Donal Moran Coaching

"Since I started working with Donal in 2020, my running has taken off in ways I could not have imagined possible, from enthusiastic latecomer to running, to committed and ambitious marathoner. Donal’s training and support have not only helped develop my skills and confidence as an athlete but have also enabled me to relax and love the process, letting the faster race times take care of themselves. Working with Donal is a two-way partnership, his approach is informed by our clear and frequent communication, with his training personalised and tweaked to my needs and ambitions as a veteran runner this is particularly important to me. Donal is also committed to his own development as a coach and is constantly learning and updating his knowledge to achieve the best results for his athletes. If you are looking for an experienced and skilled coach who is invested in your journey as a runner via sustainable training that works, I can’t recommend him highly enough!"

"I wholeheartedly recommend Donal to anyone looking to take their running to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, his approach to training, injury management, and personal growth within the sport is truly transformative. Over the past three years, my journey in running has been completely transformed for the better, thanks to Donal’s unparalleled guidance. Under his training, I've achieved multiple personal bests in both marathon (going from a time of 2:59 to 2:38) and ultramarathon races (Comrades Marathon silver achievement), and run faster and further than I ever thought possible, which is all a testament to his expert training programs and deep understanding of running. What sets Donal apart is not just his technical expertise, but his ability to craft personalized training plans that adapt to my body’s responses—ensuring I train smartly, not just hard. His responsive approach has been invaluable in helping me to manage injuries effectively, allowing me to continue progressing despite some setbacks. As a coach who is also a seasoned runner, Donal brings a wealth of personal experience to his coaching. His insights into the runner’s psyche and the physical demands of running have been invaluable. He’s been instrumental in helping me navigate the highs and lows of training, making sure that I’m always moving forward, even when the going gets tough. Under Donal’s time I have consistently secured 2nd place finishes in competitions (that includes coming second to him!)a playful yet proud trend that underscores the effectiveness of our training regimen. It's a reflection of the steady progress we've made together, and a reminder of the heights we've yet to achieve. Donal's coaching is more than just about running faster or longer; it's about running smarter, with a clear focus on long-term development and enjoyment of the sport. His dedication, expertise, and runner's insight have not only made me a better athlete but have also enriched my love for running."

" I didn't know how helpful a coach could be before working with Donal! Having experienced a couple of injuries, he was a massive help throughout the rehab process, where he adapted my training plan and helped me to build back up again, and even achieve PBs on my return to running. Donal takes a well-rounded approach, advising on nutrition, strength and other areas alongside running, and really thinks through the training plan that is right for you. I would highly recommend Donal regardless of your fitness level or goals!"

" I started working with Donal shortly before the Manchester Marathon in October 2021. I had worked with a couple of coaches previously but had lost my way a bit during the Covid period and was struggling with niggles and inconsistent training. Since then Donal has been instrumental in my steady improvement as a runner, his varied training and regular check-ins have kept me motivated and engaged in training. Donal has tailored his training to my needs and after each major race we discuss what went well and what could have gone better. He then uses this to change my program through the next training cycle. We communicate mostly through final surge and WhatsApp, with calls before big races and at the start of significant training blocks. I really appreciate the regular check-ins and messages, which add extra accountability, especially for those runs where the weather is dire and you just want to be at home. In the year before I started with Donal, I worked with another coach and logged 1185 miles, with 5 months above 100 miles, in the first full year I worked with Donal I logged 2086 miles with only 1 month below 100 miles. This has led to a steady improvement in my performance over time, with my marathon time moving from 3:31 in October 2021 to 3:01 by September 2023 and similar improvements at other distances."

" I started training with Donal so that I could complete my first marathon, but I’ve certainly managed to achieve a lot more than just that. Donal has helped me to add structure to my training, progressively increasing the load on my body, and I’m now seeing improvements in all distances. Over the past year, I’ve set new PBs on every distance between 5k and the marathon - while feeling a lot fitter besides! I’ve enjoyed the challenge each week brings and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of, through Donal’s reassurance and support. Thank you, Donal!"

" I have been working with Donal for over a year now and my race performances have dramatically improved because of his help. His coaching has been a huge factor in my marathon PB plummeting by over 20 minutes from 2:58 to 2:36. Donal has a great wealth of knowledge to share and has always been super helpful, giving guidance on a variety of topics and keeping motivation high during low points in my training (injury). I would recommend Donal’s Coaching to anyone at any level of experience in running. "

" Working with Donal has been invaluable for my running progress. Prior to joining his programme, I was feeling a bit stagnant and felt I had reached my full potential. Since training with Donal, I have had PBs in every distance and completed my first marathon, finishing in under 3.5 hours, something I never would have thought possible. That is because Donal has the ability to bring the best out in his athletes, with a positive attitude and growth mindset. I am enjoying running more than ever and know I have so much more to come thanks to Donal!"

“I have known Donal for many years. After many years of injuries, I decided to link up with Donal and his coaching plan has helped me get back on my feet along with rebuilding my fitness levels. He is always responsive, encouraging, and realistic. His coaching is always tailored to the individual and - above all else - his athletes achieve their goals.”

“Working with Donal has led to achieving things I never considered were possible for myself as a runner! Not only is Donal knowledgeable and creates training plans based on up-to-date scientific evidence, but he is also patient, supportive and generous with his time. Donal helped me through injury and got me to the finish line of my first marathon last year which seemed impossible (to me) at times. He is always a great source of motivation and encouragement and I have so much more confidence in myself as a result. Couldn’t recommend working with Donal more highly!”

" Donal has been coaching me for about a year. Unfortunately, I got injured early into our training, nonetheless with Donal’s help and motivation with cross training, nutrition, strength and conditioning I was back on my feet and managed a PB later in the year. Highly recommended."

" Donal’s coaching has transformed my running. I went from reluctantly struggling through half marathon training plans, to enjoying and feeling strong during marathon training blocks with high mileage, more runs, and longer sessions. His plans are well thought-out, to help build endurance, fitness, and speed towards a target race. His plans have given me a new love for grinding out tough interval sessions (instead of always resorting to the same easy 5k run round the block!) and his simple but effective strength workouts have helped me (touch wood!) avoid injury while seriously increasing my activity. Donal is patient and supportive, and always happy to adapt training plans and sessions to fit my busy life and various niggles and complaints. I highly recommend his coaching!"

I've been working with Donal for 3 years now, and he has really helped to take my running to the next level. When we first started working together, I had already improved quite a bit over the course of lockdown but had begun to get frustrated with my cookie-cutter online training plan. Donal helped me hone in on the specific training I needed to improve my marathon time by over 10 minutes with numerous other PBs in other distances to follow. Donal is also never afraid of a challenge, and I've thrown some real doozies at him over the past year (12-hour track race, followed by a backyard ultra followed by an autumn marathon!). He understands that each of the runners he works has different needs and different life pressures and checks in regularly to ensure that the plan is working for them. You will be hard pressed to find that kind of 1:1 dedicated communication anywhere else.