A coach who cares about the whole you!

I know that coaching can be a big commitment and that you want it to be right. I want it to be right too. For both us.


That is why I don't work with anyone. I want to serve you to the best of my ability, and help you reach the outcome that you want, and I want us to be a good fit for each other.


It does not matter to me if you are slow or fast. It does not matter to me if you want help to get to your first 5km (in fact I love that!) or if you want to race Marathon des Sables. What does matter to me is whether you are willing to do the work. I care about each of my clients as individuals and I want to you to feel supported and seen, not like another runner on a conveyor belt, with the same plan as somebody else.

I want to work with individuals who are willing to have some skin in the game, who understand that results don't come from just paying a coach, but from actually showing up. And if you show up, I show up for you, because you inspire me. I will support you 100% and I care about the whole you. Sometimes you run just for the sake of running, but often the goal you have articulated isn't just about that goal. It's about what the outcome of achieving that goal means to you. The why, the difference it will make in your life. I find it interesting to learn about your broader motivations and not just look at fitness metrics.


This is my philosophy. If it resonates with you I would love to hear from you. I am currently fully booked (January 2024) so feel free to contact me to be put on my wait list. Sometimes a place opens up. In any case I will have more places available from mid-April, when some of my MDS clients will end their journeys with me.

See below for my standard options and fees, as well as my Marathon des Sables and Grand to Grand coaching packages. If you would like anything not listed below, then contact me and we can discuss your individual requirements. 

Elisabet Barnes Portrait

How running coaching with me works

I offer coaching online. I deliver your training plan in TrainingPeaks, which is an online system for athletes and coaches. Your training syncs via your device and I can keep track of your progress. No system can fully replace the human wisdom and connection, so we stay in touch so that I know how you feel, what's working well, and what we should tweak. We connect via e-mail, messaging and zoom. You decide how much support you need within the limits of your plan.


All my training plans are bespoke and created from scratch based on you. This is because I want to give you the best chance you can to train safely, stay injury free, maximise your potential and reach your goals. I try to make the training fit in around your life. That being said, depending on what outcome you are looking for, change in you current habits might be a necessary part of the process. Excuses will not help you achieve what you want!


In my running coaching I take into account your sporting history, current fitness level, previous injuries, ability, race ambitions and life- and work commitments, in order to minimise risk of injury, reduce undue stress, and help you enjoy consistent, effective, safe and progressive training. While injury can happen, the incidence of injury is low among my clients.

Monthly Running Coaching Plan - From $297.00 / month

I deliver a completely bespoke running coaching plan to you, typically in blocks of a couple of weeks at the time. Every month you have the option of a 30-minute call with me to review your progress and plan the next phase. You also get regular e-mail and WhatsApp support. A premium athlete account with TrainingPeaks is included unless you have one already. A one-off setup of $219.00 is required for new customers. There is no minimum tie-in period for coaching. Terms & conditions apply. I also offer bank transfer and payment in GBP, EUR, AUD, NOK or SEK. Contact me for prices in other currencies.

6-month Discount - 10%

If you commit to 6 months minimum upfront, I offer 10% discount on an advance payment. This means your running coaching will start at $267 / month. I don't believe in keeping people's money unless I can serve you, so I do have a refund policy. If something happens during your pre-paid period and you must stop the coaching, you will get a refund of unused time (terms & conditions apply).

1-1 Consultations - $150.00 / hour

A 1-1 consultation is a great option if you don't need full running coaching but would like some advice and guidance. This can be anything from a confidence boost or help with a life problem, to review of a self-devised training plan or advice around a specific race.

Your coaching and training programme made an enormous difference to me. I feel so much wiser now and understand how I should be going about my running training. I can’t thank you enough.


Craig

I just wanted to say a very big thank you to you for all your fantastic plans you have written for me and for the support and advice you have given. Turned up well prepared and well advised to race.


Lizzie

Your coaching was perfect for me. Your plans pushed me but also gave me flexibility when traveling and working long hours. Knowing what I had to do each week gave me great confidence.


Mary-Anne

What is right for you?

MONTHLY COACHING

My most popular running coaching setup, suitable for most people.

A setup fee of $219 is applicable.

6-month discounted price available.

$297

/month

What's included

  • TrainingPeaks Plan
  • Introductory Reference Document
  • 1 monthly call 30 minutes
  • E-mail support
  • Access to me on WhatsApp
  • TrainingPeaks Premium Athlete Account
  • Weekly commentary and review of your training in TrainingPeaks

Marathon des Sables Coaching Package

Marathon Des Sables (MDS) is for many a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many can only do it once and so you really want to succeed.

The completion rate for my coaching clients is typically high, with 100% in several editions of the race.

Marathon des Sables is a very specific race. It is only if you have been there that you can fully understand the complexity brought about by the extreme environment, race format and race rules. Specific preparations are required in regards to acclimatisation, equipment, nutrition, mental aspects, race administration, camp life etc.

Marathon des Sables coaching with me means that you get access to my all my secrets from competing in four editions of MDS and winning two. You always learn a lot from the first couple of times so the repeated race experience is an important benefit I can offer.

I know what you can expect out on the course and I incorporate specific training in your plan. I have coached top runners, walkers just aiming to complete within cut-offs, and every level in between. I can help you set a realistic goal, recommend races to do in training, help you manage family/work expectations and make the training fit in with your life.

If can help you cross that finish line, collect the medal, and achieve what most people will never dare to take on.

Common Pitfalls

Sadly, as many as 25% of registered entrants don’t make the start line of Marathon des Sables because they get injured, mainly due to overtraining or just training incorrectly.

