Simon Dicks

Focused Running Coaching was born on the long bus ride back from Jokkmokk, following my win at the “Beyond The Ultimate” Ice Ultra, sat next to me was a good friend who gave me the confidence that I could do something with my passion and experience by becoming a running coach in Reading, Newbury and the surrounding areas.

I didn’t expect to do so well, but on reflection, I realised I had actually come a long way since finishing the MDS, with my drive being the love for running. This led me to the Jungle Ultra where I thrived in the conditions finishing 5th overall, I was then on the way to learning to run properly, not just running.

Learning to run is what made the difference at the Ice Ultra, it’s not just one thing, its a combination of many including physical and mental changes, this is what Focused Running is bringing to anyone who wants to be the best they can be, by having a running coach you can get closer to your running dreams.

In my early days of fitness I qualified as Personal Trainer, I spent 10 years helping people reach their personal training goals before I entered the corporate world where I still kept myself fit but didn’t train others.

Now I have found my truest passion (apart from my wife) of training runners. I am a level 1 & 2 certified Lydiard Endurance Coach and Certified Running Technique Specialist (Credited by The Running School).I specialise in analysing an individual’s running technique and developing a bespoke coaching programme for them. The results of this is for the runner to become an efficient, comfortable and stronger runner enabling them to reach their goals whether that be to run quicker or further or a combination of both.

My running journey started in 2011 and today I could not be further from the runner I was then, I have a love for running, am enthusiastic and enjoy finding ways to keep training fun and productive.

Races

2020 – CTS Dorset Ultra Plus – 2nd
2020 – Ice Ultra – 1st
2019 – CTS Gower – 5th
2019 – Eiger 101
2019 – The Oner
2019 – Reading Half Marathon
2018 – Jungle Ultra
2017 – New Forest Marathon
2017 – Salisbury Ultra
2016 – Marathon Des Sables
2016 – CTS Dover
2016 – Snowdonia Marathon
2016 – Dublin Marathon
2015 – The Hurt
2015 – Reading Half Marathon
2014 – Spartan Beast
2012 – Vienna Marathon
2012 – Reading Half Marathon