Thankyou's
 

The Manager: Nic Bideau
His knowledge, ambition, business acumen and kindness helped to turned my career around in 2006. And since, his continued belief, encouragement and patience have helped me through some difficult years.   

 
1995 – 2002: Hallamshire Harriers
A lovely club dedicated to developing grassroot athletics in Sheffield. I have enjoyed competing for them over the years – albeit not as much as I’d like – and appreciate how they have never pressured me to turn out for them. 

2002-2006: Gordon Surtees
Passionate, committed and knowledgeable. He dedicated much time and meticulous planning to me and I thoroughly appreciated the hospitality he and his wife extended me on my mini-training camps at his house in Middlesborough. The fittest 37 year old I’ve ever known ;-). Thanks also to my metronome training partner, Ken Harker: a pleasure to train with and really helped get the very best out of me. 

2006-2008: Dave Turnbull
Such a down to earth and funny guy. Despite working fulltime (in a brewery!) and his own family commitments (his wife Teresa is a gem!), he dedicates so much of is time to his athletes. He constantly strives to improve, always putting the interests of the athletes’ first, without an ego in sight. I also benefitted greatly from training with the younger boys in his group – until they got too fast for me! Special thanks to Jonny for his pacing and friendly competition.  

Oct-Dec 2008: Kelly Holmes
Despite her more than hectic schedule, I was extremely privileged to benefit from the knowledge, wisdom and kindness of one of our greatest ever athletes. She endeavoured to replicate for me the set-up that brought her such incredible success throughout her career. But, as I learnt, one must plough one’s own path… 

March 2009: Wilson Kipketer
A week spent with this incredible man in France greatly changed my perspective on my approach to training, prompting me to take a more relaxed, flexible approach and to be more in tune with my body. But unfortunately I’m yet to master his supreme technique! 

June-July 2009: Jama Aden
Former Sudanese National coach and IAAF Middle Distance Coach of the year, he kindly invited me to train with his group in Sweden. I benefitted greatly from observing how he values the importance of conditioning, and how his individually tailored programmes get the most out of his athletes.  

Sept 2009 onwards: George Gandy
The great Loughborough Guru and now National Endurance Coach. I have been very fortunate to be absorbed back into the Loughborough/UKA set-up, being provided with place in the Endurance House and attending numerous altitude training camps in Kenya and Font Romeu. George’s experience, patience and reassurance have been just the medicine that I have needed on the route back from Achilles surgery. Being part of the ‘Loughborough Routine’ has also given me fresh motivation and inspiration after years of training alone.  

Jan-March 2011: Claudio Berardelli
... And his incredible group of track athletes including former World Champions Janeth Jepkosgei and Alfred Yego. What was originally supposed to be a 6 week camp, turned into 3 of the best months training I’ve had in years. Being part of such an inspiring, yet friendly and co-operative group, under the intuitive guidance of one of the world’s top coaches, in the fantastic training environment of Eldoret, Kenya… I’m daring to dream again. It’s difficult to express the extent of my gratitude. 

Also...
Thanks to my many strength and conditioning coaches over the years including Faye Downey, Tommy Yule and Neil Parsley; to Simon Paine, Pose coach, who changed my perspective on running mechanics and gave me a feel for a more effective technique; and to physiologists Barry Fudge and Steve Ingham for their advice and feedback.  

Medical support  
Too many people to mention, but special thanks to Alison Rose, Catherine Riley, Sylvan Richardson, Paul White, Anna Parkinson, Dr John Rogers and Anne Gregory – people that have gone above and beyond for me – even in to the small hours of the morning! I really appreciate your help, healing hands and genuine care. 
 
And many, many more from the past including:
Sonya Shellard – life coach and friend; Faye Downey, Tommy Yule and Neil Parsley – weights coaches extraordinaires; Steve Ingham – v. knowledgeable physiologist; Gordon Surtees – former coach and fittest 37 year old I’ve ever known; Ken Harker – metronome training partner! (plus many others that have helped me in sessions over the years); Sylvan Richardson – the Buddha masseur! (plus countless other practitioners); Alison Rose – amazing physio and person; Simon Paine – patient Pose Technique coach; Bell Bedgebury International School - /training camp; Kelly Holmes and Wilson Kipketer – pretty good runners (;-)) keen to ‘give back’; Alpha Romeo – for the 6 months-turned-18 months use of the GT (and for letting me off for the scratches). Plus anyone else who has enhanced my journey so far… Thank you.
 
Sponsors
 

PureColSport.com: Pure-Col Capsules
Following a number of muscle strains, I sought nutritional assistance in helping me to recover and become more robust. My investigations lead me to discover PureCol, a collagen product said to offer tissue-strengthening properties along with a number of other benefits including improved recovery from training, reduction of body fat, more restful sleep and increased energy. The company kindly supply me with the tablets free of charge. They are keen to spread the word about the benefits of collagen for athletes and are seeking to support more elite athletes. They can be contacted via the website link above if you are interest in learning more.  

Loads of top athletes are already using Pure-Col such as Sonia O'Sullivan, Jamie Noon, Karren Harewood, Steve Vernon and many more.

Collagen is said to offer tissue-strengthening properties, promote recovery from training, assist in the reduction of body fat, aid more restful sleep and increase energy levels. It's also said to create healthier skin, hair and nails!
 

Nike
Have always given me exactly what I need and more! Plus they blatantly have the nicest kit!
 
 

Ron Pickering Memorial Fund
A charity run by the late Ron’s wife, Jean, that works incredibly hard to raise money and distribute it to young, up and coming athletes. I benefited from the fund’s generosity for a number of years as a junior, using the money to fund my annual warm weather training trip. If you would like to contribute to this fund please follow the link.
 

Nova International
Brendan Foster's company were extremely generous in funding my warm weather training trip to Australia in January-March of this year. Despite getting injured in the second half of my trip out there, it was a great experience and one I learnt so much from. And got a nice tan!

 

Alpha Romeo 
The 6 months-turned-18 months use of their GT in 2007/08 was much enjoyed by me (and my brother!). And thanks for letting me off for the scratches! 
Coco Vida, Coco Mix & Coco Nutty
"Cocovida, a company based out in the Philippines that has won awards for the quality of their products, were kind enough to send me out a shipment of jars of coconut oil recently which I use for both massage and cooking. Not only is coconut oil absolutely delicious, it is actually really good for you with immunity and metabolism boosting properties. They also do a range of natural beauty products and have recently introduced coconut sugar and flour into their range – perfect for making healthy post-training snacks. If you would like to try them for yourself you can visit their websites by clicking on the links".
 
And of course THANKS to my wonderful friends and family!