Also, if your coach has not been to this race in person, they cannot possibly offer the full support and knowledge that you require.


The Marathon des Sables Coaching Package


Starts in Nov 2024 for the April 2025 edition.

LIMITED SPOTS!!

This fully supported and proven success formula for Marathon des Sables includes:

  • Access to my accumulated experience and knowledge from 12 years of multi-stage ultra racing, desert racing and coaching (4 x MDS, Desert races in: Morocco, USA, South Africa/Namibia, Tunisia, Australia, Oman).
  • Realistic goal setting
  • Five months bespoke training plan that fits with your life commitments
  • Video call up to 1 hour every month to discuss your training and race preparations
  • Extra support call pre-race if required
  • Unlimited support via e-mail & WhatsApp
  • Premium TrainingPeaks account
  • Detailed kit list template, with examples and recommended weights, based on my winning kit formula
  • Detailed race nutrition guide
  • Recording of MDS specific nutrition webinar
  • Post race debrief call
  • Guidance as needed on kit, heat acclimation, foot care, hydration, nutrition, race strategy, race terrain and environment, camp life, and travel logistics
  • Option to add additional months at 10% discount off normal monthly price
  • Can be paid in up to 3 instalments
  • Payment possible in USD, EUR, GBP, NOK, SEK or AUD (ask for details)

Save 39%

Total Value: $3252.00

Your investment: $1997.00

I would whole-heartedly recommend your coaching service to anyone. You saved me and gave me the confidence and the skills to go into the MDS and run it whilst enjoying it. I would never have finished where I did had I been on another plan. The attention to detail, the genuine passion for running and the desire to help others achieve their goals is what sets you apart from others. 


My plan was individually tailored, thoroughly considered, and with a no gimmicks approach, which instilled so much confidence in me to tackle both the longer and shorter distances. You were always there to guide, reassure and help, and answer my questions.


You tailored my plan to work alongside my busy lifestyle so it became a joy to train, never a chore. Your in-depth knowledge of kit was also pivotal in making MDS training considerably easier given your clear understanding that one size most definitely does not fit all! Again, I went into the desert knowing that I had the best kit that worked for me in conjunction with a really great, game changing block of training - all attributable to you!

Rebecca

It was brutal out there. It was about survival. It wasn't really about survival of the fittest, but survival of the most organised and most prepared. I observed so many people who were just not prepared. They had the wrong kit, their food wasn't working for them, and they were not able to manage themselves in the heat. Thanks to your guidance I felt like I got most things spot on. 

IAN

Grand to Grand Coaching Package

Grand to Grand is majestic multi-stage race taking Place in Utah and Arizona over 7 days. It is 275km long. I took part in this event in 2016 and I am now one of the recommended coaches.  

The Grand to Grand is achievable for most people with average fitness, provided that they are willing to put in the work. The combination of heat, sand, rocky terrain, self-sufficiency, long daily distances and a bit of altitude, makes this is an event that is even tougher than the Marathon des Sables and similar multi-stage races. This is evidenced in the finishing times of the race, as well as the number of people who have to drop out.

It is not wise to go to Grand to Grand under-prepared and expect to finish. However it can be difficult to know what is required to be prepared. It can also be hard to think of everything and do all the research if you have a busy life.

This is why I am offering a package for G2G entrants in which I will help you with everything you need. I support you with a bespoke training plan and help you optimise your race nutrition, hydration strategy and gear. A light backpack is crucial and you will get access to my personal kit list, updated with current product examples, to save you many hours on kit research. 

Grand to Grand coaching with me means that you get access to my knowledge from experiencing the race first hand, plus my accumulated experience from many similar events. It is a systematic approach in which nothing is left to chance. I know everything that you need to do in order to get race ready. When you invest so much in a race, I believe that you deserve to give yourself the best chance of finishing it. 

Your training will be specific and gradually progressive. I will help you set a realistic goal, help you manage family/work expectations and make the training fit in with your life. I would love to help you cross the finish line and collect that belt buckle! 

UltraCoach running in Grand to Grand Slot Canyon

The Grand to Grand Coaching Package


Starts 22nd April for the September 2024 edition. 

Limited places!

This fully supported package for Grand to Grand includes:

  • Access to my accumulated experience and knowledge from 12 years of multi-stage ultra racing, desert racing and coaching (4 x MDS, Desert races in: Morocco, USA, South Africa/Namibia, Tunisia, Australia, Oman).
  • Realistic goal setting
  • Five months bespoke training plan that fits with your life commitments
  • Video call up to 1 hour every month to discuss your training and race preparations
  • Extra support call pre-race if required
  • Unlimited support via e-mail & WhatsApp
  • Premium TrainingPeaks account
  • Detailed kit list template, with examples and recommended weights, based on my personal kit list!
  • Detailed race nutrition guide, specific to G2G
  • Post race debrief call
  • Guidance as needed on kit, heat acclimation, foot care, hydration, nutrition, race strategy, race terrain and environment, camp life, and travel logistics
  • Option to add additional months at 10% discount off normal monthly price
  • Can be paid in 2 instalments
  • Payment possible in USD, EUR, GBP, NOK, SEK or AUD (ask for details)

Introductory price!

Save over 40%
Your investment: $1849.00

Book a call to learn more!

Unsure about coaching? Want to know whether we will be a good fit? Book a 30-minute call with me to discuss how the coaching works and ask your questions. The fee is deducted from the coaching setup fee if you decide to start coaching. 



Get in touch!