Six Foot Track Coach

"Susan had just 10 weeks to get me ready for the Six Foot Track with a base training of only 40km per week. My goal was to complete it in under 6 hours, thus beating previous efforts by two friends who were calling me the Six Foot Virgin!

Half an hour into our initial discussion I know I was in good hands. Susan's knowledge of the run and its requirements was evident plus your concern for my overall preparation involving injury treatment and prevention, nutrition and commitment levels.
 
The program She designed for me was perfect. The inclusion of hill repeats for strength, Long Slow Distance runs for endurance, exercise routines for flexibility and long fast walks for the steepest parts of the race that I would encounter. Best of all was the timetable, where I had enough rest days to recover from the harder days.
 
Our fortnightly chats about my progress were great especially the last one before the race where we discussed my final day routine. What to wear, what to eat, etc.
 
On the day everything went like clockwork, even the weather was perfect for running. I had a ball! I chatted to people along the way and powered up the hills when many simply trudged. Both time and distance went so quickly that after 35km I realized I was close to 5hrs pace! I had heaps of energy left so picked up the pace and powered home in 4:52, smashing my 6 hour goal.
 
Apart from the final steep descent, where I was painfully and frustratingly slow I felt great, I’ve had worse training runs.
 
It was my greatest and most enjoyable run thanks to a brilliant program and great advice. My friends could not believe my time and are fired up to run it with me next year. I will be in contact again for Six Foot Track 2010, maybe I’ll aim for 4:30!"
Chris Armstrong, 48, Pennant Hills, NSW
 
 

Six Foot Track Coach

 I went to Susan with only 10 weeks left prior to the 6ft track race. I had missed over 3 weeks of training due to a bout of flu and was concerned that I would not be able to make it up in time for race day. She assured me that it was still feasible and devised a training plan to enable me to meet my goal. I found that the plan pushed me but was also manageable and worked around my schedule. The plan, coupled with Susan’s excellent advice enabled me to rebuild my confidence in my running ability. On 14th March 2009, I completed my first 6ft track in 5 hours 33 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed the race and am already looking forward to next year! Thank you.
Vic Blades, 33, Sydney

 

Speed, Strength & Conditioning Coach

"I hadn’t realise I could contort my body in such ways. Oh, but the pleasure some of those stretches give when you get them right! Even the aching muscles the day after seem bearable given the benefits. 

Having worked with Susan on both her speed, and strength and conditioning  sessions, I have found they make a real difference. My running form has improved, I understand more about the mechanics of knee lift and longer strides, and appreciate the value of developing my core. Its not easy to change the bad habits of an experienced runner, but having made the switch from longer distances to middle distance track running, the benefits are there to see.
 
Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sessions. She is highly supportive yet disciplined in her approach, and above all makes the group sessions interesting and a lot of fun."
Kelvyn Steggles, 50ish, Mosman, NSW
 
 

Wellness Coach

“Susan you have been a great encouragement for me. You have helped to work on realistic goals that fit in with my family life and work life, rather than making goals that are unachievable.  It was very useful talking about things that may get in the way of my succeeding and how to manage those problems. Not focusing on what hasn't worked in the past but what is happening and working now - thanks”
Rhoda, 45 yrs – Orange

 

Wellness Coach

“Ultimately, the success of a wellness program lies with the individual as it is only the individuals desire to succeed that will lead to the agreed goals and achievements being met. For me personally, Susan’s contribution to my success was through:

  • Assisting in identifying what I really wanted to change and improve in my current life style
  • Assisting in the development of realistic/achievable goals and objectives.
  • Assisting in the identification of additional professional help.
  • Assisting in the development a short and long term plan for implementing the identified changes and improvements.
  • Through regular meetings, review and monitor the progress of my wellness plan and where necessary, fine tune the plan in order to assist in the successful achievement of my goals and objectives.

I am convinced that through selecting the right wellness coach and through the development  of open and honest communications – this form of coaching cannot fail to add value to an individual as long the individual demonstrates the same level of commitment and effort that Susan has clearly shown in my case. “
Peter – 48, Sydney 

 

Beginners Running & Wellness Support

"I took up running in February 2007 with Susan's 'Beginners Running Group' and at that stage I had never run as such before, a complete novice in every sense of the word. The manner in which Susan coached these 'beginner' sessions provided me with a level of confidence and encouragement that has seen me progress with her from casual sessions to a personally structured running program that has increased my level of general fitness, endurance and wellbeing beyond what I would have imagined just 12 months ago. I couldn't run but a few hundred metres early last year yet last Sunday I completed the Mother's Day Classic 8km run. I cannot recommend Susan highly enough regardless of whether you're a complete beginner (as I was) through to a serious runner seeking to take their running to the next level and beyond". 
Melinda 48, Lindfield

Speed Training (Running)

“I really enjoyed the course and actually managed to get to all 6 sessions, an achievement in itself.  The main thing I gained from it was a confidence to push myself that bit further and get out of the comfort zone, which is what progression is all about. I surprised myself a couple of times in what I found I could do.  Can’t think of anything I could suggest to improve the course, it would be great for anyone at any level who enjoys a challenge.”
Gary, 47, Sydney NSW

Beginners Running & Wellness Support

“I would like to put on record my appreciation of your fabulous coaching skills.  As you know, I first took up running at the age of 50 in February this year as a bit of a challenge.  I never intended to still be running 6 months later.  You have been a great coach in the Learn to Run Courses and it is only because of you and your extensive knowledge and supportive techniques that I keep coming back for more.  Each time I learn something new about running or about myself.  I look forward to joining you on regular running sessions in the coming weeks and would tell anyone who wants to listen what a great coach you are.”
Carmen, 51, Sydney

 

Speed Training (Running)

“Just a quick note to say thanks so much for the course - I've definitely improved over the past 6 weeks, but more importantly it’s given me a clearer idea and more focus on what I want to achieve in my running. And also how to go about achieving this. Can't really fault anything in the 4 weeks I attended - every session was well worth it, and no two were alike.  Great to have a "coach" again for the first time since I was about 16!”
Daniel, 30, Sydney

 

Speed Training – (Running)

“The high-quality coached sessions and an extra night's focused speed work contributed to a "material" minute off my 5K time trial and 90 seconds off my Blackmore's Half Marathon time, as well as anecdotal improvement in my performance in Father's Day 5 and the Gladesville Bridge 10K.  It also brought together a more intimate group of people who truly wanted to improve, not necessarily elite runners either, and I thought everybody really enjoyed the sessions. I'd like to see similar event-focused training courses in the future.”
Randy, 49, Sydney

Wellness & Exercise Coach

“I found Susan to be most supportive in offering guidance and advice.  She has a very straight forward approach to exercise which really appealed to me.  She has genuine warmth and compassion and I can thoroughly recommend her as a Wellness Coach.”
Stavroula, 28, Sydney

 

 

Running Coaching

“Working with Susan Griffith helped elevate my knowledge of myself not just as a runner, but the real athlete in me. She worked around my potential and created a very personal and specific training program. That translated directly in my second attempt in this year’s Six Foot Track Marathon (2008). I improved my last year’s time by 70mins!  Susan’s openness made our communication very open and frank – an ideal Coach-Runner relationship. She understands how challenging it is for non-elite athlete, with a full time job and family like me, to commit to a personal goal. That understanding however didn’t compromise the program at all. She knew when to push me to my fullest potential and adjusts them to fit into my life. Her in-depth knowledge of distance running, coupled with her easy going nature, is one of the many reasons why I have so much respect for her. It has been a very bonding experience. ”
Keith, 32, Sydney