Bespoke endurance coaching for people who want to do hard things — well.
Ultra-Running Coach Elisabet Barnes, PhD.
I work with runners, walkers and endurance athletes preparing for demanding goals — from first-time ultras to complex multi-stage races.
My coaching is bespoke, evidence-informed, and grounded in lived experience. I bring together elite ultra-running background, professional coaching practice, and a deep understanding of how people relate to challenge, uncertainty, and limits.
If you’re looking for coaching that is thoughtful, individual, and sustainable — rather than prescriptive or performative — you’re in the right place.
Preparing for an ultra can be complex. Coaching brings clarity, structure, and perspective.
Clarity instead of guesswork
You don’t need more information —
you need clear decisions at the right time.
I help you cut through noise and uncertainty so your training and preparation are intentional and aligned with your goal.
Training that fits your life
I don’t deliver generic plans.
Your training is shaped around your work, recovery capacity, and wider life context — so the process is sustainable, realistic, and supportive rather than overwhelming.
Beyond running alone
Endurance performance is shaped by more than mileage.
We work with pacing, nutrition, equipment, heat management, recovery, mindset, and self-trust — all integrated, not treated in isolation.
Depth of experience
I have coached runners preparing for Marathon des Sables and other multi-stage races since 2015.
When the goal is complex or demanding, depth of experience makes the difference.
About Your Ultra-Running Coach.
I’m best known for winning the 250km Marathon des Sables the Legendary twice, but my work goes far beyond results on paper. Since I began running ultras in 2011, I’ve raced in extreme environments around the world — deserts, rainforests, mountains, and high altitude — and learned firsthand what endurance really demands.
Today, I coach runners of all levels through complex, meaningful goals. My work is grounded in experience, evidence, and a deep respect for the realities of people’s lives. I’m interested not just in performance, but in how people grow, adapt, and develop self-trust through challenge.
Clients Say
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Just wanted to say a big Thank You. Can't put into words how much I appreciate what you have done, you are a very special person.
Elaine
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Thank you for spending time talking me through everything. I draw a huge amount of comfort and confidence from speaking with you.
Neil
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I have absolutely loved being coached by you and this is the fittest I have ever been. My running has improved so much and I have enjoyed every single session.
Alison
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