Running Coaching Built Around You — Any Distance, Any Terrain

"Got a huge PB at the Amsterdam Marathon today — 2:48:02."

Four years earlier Sam ran his first half marathon in 1:54:40 on little training. By February 2023 it was 1:15:37, and his 10K had come down from 40-something to 34:19. "Under Brennan's guidance I've improved far more than I'd have achieved alone." Brennan's verdict on Amsterdam: "the most disciplined run I have seen from Sam." Sam's: "this is just the beginning."

"A huge 16-minute PB on a tough course, in conditions that demanded smart decisions from the very start. Layering up, staying patient in a congested opening climb, and committing to a steady, controlled effort early on — that's what set the tone."

"Six months ago I entered the Manchester Marathon with the goal of putting a sub-3 hour time on the board — a time I'd be happy with if I never did a marathon ever again. With training going well, I began to think that 2:45 could be doable — but only if absolutely everything came together on the day. So to say I'm happy with 2:43:20 would be an understatement."

Seventeen months of building strength, resilience, and consistent habits led to this: Lydia's first ultra finish at the Lakeland 50 in 10:39:05, 14th lady and 99th overall — patient, purposeful progression paying off.

"Village Bakery Half Marathon on Sunday. I ran 1:18:43, which is a new PB at age 50. None of this would happen without fantastic coaching from Brennan."

Brennan: "An outstanding achievement with very disciplined pacing and understanding of how to really get the most out of yourself on race day."

George took 2nd place at the St Sunday Skyrace, tackling the exposed ridgelines above Ullswater for a brilliant result on tough Lake District terrain.

"A sub-3 hour marathon is beyond anything that I thought I was capable of when I started running 6 years ago. Potentially the greatest achievement of my life so far and the hardest I've ever worked for anything. I'm incredibly proud of myself, and excited to see where my limits lie after absolutely destroying where I thought they previously were. Huge thank you to Brennan for the guidance and for showing me what is possible."

The build started with a 1:27:53 half marathon PB at Aintree in February 2023, five weeks out from the Barcelona Marathon: "really thought I would struggle with that pace but felt controlled all the way through."

"I can't believe it's been a week already! What a perfect day on the fells, and one I am super proud of. No drama, just a fantastic team and a quiet determination to get it done. I am so grateful and so happy that I get to do these things."

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"Another bucket list ticked off. Went into Amsterdam not knowing where I was, as the Great North didn't go to plan, so this was just try and settle into something. Mile 23 started to get tough — had to have a word with myself. Happy to come away with a new PB."

A year of chipping away: a half marathon PB at Carlisle in March on a day when "the last few miles were dig deep", the London Marathon in April, and a 3:09 marathon PB in Amsterdam in October.

Mark took the win at Spelga Skyline, out in the Mournes — a brilliant result on a tough course.

"The race went perfectly, exceeding both personal goals and predicted time. It was a hot day with beaming sunlight and the highest number of people running ever recorded. I achieved negative splits throughout and finished stronger than I started."

"Lots in life to manage. Brennan ensured I remained in control of training whilst adjusting to life and stressors — the plan has been flexible to adjust to my life on a weekly basis. After 20 months under Brennan's wing as a coach, with the meticulous and methodical training approach around my life, I am thriving as an endurance athlete."

"Superb return to form for Bryan, finishing an impressive 7th at the Cavour race in Italy last weekend. A great start to this year's racing season."

21.2km in 1:22:53 — a half marathon PB and a 10-mile PB in the same run. Went out a bit quick, then settled in nicely, kept the effort controlled the whole way, and a strong finish when it counted. More than just fitness — that's smart racing and growing confidence showing through.

"Preparing for an ambitious PB attempt at the London Marathon and following it three weeks later with a crack at UTS 50K in Snowdonia was always going to be a challenge, but with Brennan's assistance I had one of my best training blocks ever. An intelligent training plan built around my busy life focused on building both speed and resilience, and I was pleased to PB in a road half marathon in the buildup. A strong run in London — my second fastest ever there at 51 years old — was followed by a great day out in challenging conditions in the Welsh mountains, where I feel as a fairly novice mountain runner I did well in managing my effort and finishing strongly. More races are already planned to build on the momentum, and I'm confident with the Townshend team's support I'll not only achieve but surpass my goals."

"Big thanks to Coach Kat for keeping my legs strong on the descents! Was a good feeling to be able to run to the end rather than hobble!"

"37:53 10K. Not bad for my first road race and surprised myself with uncharacteristically even pacing."

A well-paced effort showing dedication and focus in training.

"I am really enjoying these hilly trail half marathon races right now — they are definitely underrated. It was a tough race that worked my legs and lungs hard against some very fast road runners. Fighting for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th place from the very start to the finish line was amazing. Now it's time to train hard for the next one — my coach Brennan and I have more goals to reach at Skyrunning UK, we have some unfinished business there. Time to get back to the steep, rocky hills and start climbing."

"London Landmarks Half Marathon ticked off the list. Great atmosphere on a traffic-free course round London, passing Nelson's Column, Tower of London, London Eye and Big Ben. This was my first road half I've raced and was pleased with my time of 1:50:37 — a great starting point to build on."

"Fantastic conditions and support on the fells yesterday. So grateful to be part of such an amazing club, Keswick AC. Thanks again to Townshend Performance and Kat Townshend for training and racing advice."

"Great run from coached athlete Poppy in the first round of the English Fell Running Championships, finishing a strong 5th. A really solid start to the series and great strength shown over a tough route."