“THE CONFIDENCE AND VARIETY ANDY GAVE ME IN TRAINING, MADE IT NOT ONLY RELEVANT, EFFECTIVE AND INJURY FREE, BUT FUN. I LOVED IT! I LOOKED FORWARD TO 5-8hr SUNDAY LONG RUNS, HILL SESSIONS, EVEN TEMPO/SPEED SESSIONS!!”
Simon Byrne, Suffolk Park, Australia
I’d had the good fortune to have Mile 27 coach Andy DuBois move into the area. I couldn’t believe my luck. I’d met him briefly in 2013 and he’d attended a few of the Thursday evening Byron Bay Runner’s pub runs. As the GNW approached, I sent him an email nothing short of begging him to coach me. Andy not only has an amazing knowledge of all things ‘Ultra’, a list as long as your arm of personal achievements, has both ‘elite’ and ‘normal’ international athlete success stories, but also knows the GNW race, as well as the terrain available to me around Byron Bay and its hinterland. Thankfully he agreed and we met where all the greatest plans are hatched – the pub! And so began my first coached programme since I was in my teens.
“ANDY HELPED TAKE ME FROM SOMEONE WHO HAD DNFED IN ALL THEIR ATTEMPTS AT RUNNING 100KM TO FINISHING 7TH AT THE TNF100 IN 10.18.”
Ben Duffus, Brisbane, Australia
Before I starting working with Andy I was having trouble getting the correct balance in my training of optimising physical performance while still enjoying training and remaining injury free. Now my training has much more variety than ever and the prospect of new workouts that I have not tried before helps keep my interest and motivation levels high. As someone very new to running ultra marathons, it has also been extremely useful to be able draw upon Andy’s years of experience in ultra trail running both as an athlete and a coach.
What has amazed me about working with Andy is that I have been able to both train harder than I ever have before whilst still avoiding injuries better than ever before! I think that the true testimony to this is that within 6 months, Andy helped take me from someone who had DNFed in all their attempts at running 100km to finishing 7th at the TNF100 in 10.18. I would recommend Andy from Mile 27 because I genuinely believe that if someone is looking to avoid injuries and perform at their best in the sport of trail running, then there is no better coach than Andy DuBois.
“I HAVE IMPROVED MY MARATHON AND 50 KM TIMES SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AFTER HAVING NO IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRECEEDING 18 MONTHS”
Charie Hew, Lismore, Australia
What I have found with Andy is his honesty, thoroughness and his ability to get results. I have tried 2 other online coaches prior to using Mile 27 and Andy wanted to see some of the other programs I had used, to see if he could make a difference to my times before he took me on as a client.Well, the rest is history. I have improved my marathon and 50km times significantly in the last 12 months after having no improvements in the preceding 18 months. His ability to pick my training paces and my probable race times are uncanny. The programs are only written after seeing the previous week’s work, which means he can for see and modify as necessary, well in advance before overtraining, injury etc sets in. I intend to keep using him to get me to Comrades in 2014 and beyond.
“OVER THE 18 MONTHS SINCE I HAVE BEEN COACHED BY HIM I HAVE RACED AND ACHIEVED PBS IN DISTANCES FROM 5KM TO 100KM AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.”
Simone Hayes, Sydney, Australia
I came across Andy online after reading one of his blogs whilst looking to improve my running at an ultra distance. I am a PT myself and have run many short and mid distance events over 15 years, and had recently completed my first Ultra (TNF100) without having done a full marathon. I found that the training needed was obviously much different and I was out of my league here, especially when it came to nutrition in ultras. I needed someone who understood how my work and family also impacted my training, and to help me get the best out of my training whilst still having enough energy to run my very busy and physical outdoor training business.
The benefits of having a coach for me have been many – for one, I spend all week thinking of my clients training programs so it is nice to not have to think of my own! Besides that, he has taught me a lot about training smarter and sometimes that less is more – if you do it right. He has provided me with so many tips from his own wealth of knowledge as an elite Ultra runner starting from the basic of cutting your toenails, to mental focus during a race – this has been instrumental for me in racing well lately. I have since completed 2 more TNF100’s, the most recent with a 2hour 15min PB, plus many 45-50km races that I have done well in under his guidance.
Andy took into account my previous racing history and my job, and put together a program that has seen me constantly improve over the 18 months since I have been coached by him. I have raced and achieved PB’s in distances from 5km to 100km and everything in between this past year, and even placed on the podium in a few! He helps me to set realistic but challenging goals and guides me all the way. I have improved my speed, endurance and strength, and hence my racing times, by following Andy’s program.
I feel with Andy’s continued support I have a good few years ahead of me to get the results that I am after and I look forward to working with him over the coming years (if he’ll put up with me!). If you are serious about your training and getting results, Andy’s experience is invaluable. Top bloke too!
“I WOULD RECOMMEND ANDY FOR HIS PERSONAL APPROACH, NOT ONLY PROVIDING WELL THOUGHT-OUT EFFECTIVE PROGRAMMES BUT ALSO BEING FLEXIBLE AND PRACTICAL.”
