The Coaches
The Coaches
West Edinburgh Running Club currently has two fully qualified Scottish Athletics coaches, Alan and Dom. They met a number of years ago whilst coaching at Portobello Running Club to the East of Edinburgh but both living to the West of the city decided to set up something new - West Edinburgh Running Club.
Yet Alan and Dom aren’t the only ones in the WERC coaching team. At the start of 2024 our coaching roster expanded to welcome the talented Daphne and amazing Stuart to the ranks. Daphne and Stuart are just starting their coaching career having completed the Leadership in Running Fitness course (LiRF).
So what qualifies them to coach?
Dom and Alan both gained their coaching licences through the UK Athletics Coaching Pathway a few years back and have both held the Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) qualification since. They both undergo regular mandatory refresher training and continue with their own coaching development through various top-up courses and additional qualifications.
Amongst other things, the CiRF course qualification ensures Dom and Alan are familiar with the following aspects of coaching:
- Athlete Development
- Athlete Profiling and Physical Assessment
- Fundamental Skills and Running Drills
- Skill Development
- Energy Systems and Endurance Running
- Physical Preparation including the use of multi-jump and multi-throw activities
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Injury Prevention and Management
- Flexibility in the warmup and cool-down
- Factors Influencing Performance
- Elements of Planning and Delivery
- Role and Responsibilities of a Coach
- Coaching Skills
- Integrated coaching
Each is extremely passionate about running and supporting others in their goals. Dom has a real talent for the technical aspects of running and loves helping runners with their form and getting the most out of their running. Alan has a knack for building trusting relationships with runners that helps them push out of their comfort zone, and achieve remarkable things that they weren't sure they could.
Daphne, Stuart, Keith, Anna, Val and Jan having completed their LiRF qualification are fully certified to lead club sessions and ensure the health and safety of our runners.
Let's hear a bit about the coaches in their own words:
Dom
Hi all, I'm Dom, one of the coaches here at West Edinburgh Running Club, and I've been running (on and off) for almost 20 years. I've raced distances from 5kms to ultras, cross country, and road events and currently enjoy nibbling away at my half marathon time.
On the coaching side, I have a particular interest in the mechanics of running and the science that underpins it (there will be a big focus on form and technique in my sessions!) and have recently completed a number of courses in endurance running, both for my own understanding of the sport, and to help those I coach.
West Edinburgh Running Club will have something for everyone, whether you're new to running or a seasoned pro, I hope to see you at one of the sessions soon!
Alan
I started running when I moved to Singapore and decided to eat all of the delicious food they make there, all of the time. In an effort to stop doing that, and undo some of the consequences of that gluttony, I started running and found that I was pretty good at it, surprising everyone! Since then I have run races of most distances, the longest being in 2022 when I ran The Highlander - Last one Standing Backyard Ultra (Loops of 4.1 miles on the hour, every hour) and lasted 20 hours and roughly 84 miles. I've run a sub-3-hour Marathon and have since become entirely uninterested in that distance. I'm planning on focusing on the 10k race in 2024, my secret favourite distance with my secret desire to break the 35-minute mark (likely impossible).
As a coach, I love to build relationships and support athletes with full-time jobs, kids, chores, errands, and all the beautiful challenges of life, to get the most out of their running. I offer 1-2-1 sessions and have an amazing group of athletes that I coach to their goals. I also love supporting people in a group setting and can't wait to meet you all on a Thursday evening!
Daphne
Hey there, I’m Daphne and I’m almost as new to this whole coaching thing as I am to running. I began running in Edinburgh about a year ago, drawn into it from a hiking background and kept hooked by the beautiful hills and trails we are spoiled with in south Edinburgh. I’m keen on fell and trail running on technical paths and in beautiful places, rather than trying to hit a certain time, distance, or PB (though I definitely won’t complain if I do). I tend to be drawn to locally organised half marathons in the Highlands and Islands, bringing a tent with me and making a weekend out of it with a good wild camp and hike the day after.
While I’m new to running, I’ve been doing one sport or another my whole life and I am excited to apply my experiences, perspectives, and newly acquired coaching training to keeping everyone in the club safe, working hard, and having a great time. I’m looking forward to meeting you one of these Thursday evenings!
Stuart
Hi, I'm Stuart and I'm one of the run leaders at West Edinburgh Running Club. I support the coaching team in delivering training sessions at our weekly club nights.
I started running regularly in my early 20's after taking part in the Great North Run for charity and since then, have participated in lots of different road races, varying in distance, up to a marathon. Having focussed on the marathon distance for the last couple of years, my focus is now changing to improve my pace and times over shorter distances.
With a long-term passion for running, I completed the Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course through Scottish Athletics in March 2024 and I'm looking forward to using my experience and skills to support others in their training and help them achieve their goals.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or completely new to running, WERC offer a safe, fun and inclusive environment for everyone - I look forward to seeing you at a session soon!