I help Runners be the Best they can be

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been running for a while and just want to improve and get that elusive PB - you're in the right place.

Would you like my 15 top tips for being a happier, healthier & faster runner? 

Click the button for the best FREE advice about running you'll ever get from a bald Welshman!

Coach D - Online Running Coach

How Running Directions can help YOU

Running Technique Coach Site Badge
Oxygen Advantage Certified Instructor

Coaching

Want to get your own personal UKA licensed running coach to help transform your running skills and achieve faster race times?


Someone that has-your-back and can motivate you and keep you on track (no running pun intended).


Working with a good coach has been proven to significantly accelerate progress.


Click the button below to enquire about working with me in person or online:

Running Technique Coach

Running Technique Analysis

I use video gait analysis and movement pattern screening to get a detailed assessment of how you move. Then create highly personalised training to help you improve.

Click the button below to enquire about working on your running technique with me:

Breathwork

Your breathing is largely an automatic process, that doesn't mean that it's optimal. There's a lot you can do to boost your fitness, recovery and performance by improving the way you breathe. 

Click the button below to enquire about working with me to improve your breathing:

Training Plans

I offer both ready-made and tailored training plans to match your own goals.


Designed to get you from where you are now to where you want to be as efficiently as possible.


Click the button below to find out more.

Online Courses

Runner specific training to help improve all aspects of your training and fitness.


Packed with actionable advice and guidance from a UKA qualified and licensed running coach.


Click Here to find out more.

Achieve Your Goals

Whether you hire me as a running coach, buy one of my training plans/courses or just read my blog and newsletter. My focus is to provide what you need to achieve your own running goals.


I use plain language and try to avoid technical terms as much as possible. I work with "ordinary" runners and help them achieve their best by training smarter not harder.


Click the button below to enquire about working with me in person or online:

Here's what runners say about Coach D

facebookgoogleOverall Rating
5.0
google

Absolutely terrific trainer who offers fabulous advice and breaks through my fears and inhibitions about running. David makes running achievable and enjoyable. He sets realistic targets and I would highly recommend David to anyone who wants to improve their running. Go for it. You won't regret it. It's the best thing I've done in 2024. Only wish I'd found David sooner

28/08/2024
google

Working with Dave has been a revelation. Not only is my fitness improving, but I'm continuously learning, during our sessions and in the email / app-based follow-ups, about how the body works, and how to optimise my training to achieve my goals. I'm also learning about how to improve my technique, through strength work and during runs the runs themselves. I really enjoy the process we go through each week. I look forward to each session, and whilst it is undoubtedly challenging when I'm 'in it', the sense of achievement I get afterwards is brilliant. I would highly recommend Dave to anyone looking for a running coach in the area.

22/07/2024
google

I took up running again recently and chose Dave to be my coach. He has been amazing and I recently completed my first 10k! I couldn’t have done it without him. His training plans are tailored, sensible and easy to follow. He gets you there gradually without causing burn out, injury or pushing more than your body can take. His knowledge of technique and his tips on everything from stretches, diet and how to manage your cycle as a woman and still get the best out of your training plan has been second to none. He does all this with a unique humour that really gets you through and keeps you motivated.

30/05/2023
google

I started my journey with Dave with a running technique analysis (I had run a bit previously but not for a few years, and lockdown didn’t help), as I was finding getting back into running quite difficult. He is very personable, and has a wealth of knowledge which he is always happy to share. As an almost 50 year old coming back to running, the prospect was daunting, but Dave has been great. He knows about getting older and all the aches and pains that come with that, so is able to tailor your running sessions to you and make sure your form is good. I run with him at Greenham Common, it’s a great place to run and every week is something different. I have found (through Dave) that nasal breathing is for me - no other running coach has mentioned this to me, and it has made so much of a difference to my running it’s untrue! Dave is very knowledgeable on this subject, and is again happy to share his knowledge. He is absolutely non-judgmental, very encouraging, and never makes you feel like you are too slow. I would definitely recommend anyone looking to return to, start, or improve their running to have a chat with Dave. I’m so glad I did - he has reignited my love of activity, and has helped me to get back into running completely injury-free. There’s absolutely nothing more I could wish for from a running coach!!! 🤩