Rosemary, Dubai, UAE
I was looking to move from marathon road running to doing more trails and ultras. I had quite a few races planned for the year, so as well as looking for guidance from a coach for the change in distance, I also wanted help with a programme that would take me from event to event with the best results.
I love having a coach I can trust, in that I need to make no decisions, just go out and run and get great results. There is no wasted mileage, it feels as though every run has a purpose and I know where Andy is taking me and that we both have the same goals. If I have questions, worries, doubts I have someone to feedback to and that same feedback means I am answerable so I tend to make sure I put in more effort than I would do if it was only me looking at the running log.
This year alone I have had a marathon PB of 3:29; run my first ultra, the 56km Two Oceans in South Africa; run my first trail marathon at Lake Coniston in the UK and am very happy to have done the Beacons Ultra a 46mile trail race in the Brecon Beacons. Next up it seems I am signed up for a 100 miler, something I would never have imagined even contemplating!
I would recommend Andy for his personal approach, not only providing well thought-out effective programmes but also being flexible and practical. He really does go the extra mile with advice and the time he is willing to put in to answering questions or researching information that might be of use to his clients.
“WITH HIS SUPPORT, GUIDANCE AND PROGRAMMING I ACHIEVED MY GOAL TO COMPLETE THE MARATHON DE SABLES.”
Nigel Messervy, Auckland, New Zealand
I was in search of a personal trainer that had experience as a competitor in sport (triathlon and endurance specific) and intimate knowledge of up-to-date training methods and injury prevention. Andy had been recommended to me by people at the gym. I was to commence training for the Marathon des Sables (a 250km ultra marathon in the Sahara) and needed a trainer to provide the critical strength and conditioning required to achieve my goal of finishing. I also had problems in the past with calf strains during Ironman training and was worried about this happening again. Andy was very thorough having initially carried out an extensive physical and questioning test. This was followed up with personalized programming.My impression was that he was very knowledgeable about sport specific methods and was able to communicate this clearly in a way that I could understand. It started off with a two-way relationship where he listened and spoke and provided me with confidence in his ability. I trained under his support, guidance and programming and achieved my goal to complete the MDS. He took a personal interest and spent time outside of the gym training with me and competing in smaller events. I became stronger, fitter and mentally stronger to believe in myself. I guess the biggest problem I had was the lazy use of sport specific muscles that I didn’t use when exercising. Through his programming and guidance I learnt how to activate and isolate my core and glutes and in doing so this greatly reduced injury risk and helped me to run with better form and efficiency.
“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS HIGHLY EXPERIENCED, SKILLED AND WISE MAN TO ANYONE WANTING TO REACH GOALS THAT THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD ONLY DREAM ON ACHIEVING.”
Karen Summerville, London, UK
What is special about Andy, is the fact he always goes that extra mile to help me achieve my goals, however extreme or impossible they might feel to me at the time! He provides support both in training sessions and in between them if needed. He does this in a very professional, calm and relaxed way, and manages to make all the hard work feel like fun!
I highly recommend this highly experienced, skilled and wise man to any one wanting to reach goals that they thought they could only dream of achieving…and I am an example of this! I approached Andy wearing an air protection boot following broken metatarsal bones in my foot. As a result of my injury, I was left with muscle weakness, had problems walking, poor balance and had gained 2 stone in weight, and felt very unfit! Working with Andy on specific rehabilitation exercises, I lost all the weight I had gained, and more. I felt fitter than ever and started working on my running goals.
Within 6 months I was able to run a half marathon and in less than 18 months the London Marathon! With Andy’s continued support and encouragement, I have gained the confidence to start running ultra marathons and completed my first 50 mile race this year.’
“I AM NOW RUNNING AGAIN AFTER 18 MONTHS OF PAIN.”
Gemma Stevenson, London UK
Andy was highly recommended to me by a colleague. I’d been suffering with a knee injury for 18 months and nothing was working, and Andy was recommended not only for his experience but also for his understanding on how running is for runners.I had been injured for 18 months and pulled out of 2 marathons, and I was desperate to run again. I had tried so many other injury specialists and treatment therefore I was slightly sceptical about trying anyone else. Very friendly, patient and informative. Andy related to my need to run again, being an athlete himself he knew the importance of not only getting injury free but how important it was for me to run again and not just do low impact exercises. I am now running again after 18 months of pain. I am not completely pain free but I now feel like I am on the road to recovery and I am more confident and positive about my injury.
“HELPED ME GET IN SHAPE ENOUGH TO MAKE IT TO THE NORTH POLE AND NOT COME LAST!”
Lynda Pomeroy, London, UK
I came to Andy, instead of other trainers as I was looking for some specific help for an unusual endurance event. I asked around some fellow runners to find out if they knew of anyone who could give decent advice for such an event. The key for me was that Andy has actually been there and done great endurance events. My specific problem was how was I, a person of zero abilities other than determination, going to get myself in good enough physical shape to be able to pull a sledge for at least 16 hours a day at minus 30 degrees. My only reservation before the first session was that Andy would take one look at me and find the idea of me heading off to the pole a few months later amusing. I was also worried he was going to tell me there was no chance!My first impression was here was someone who knew what they were talking about, practiced what he preached and was generally very encouraging. His advice and training certainly contributed to helping me get in shape enough to make it to the North Pole and not come last!
