Running coach offers support to Rockinghorse runners

Running coach Michael Newton offers Rockinghorse runners free training plans to help them prepare for...

Running coach Michael Newton offers Rockinghorse runners free training plans to help them prepare for marathon events in 2023

Many of us have thought about running in a half or full marathon – how great would it feel to cross the finish line and achieve a personal goal of having completed an endurance running event?

But the dream and the reality can be very different! And often it can be really daunting to know how to even start training for an event like this. How do you find the right way to plan? What website can you trust? Can you believe your friend who offers tips from their own experiences?

The best advice is to find a running coach to help you develop an achievable, safe and effective plan. But these coaches can often be expensive and hard to find.

Michael Newton

But don’t worry, we have the solution! Michael Newton is a professional online running coach based in Brighton. After taking up running himself at the age of 18 to help him lose some weight he initially struggled to run a mile around the block but by the time he moved to Brighton for University he was hooked.

Michael explains more about his experiences: “Years later, having joined a wonderful training group, completed countless races and worked extensively within the running industry, I’ve experienced a huge improvement as an athlete.

“My personal bests across all distances have improved year on year – with much more to come – and I now feel more confident, stronger and fitter than ever before, both in running and in life. I’ve met new friends, raced overseas and had so many brilliant experiences. I run on roads and trails and predominantly focus on getting faster over 5 and 10K.

“I have also trained for longer distances and have medals from 5 marathons and a 53-mile ultra-marathon.

“As a coach, I love to use my knowledge and passion for the sport to help others to improve. To express your fitness through running well is a joy. Too many runners lack the knowledge to train and move effectively and therefore risk injury or losing motivation when progress ultimately plateaus.”

But thanks to Michael, that need no longer be a problem. He has developed and shared two training plans for Rockinghorse runners to use, each including what training to do each day throughout your preparation, leading up to the event itself.

The first is a 12-week beginner half marathon plan and the second is a 16-week beginner-intermediate marathon training plan.

Michael said: “It’s fantastic to see so many runners training hard over the winter period to raise money for Rockinghorse. As their official coaching partner, I’m aiming to provide direction, motivation and advice for athletes to best prepare them for tough challenges like the London Marathon. I would advise runners to keep their training varied, include plenty of rest, be mindful of good technique and make an effort to keep it fun!”

Emma Cunliffe, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse said: We are so pleased to have Michael join Team Rockinghorse as our coaching partner. He is going to be helping all our amazing supporters who are taking on events in 2023, and we’re really grateful for him offering his services.”

To find out more about Michael, read his newsletter here: Michael Newton Newsletter and use the links below to access his running plans.

12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan

16 Week Marathon Training Plan

Sign up to a running event here