I first got in contact with Jemma in July 2021 after deciding to do my first race in September 2021 (the Bristol 10k). I had heard of Jemma after listening to her on a podcast and reached out to see if she could help with a training plan.
I started running in my early 40s but initially didn’t stick to it. I then
started running again a few years ago and just got the ‘bug’. I love
the feeling I get from running and achieving goals. From my very
first chat with Jemma I felt that she would be able to help me
improve my running and I wasn’t wrong. As well as running I have
another hobby (Irish dancing). Jemma has always been amazing in
fitting this within my plan, showing an interest in my hobby and all
those speed/interval workouts really help my fitness for dancing as
well as running!
I have learnt so much from Jemma about running. The importance of rest days, strength training and all the different paced runs. Most importantly I have learnt to listen to my body in order to prevent injuries. The fortnightly chats with Jemma are a real highlight of the running coaching. Jemma takes time to get to know you as a person, your commitments and works with you to fit your training plan into your life and to help you achieve your goals.
After the 10k I continued my coaching with Jemma. I had a personal goal this summer of getting a sub 25 for my 5K and also wanted to see an average pace in the 7s. I wasn’t sure how realistic this was! I got close a couple of times and Jemma encouraged me to keep up the work, trust the process and she told me she knew it would come and of course she was right. I ran a parkrun in 24:39 this summer with an average pace of 7:57! I have just had a milestone birthday and to be feeling as fit and strong as I do alongside reaching PB’s is amazing and there’s no way I would have been able to achieve this without Jemma’s expertise and support.