20/06/2022
google

I discovered running quite late in life, but really took to it. I felt I was running reasonably well for my age, and wanted to do better, but was hampered by frequent muscle injuries. I decided to get some one-to-one help from Dave at Running Directions, which I feel has helped me improve. Perhaps the biggest improvement is to my running style and foot placement, which I am sure has contributed to reduced injuries. With less injuries and personalised training, I am running my current target times and building up to half marathon distances. I would recommend the training as informed, practical and enjoyable (ish!) with some tangible improvements.

07/04/2022
google

Dave was absolutely excellent in both enthusiasm and service. For a new startup the app and depth of programme was fantastic and went a long way towards me beating my running goals. The advice he’s given has pushed me much closer to a 3 hour marathon - would really recommend

24/02/2022
google

Dave has helped me running my first half marathon with a personalised training program. Also, he has corrected my running technique and I feel I am more efficient than I have ever been. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dave, his knowledge, professionalism, and attitude have made the training interesting and insightful.

25/10/2021
facebook

Great Coach, friendly and full of encouragement and motivation. Running program designed to suit individual needs. My running has definitely improved! Thanks Coach D!

recommends
09/06/2021
facebook

supportive every step of your running journey to meet your goal

recommends
10/09/2019
facebook

Knowledgeable, kind and effective.

recommends
07/09/2019

Elizabeth Ayres

Charity team marathon runner

" Hi Dave, I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all your advice these last few months, without it I would never have survived Brighton yesterday and now have faith that I will cross the London marathon finish line. Thank You! "

Michael Wildbore

Charity team marathon runner

" Thanks for all your advice and help Dave. I wouldn't have done my first marathon in 3:14:46 without you and all your videos. I know I thanked you earlier this afternoon, but I just want to say thanks again and again..."

facebook
Cathy Flynn
recommends
09/06/2021

Great Coach, friendly and full of encouragement and motivation. Running program designed to suit individual needs. My running has definitely improved! Thanks Coach D!

facebook
Nicki Pittom
recommends
10/09/2019

supportive every step of your running journey to meet your goal

facebook
Jools Waite
recommends
07/09/2019

Knowledgeable, kind and effective.

Discover the Running Directions Blog

Stay up to date with informative articles about running, mindset, fitness and nutrition.

Getting Started, Top Tips

Is Couch to 5k Right For YOU?

In this article I’m going to explain what Couch to 5k is and tease out whether it’s a good choice for you. There’s no question that this program is very popular and has worked wonders for getting millions of people active and fitter. However, in my opinion, couch to 5k does have some (potentially serious) draw backs. […Read More]

Kit, Mental Training, Top Tips

Running in the Rain – What You Should & Shouldn’t Do

Unless you live in the desert, you’re going to experience rain from time to time. If like me, you live in the Northern Hemisphere or other temperate climate zone you may experience rain a lot of the time. In particular in Winter months. So, if you’re training for a race, there will very likely be several […Read More]

Speed, Top Tips

Coach D’s Complete Guide to Fartlek Runs

Fartlek runs can be a fun and versatile addition to any runner’s training plan. In this article, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about this adaptable workout so that you can avoid the potential pitfalls and get the most out of each session. Table of Contents What are Fartlek runs? and why […Read More]

Kit, Top Tips

Running in the DARK

Why would you want to Run in the Dark?I live in the United Kingdom, which as it sits in the Northern Hemisphere is subject to seasonal changes. It’s the middle of November as I type this and Autumn is upon us. Winter is not far away and the daylight hours are dwindling. So the chances […Read More]

Page [tcb_pagination_current_page] of [tcb_pagination_total_pages]

Is it time to get some Direction in your Running

Looking to improve your running while staying injury-free and building speed and endurance?

I offer personalised coaching sessions at Greenham in West Berkshire. If you’re able to travel here and are ready to take your running to the next level, click the button below to enquire about working with me.