Simon’s coaching skills came at just the right time for me. I’d signed up for my third marathon – this time in New York – and wanted to better my London time of 5h18, from two years previously.

From the off I felt like I was in safe and knowledgeable hands. Simon devised a 20-week programme for me, but the conversation was always two-way, which meant we could adapt each week according to what was needed.

He got me in the habit of doing a proper warm up and cool down, as well as stretching, which really helped ward off post-run aches. The strength and conditioning sessions were new too and made a big difference.

Simon’s guidance and unwavering support for the duration of the programme meant I avoided injury, and completed pretty much every training session, bar one or two – the accountability was key in that respect.

The upshot was that I arrived at the start line feeling more prepared than ever, and crossed the finish line 28 minutes ahead of my London time. For me, Simon’s coaching has been an absolute game changer.