact details.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to
How important strength and conditioning is in running
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
Enjoyment always enjoyment.
Anything else you would like to ad?
Jayson and Kim are fantastic people both in and out of the running world. If people are reading this while looking for a coach, it doesn’t matter what your ability is or goals are you don’t need to look any further. I couldn’t speak highly enough of the Cavill’s.
Hazel Marchant
Occupation – Finance Director
What is your Sporting background?
Barely any. I was never sporty at school or afterwards… started running in Spring 2006 to lose weight. Training was sporadic and running was a social activity rather than a competitive one. I did some 10k races, a few halfs and 2 marathons and then did my first ultra in 2015 (St Cuthbert’s Way 46 miler).
Time running
12 years
What are your long and short term running goals?
Long term, in general to be stronger and pick up the pace on races rather than just seeking to complete the course within the cutoff. I’ve got decent endurance so I am interested to see what I can do with some proper training.
Long term specific – Hardmoors 110 in 2019 then who knows?
Short term – St Cuthbert’s Way 100k in July 2018 – it defeated me in 2016 so I am going back to kick some saintly butt!
What are your standout achievements in running?
Completing my first 100 miler – the Centurion Autumn 100 in October 2017. Thanks to the training plan I’d followed from Kim and Jayson I felt strong all the way through.
I also still remember the feeling the first time I ran 10 miles – that felt like just as big a milestone at the time.
Why did you want a coach?
To bring some discipline to my training and to make me accountable for sticking to a training plan.
Also to get the benefit of the experience of an excellent athlete. I’ve found that you learn something new in every ultramarathon and it’s great to be coached by people who can tell me the things they have learnt over their considerable ultra careers.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
I knew of Jayson and Kim from their winning exploits in the Lakeland and Hardmoors races. I attended a training weekend that they put on and really enjoyed it. They were really likeable and approachable and all the things they said about training made a lot of sense.
With Kim in particular I was really glad to have the chance to work with a female coach.
What really made the decision was speaking to one of their athletes (Russell) on the training weekend and to hear first hand from him what a difference they had made to his performance.
What improvements have you made since working with them?
I am much more disciplined and getting stronger from the strength and conditioning aspects of training as well as from the actual running. I also feel like a real runner now!
What has been the best part of working with a coach?
Using Kim’s training plan is excellent – it keeps me interested as it keeps changing and I know an expert has tailored it to always be working towards my next goal. Also I’d have to explain myself to Kim if I skived off so it keeps me focussed and accountable for my own training!
It’s brilliant to stand on a start line knowing I have put the work in, in a smart way (not just loads and loads of junk miles) as that gives me the self-belief that I have prepared well and deserve to succeed.
Last of all it is a real boost to someone who is a back-of-the-pack runner to have an excellent athlete coaching and talking to you as if you are a fellow athlete – the great runners seem like another species at races sometimes so to feel that one (two) of them is (are) invested in my own success is absolutely amazing.
What advice would you say to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
Anyone at any level can benefit from some outside input. My fitness has increased loads since I started training with Kim and my running form has improved no end. I would definitely recommend seeking help from Kim and Jayson.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to
Running is the easy bit but the other things you need to do – strength and conditioning, eating / drinking well – are the hard bit.
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
Both, but mainly enjoyment.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’ve really enjoyed working with Kim and Jayson for the past 6 months and I am sure it will continue long into the future.
The training plans themselves are great and I can’t speak highly enough of the way Kim and Jayson work. The plans are accessible conveniently on my phone or computer and I have access to a Youtube channel to see demonstrations of drills / exercises etc.
We have frequent calls to discuss progress and plans. Kim looks regularly at the shared training plan to see what my actual performance has been and to tweak or change things as needed – it really is an excellent personalised service.
Last of all: you don’t need to be a world beater to benefit from a coach. I normally finish about two thirds of the way down the pack but can feel the improvements I’ve already made; that’s motivating me to see how much further I can improve. I recommend you give Kim and Jayson a try!
Mark MarchantOccupation
Self employed Plumber and Running coach
What is your Sporting background?
I have done lots of other sports, mostly in strength-based sports. I was reasonably competitive as a power lifter and for a few years as an amateur boxer. When I met my wife Hazel she got me involved in running on roads which disagreed with my knees. I then discovered trail and fell running and fell in love with the sport. I’ve only been running approx. 6 years and racing Ultra marathons in the last 4 with a little bit of success at local races.
Time running
6 years.
What are your long and short term running goals?
Long term, generally be more competitive at the front end of the races that I enter (I’m a competitive fellow)
Medium term – Ultra GB race across Scotland 212-mile Ultra Marathon August 2018
Short term – Dark skies trail Marathon Sub 3.30 March 2018, The Fellsman 62-mile trail/fell race-finish it! April 2018
What are your standout achievements in running?
I’ve done ok in local races, a 1st and a couple of 2nd places but the HM110 I learned so much about racing, strategy, pace and more so sleep deprivation and how I cope with it (not very well).
