Testimonials
Real results from real runners — across skyrunning, fell, trail, mountain and ultra distances, coached by Brennan and Kat Townshend in the Lake District, UK and worldwide.
From the Athletes Themselves
A year ago the idea of finishing UTS 100 was a goal that was simply unachievable for me — injury after injury made my first year or two of running a nightmare. Kat's taken me from strength to strength, conditioned me to a 7th place finish at a massive mountain race, kept me injury free, and pushed me to levels I could not have achieved on my own. Thank you Kat, you're my strongest asset!
At all stages Brennan has been incredibly helpful — patient, thorough and encouraging. Under his guidance I've improved from 40:xx to 34:19 for the 10K and from 1:54:40 to 1:15:37 for the half marathon. I've no doubt I've seen a far greater scale of improvement than I'd have achieved alone.
Brennan's been coaching me for nearly 2 years now. I'm 53, and having a coach for the first time has been a revelation. Brennan's expertise, insight and thoroughness in creating a plan that works around a very intense job has been seriously impressive — under his guidance I'm a fitter, stronger, more balanced and happier runner. In the last year I've run fell races at PB pace — as fast as I've been for 10–15 years — come in the top 20% at the Lakes Traverse, and been course fastest finisher at the Great Lakeland 3 Day. I never imagined I'd perform at this level at this age.
Well I surprised myself a little in this race. Due to Brennan's structured coaching and advice I was able to achieve this position, so thank you. For perspective, in 2019 I ran this race (a shorter route with less elevation) and came 16th — this was before working with Brennan. The training has been tailored to suit my work commitments, which maximises available time and the terrain at hand.
Kat has been an outstanding coach. Her knowledge, dedication and personalised approach has made a huge difference to both my performance and my confidence on the trails. I always feel supported and well prepared going into races.
Working with Brennan has completely changed how I approach training. He has an incredible ability to balance hard sessions with adequate recovery, and always explains the reasoning behind the plan. My race results speak for themselves.
I have been coached by Kat for the past two years and it was the best decision I ever made. I was constantly running every session at full speed and it left me exhausted come race day — since working with Kat, my running has completely transformed, with a structured plan and a variety of sessions that keep me motivated. Despite being a full-time teacher with two children, Kat works around my schedule and makes the most of the limited time I have available. I never thought I'd achieve such success in my fell races.
I started with Kat in May 2023 and within 3–4 months I'd made huge improvements. I finished my first ultra that September (5 Valleys, part of the 13 Valleys Ultra) in a good time for me, getting 3rd female — without Kat's coaching there's no way I'd have achieved that. Before coaching I ran inconsistently, trying to PB every run, not really enjoying it and seeing no improvement. Now I look forward to the runs Kat schedules in, and it's not just running — it's strength and conditioning, mobility, yoga and nutrition too. After major surgery in January 2024, Kat's coaching got me fit again for my second ultra, with more planned. She really knows her stuff, regularly checks in, and having a busy life, she changes my training to suit whenever I need it.
Under Brennan's guidance for the past 11 months, I've experienced a remarkable transformation in my running journey. Despite starting from a low base and facing numerous injuries and setbacks in the 3 years prior, Brennan's structured coaching has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals while maintaining my health. I've not only shed excess weight but also achieved milestones I once only dreamed of — completing my first ultra race, conquering the Bob Graham Round, and even a 35-minute personal best at the Trigger fell race.
I came to Kat for help getting over an injury and to prepare for the challenge of UTS 50km. Her coaching has kept me on track, balancing a steady build in running volume with targeted strength work. This tailored approach got me to the start... and the finish line, but most importantly allowed me to really enjoy this stunning course and incredible experience. Thanks Kat, for all your help and encouragement!
As a lifelong runner (FV55) I was looking for a new challenge, and ultras have been my ambition for such a long time. Kat has revolutionised my rather haphazard training in the last 6 months — introducing a periodised plan including strength work, cycling, walking, hills and proper rest and recovery, all balanced around my work and family commitments. An ultra calendar plan has focused me on the key events I want to do whilst steadily increasing race distance. Kat is very accessible and monitors daily sessions with regular feedback and support. So far I have enjoyed my first 50k, lost a stone in weight and knocked 4 minutes off my 10k time.
I've been working with Kat for over a year now and my consistency with running has come on so much. Each race I feel more confident — not just with running, but fuelling, using my poles, recovery and knowing when to push and when to hold back. I've completed a good number of ultras now with no injuries and no DNFs. Kat is really easy to chat with and sets your sessions in advance so you can plan ahead and get on with it. She has her own family with young children, which really helps — she can relate to juggling family life and work.
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