Ian Wilson

Hi, I'm Ian. I am a UK-based running coach. I specialise in coaching runners aged 40+ from half-marathon upwards through to ultra distance.

Over the years running has provided me with a sense of purpose and personal achievement, as well as enhancing my physical and mental wellbeing. It teaches the value of patience and the value of incremental gains over a long period.

Across more than 30 years of competition, I have covered distances from 5k to 100 miles, at home and abroad across a wide variety of terrains. I have discovered what works for me and also what doesn’t (finding out the hard way is sometimes the best way to improve). These days I have a particular passion for running backyard ultras.

I strongly believe that no two athletes are alike. We differ as much on the inside as we do on the outside. We have different blends of muscle fibres that give us different capacities to respond to the different types of training. We have different nervous systems, perceptions of discomfort and cardiovascular capacities.

There is no 'one size fits all'. The core principles never change, but the intensity and duration of training and racing should be fine-tuned to the individual.

My approach to creating training plans for runners is a blend of the science of running (acquired from formalised learning) coupled with the art of running (based on many years of personal experience).

Being of a certain age now, I am particularly tuned in to the needs of the ‘older’ runner, whatever their previous achievements, current fitness levels or future goals.