I’m most proud that I completed the St Cuthberts way 100k race despite the worst day of running ever ( I won’t go into details) I feel that completing that race despite the difficulties on the day made me appreciate the importance of will power and determination.
Why did you want a coach?
So that I am accountable to someone else, I wanted to see how well I can do in events when I have been trained properly.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
I was aware of Jayson and Kim from their profiles on the Ultra Marathon circuit, they are both undoubtedly top Athletes racing at the front end of events. Why would you not want a coach who has proven that what they do works?
I also attended a weekend training event with them and was impressed by their knowledge and experience on all matters relating to running be that training, strength and conditioning, racing strategy, pace and nutrition etc.
What improvements have you made since working with them?
I feel that I am much more focused on the races which I want to do well in rather than just entering anything that takes my fancy. I’ve gone from just running…. (lots of miles) to getting the quality sessions in without having to run all day long like I did previously. I am much better physically prepared due to the S and C sessions and despite doing more intense sessions than I’ve done in the past feel less fatigued.
What has been the best part of working with a coach?
Kim is able to offer advice and guidance from her and Jayson’s actual experiences in the real world, they have both been, seen and done it! Its invaluable to me to have someone who really knows what they’re talking about supporting me. The training plans are easy to understand and follow with regular conversations and emails to offer guidance when you’ve got something new to try or are struggling with something.
Having a coach is motivational it keeps the focus on the fact that you are training with a particular goal in mind, its also important to me personally to be gently reminded that I’m not training for every event which happens to pop up on social media and looks cool!
What advice would you say to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
In my opinion having a coach is the best way to make the biggest difference to running and fitness even if you’re new to sport/running etc having a professional to guide you is awesome. Deciding to ask Kim to coach me has made an enormous difference to my running and whole attitude to fitness.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to?
Being fairly new to running and therefore just turning to generic book-based training plans in the past I’ve learned that its more about the quality rather than quantity of training that you do. Also running is only one part of the regime. I would never have considered doing Yoga in the past to improve my running form or flexibility…. But I do now!
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
Enjoyment really, although sometimes the enjoyment comes at the finish line!
Anything else you would like to add?
I’ve got no hesitation in recommending Kim and Jayson for their coaching, it has made such a big difference to me. I have no doubt that having them on board as coaches will significantly improve your fitness and running.
Joanne Fenwick
I’ve never been sporty. I’d do anything to avoid PE lessons in school so when my friend asked me to go running with her, I always laughed and said no. But she eventually persuaded me and in 2011, I did a Race for Life and enjoyed it. Soon I was doing my first marathon and then I decided to try the Lakeland 50 in 2015. I went on a Hardmoors training weekend and Kim and Jayson were demonstrating exercises to help with trail running and I was really impressed (and also in awe of all the races they’d done…and often won!)
I made the switch to trail from then and, though never fast, I got round and had a good time. Things went a bit wrong after being ill in 2016 and I had DNFs at OCC and HM60….so I put that behind me and entered the Hardmoors Grand Slam in 2017…as you do! I came last in NYD30 so gave myself a kick up the bum and trained like mad for HM55. I felt really well prepared…then 3 days before I had an accident and ended up in hospital. Of course I was on the start line! So many things went wrong that day but the short story is I was timed out at Kildale. Then I had a DNF on the 110…which I should never have started as I was so undertrained.
After sulking for a few months, nursing PF and a torn ankle ligament, I contacted Jayson about coaching. I was so annoyed with myself with how my running was going and just wanted to get back to how I felt when I first started trail running. I’d been following Jayson and Kim’s running through Hardmoors so knew that, if anyone could help me they could!
I started my coaching with Kim in September 2017. I was still recovering from my ankle injury so at first, I did a lot of strength and conditioning sessions and walking. My idea of s&c was a few press ups and squats…maybe the occasional plank when I remembered. But Kim had me doing exercises I hadn’t even heard of! After a few weeks, I could feel I was getting stronger and muscles were starting to appear. I lost the excess weight I’d been struggling with and, once I started running again, it felt much easier and it was fun again!
Eight weeks after starting my coaching, I took an hour off my time at Goathland marathon. Then had my fastest trail half at Roseberry, took 97 minutes off NYD30 and an hour off Saltburn marathon.
As a single working mum with a disabled child, things don’t always go to plan! But Kim has been a great support over the last 6 months and has tweaked the training plan if I’ve needed to. I usually give up on a plan after a few weeks but, even when things have been hard, I haven’t missed my training session… and I haven’t wanted to. I look forward to getting my new plan each month and discussing it with Kim and I know if I hadn’t started coaching, I’d still be miserable and struggling at the back of the pack. As it is, I’m feeling strong and looking forward to completing the Grand Slam.
Ben Shacklock
I have been running for the last 4 years. Like many my interest in running and competing was rejuvenated with Parkrun and grew from there. I ran at school in athletics and cross country to County level but once reaching Sixth form/University all sport took a backseat – something I regret now. A drive to ‘get fit’, do something to inspire my children and generally ‘do what I preach’ as a GP drove me to start running again.
