I’m a British Athletics Coach in Running Fitness, Funetics Coach, author of numerous running books and a journalist who writes for numerus publications including Women’s Running.
What’s my running background?
Running has always been a huge part of my life since childhood. I started running at the age of 10, following in the footsteps of my talented Dad, whose PBs include a 2.37 marathon. He was my first running coach and taught me with wise words and good humour how to be a dedicated, competitive and stress-free runner.
I learnt early that “comparison is the thief of joy” when it comes to racing. My inspirational sister was a talented junior, running for GB and won numerous national titles with a marathon PB of 2.33. I was never as fast as her. But I realised I could still strive to be the best I could be and enjoy the many social and health benefits running brings. Now I encourage the athletes I coach to do the same.
I studied at Loughborough University and was privileged to be the Women’s Cross Country Captain and manage a squad of several future Olympians. With coaching advice from the legendary George Gandy and coached by Bill Foster I learnt about the principles of training which ignited a flame to learn more now. I set PBs from 1500m to 5K and had some of my best cross country races including 4th in the Northern Champs and 13th in the U20 National XC champs.
I then joined St Albans Striders and was the Women’s Cross Country Captain again. I loved encouraging members who didn’t have the confidence to do cross country to give it a go, whilst also giving my all in races. Twice winning bronze in the Hertfordshire XC County Championships.
On the roads I ran in the Elite Women’s Great North Run and fulfilled my childhood dream to take part in my first London Marathon having watched my Dad run the London Marathon as a child. The experience didn’t disappoint but I made all the classic mistakes of going off too fast and under fuelling leading to a painful final 10K. I lived and learned and improved my time from 3:19 to 3:06 over the next four years.
How do I train now as a Mum-of-two and Masters athlete?
After cutting back on training to have two children, I returned to the marathon after an 11-year hiatus, lowering my time to 3.04, and qualifying for an England Masters. I set a half marathon PB of 82.42, won a 20 mile race, and earned a spot on the women's elite start at the Great South Run.
Running through pregnancy and postpartum taught me a lot about my body and how it pays to be patient to avoid injury. It has taught me becoming a parent does not have to mean the end of your running aspirations, but it does mean having to be more flexible and strategic with fitting training in.
I’m now in my forties and continue to strive for - and achieve PBs - whilst accepting I can’t train the way I used to in my twenties. I understand the needs of masters athletes through knowledge and experience and have helped men and women in their thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and beyond to gain fast times and qualify to run for England as masters athletes.
How can I help you as a coach?
I have been a fully qualified British Athletics Coach in Running Fitness since 2021 and coached numerous athletes. I love working with people individually and helping them reach their targets and potential alongside their other commitments.
I’m one of the lead coaches at St Albans Striders where I plan and deliver weekly group track sessions. I love seeing people improve and make friends as part of the club. As a fully qualified Funetics coach I also love to instil the love of running in children, setting them up for a lifetime in sport so they can gain all the health and fitness benefits into adulthood.
When it comes to coaching, I firmly believe one size does not fit all. I like to support and encourage athletes to get the best out of themselves whilst also enjoying their running and racing.
So, if you are looking for help to fit in training around a busy lifestyle, to set exciting targets, to re-discover your running mojo, or to run further or faster than you have before, get in touch.
Looking for a running book to read?
When I’m not running, I am writing about running! I’m a fully qualified journalist for the national press and have written several bestselling books.
The Ultimate Guide to parkrun
My most recent book celebrates 20 years of parkrun revealing how it started, how to get involved and why it means so much to so many people. It contains 5k training plans, inspirational stories from people whose lives have changed thanks to parkrun, and information on interesting courses around the world for fans of parkrun tourism.
Nell McAndrew’s Guide to Running
I co-wrote this book with Nell who shares her passion for running and reveals how she broke 3 hours at the London Marathon. It is for beginners looking for advice on how to start, and for experienced runners who want to improve.
Run Mummy Run
I co-wrote Run Mummy Run with the group’s founder, Leanne Davies. The book is a celebration of running and, like the RMR community, aims to help women overcome the barriers they face to starting – and keep – running. This is also something I advocate as a coach.
Beyond Impossible and Limitless
I ghostwrote the two memoirs of Guinness World Record breaking ultra runner Mimi Anderson. The books reveal how Mimi dealt with an eating disorder and took up running in her thirties, going on to conquer some of the World’s toughest races. She’s proof it is never too late to achieve your dreams.
I am also a regular contributor to Women’s Running magazine.
I write feature articles and answer questions in the Q & A column about running and coaching.
For more about me, follow my Instagram @runningfeatlucy
For more on my books, visit: Lucy Waterlow Author