“I DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RUN MY FIRST MARATHON UNDER 4 HOURS WITHOUT HIS HELP.”
Áine Connolly, Sydney, Australia
I was training for my first marathon on my own and felt I needed some expert help when Andy was recommended to me. From the first training program right up to the run, Andy could not have been any more helpful. He advised me on every aspect of my preparation from training runs to nutrition and injury prevention. I also had a very beneficial one-to-one training session with Andy where he identified ways I could improve my technique and run more efficiently. I honestly do not think that I would have made it to the start line injury free or have been able to run my first marathon in under four hours without his help.I have already been spreading the word about Andy to friends and have no hesitation in highly recommending him as an excellent running coach.
“I WOULD RECOMMEND ANDY TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO MOVE FROM MARATHON TO ULTRA.”
Rose Byass, Perth, Australia
I sought a coach because I wanted to reach new goals and ultimately improve as an ultra marathon runner. I needed to know that my journey was going to be filled with positive inspiration and knowledge from someone who would allow me to transform into an ultra marathon runner. My experiences of listening to know-all running friends in the past hasn’t worked; they don’t know everything and that’s why being coached by a COACH is the only way to improve.The benefits of having a coach are many. From sharing the experience with someone who isn’t judgmental, that will continue to support you no matter of your time or present ability in running. To have an external belief in you is a huge mental push to self improvement. For me, being coached helped me unlock the inner ultra marathon runner. I have the physical ability but I was unsure how to get to my goals by myself.I have completed Comrades marathon and I have improved my timings for half marathon and marathon and my body is more conditioned to running greater distances correctly and injury free. I would recommend Andy to anyone who wants to improve running or like me, move from marathon to ultra. His knowledge is fantastic and his level of inspiration and encouragement is amazing! I am more than grateful that Andy was apart of my journey through my first Comrades marathon and will also be apart of my next big ultra, Marathon Des Sables in 2014.
“THE TRAINING HAS BEEN A REAL SALVATION FOR ME; A TRUE LIFE CHANGER.”
Trad Henderson, London, UK
I was looking to take on some different challenges, running had always featured in my sporting events before but never as a sport in itself. I needed to be able to try and get a running style and be more effective over longer distances. Having trained quite a bit previously, I knew that running was really the only exercise that helped me lose weight. I needed real help to try and move better and more efficiently over long distances.I was aware of his background and how respected amongst the other trainers he was. My only concerns were how I didn’t want to let myself down, but from the first moments it was apparent that he was there to help and not an egotistical trainer. There was only one thing important and that was the confidence he managed to give from the sessions. He put me at ease, his knowledge is amazing and I looked forward to training and discussing any problems. Then the exercises and movement drills he set in between sessions really helped so the next sessions were even more rewarding. He has really helped me achieve goals I never thought I could, the training has been a real salvation for me; a true life changer! He got me over the bloody finishing line of a marathon!I feel that now it’s only just started training for triathlons this year has only come from his help and guidance. Since training with Andy I’m much more conscious of the way I need to move, he has helped in the way I approach things. Ankle injuries from playing lots of football were a big problem for me, not great movement or flexibility but much better now I’m much more conscious of the importance of my core and how to keep flexible to prevents injuries. He has been a brilliant influence on me at times where I only needed just a couple of words of reassurance to help me over those dark times and the long sessions and work needed to get me to move better and train correctly. All the sessions where I couldn’t move in certain directions and he was bending my smelly feet convincing them they could! Right through to the journey of turning someone into a runner (well, nearly!) who now wants to do more and more, thanks to his help, it’s been great fun!!
“ANDY GAVE ME A SENSE OF SELF-BELIEF THAT SUCH A CHALLENGE COULD BE ACHIEVED DESPITE THE HIGH DROP-OUT RATE. IN 2010 I FINISHED THE UTMB!”
Dan Debleder, London UK
I’d heard that Andy had taken part and done well in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc in 2007 and so was keen to meet to talk specifically about training for this race. I’d run several marathons and a small number of 50km races but was daunted at the prospect of racing the UTMB (c. 100 miles with 9600m elevation). My specific concerns were how best to train for this and overcoming over-use niggles. Andy gave me a sense of self-belief that such a challenge could be achieved despite the high drop-out rate. He was reassuring and provided me with the confidence I needed to undertake my training plan.I was initially slightly sceptical about the merits of the exercises (to strengthen the core) but value their importance now. I am now a strong hill runner (though not great in muddy or wet conditions) and gain several places both on the ascents and descents of mountainous races. I also now have a much better understanding of how to prepare for big ultras (including nutrition). I now train more specifically and smartly for each event. For example, my training for the London marathon involves more tempo and intensive sessions. For the UTMB, it will involve hills and more hills (I will cut out the long 30 mile flat runs). Also before meeting Andy I had a weak injury-affected hamstring. With the exercises I have been given, I am working hard to strengthen it (and other muscles such as the glutes). In 2010 I finished the UTMB!