I have had a coach for the last 3 years. Initially with Full Potential (Ben Barwick). Whilst I very much appreciated the help I received it didn’t really serve either of us particularly well as I struggled to provide the feedback he needed to coach me well as it didn’t adapt to my lifestyle and requirements. I also wanted a more holistic approach and he only provided running workouts. I wanted suggestions regarding strength training and plyometrics as well – ‘a running package’. I indulged in online strategies via Facebook to piece together something (an additional cost) but I needed to have the accountability provided by a coach overseeing all of this.
Since working with Jayson for sixteen weeks and receiving a ‘holistic’ package – I have been pleased to achieve 4th place in Race to the Stones (100k) this year (2hr improvement from last year) and a top 10 Hardmoors Marathon finish. My initial target was a 3hr marathon but unfortunately I just missed out coming in at 3:00:35 – but still a three minute PB.
I hope things are moving in the right direction. Improvements in all my road times would be welcome. I see improvements on the trail and want podium finishes – something I have seen in only a few months working with Jayson.
I feel I need a coach as I need someone to answer to when conditions outside are less than favourable. Someone looking at my runs and telling me when I’m not doing enough or pushing too hard and risking an injury. Jayson looks over my race calendar and keeps things in check when I’m overstretching – losing sight of my goals. He reiterates the importance of rest.
I decided to work with Jayson on the basis of personal recommendations from a friend backed up by his achievements in trail running. I particularly like the way Jayson is able to adapt his approach based on individual need. For me, this usually means feedback on my running plan with links to Strava, for others this is on the phone – but I find this difficult due to time pressures. Jayson checks in on my training plan regularly and updates it as needed – Google Drive works well and provides me with the reassurance things are being monitored (and coach is watching!).
My advice to someone thinking about working with a coach is that internal drive will only get you so far – you need someone to apply that ‘stick’ to motivate and encourage you. Even the coaches have ‘coaches’ too – I don’t think you will achieve what you are capable of without one (you might not even know what the extent of this is either!)
The most surprising thing about my coaching is that easing off on the ‘easy’ runs is the key to improving your running and ‘strength’ training has to play a part.
I run for both stress relief and distraction. GP is a difficult job – running always helps realign me after a hard day and helps me enjoy my free time more. The health benefits of running are a welcome ‘extra’ – I like the impression it has on my children – they do Parkrun too and my son is always first to enter the school cross country events; , it helps me be ‘mindful’ and have goals in life – I see having a coach as integral to driving me forward. I have no hesitation in recommending Jayson and Cavill Coaching.
Lee Williams
Occupation
Floor fitter
What is your Sporting background?
No real background in sports other than school football. I started to smoke in school , and gradually got more unfit and over weight. In 2012 I quit smoking and decided to lose weight and start the gym.
Time running?
I started running around 2014 and struggled with a lot of niggles and injuries over the next few years but kept on. I did my first Hardmoors half in 2015 at Goathland which was supposed to be rosedale but I dns due to injury.
What are your long and short term running goals?
Short term goals have been to enjoy running and to stay injury free. Long term goals are to complete long distance ultras up to and over 100 miles.
What are your standout achievements in running?
My stand out achievements are breaking the 20 minutes for a 5k and finishing 9th and 6th in Hardmoors 10k races. Also 21st position at the Wainstones marathon was a big achievement.
Why did you want a coach?
All my training runs were about managing niggles and injuries. All my races that I entered felt really tough and not enjoyable. I wanted to be able to enjoy running and racing like the many people I spoke to.
What made you want to work with Jayson and Kim?
I’d heard very good things about Kim and Jayson but it was during Whitehorse half marathon that I got chatting to a fellow runner Darren Smith. He talked about injuries and problems for years and told me how he’s now being coached. He was running great and I just watched him practically skip up a huge hill and was gone. After that race I followed his progress for a while and saw how good he was doing. So I thought if it can work for him maybe it can work for me to.
What improvements have you made since working with them?
I’ve improved in so many ways. No injuries or issues any more and able to enjoy running week in week out is the biggest improvement in my eyes. My 5k time has gone from 22 minutes down to 19.50. I’m competitive in races now as well as able to enjoy them.
What has been the best part of working with a coach?
The best part of working with Kim has been the support she gives me with all my training and half way through races when I hear her cheering me on as I run past. All of Kim’s knowledge has been invaluable for race strategy and training plans.
What advice would you say to someone looking for help with their running and fitness?
I would highly recommend talking to Kim or Jayson for advice and guidance.
What types of things have you learnt that you maybe didn’t expect to?
I’ve learnt that strength and conditioning plays a huge part in staying injury free and that not all runs have to be fast.
Is running something you do for enjoyment or distraction?
It’s definitely enjoyment and personal achievement for me.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’d like to thank Kim for all your help these past 8-9 month. I’ve achieved everything and more than I wanted. It’s been hard at times and you have to put the effort in to achieve what you want but it’s worth the pain of all those tough runs when you hit your goals.