Case Study: How Online Run Coaching Transformed Anna's Journey
For many runners, a bold new challenge can feel daunting, especially when it seems so far beyond their current ability. This was the case for Anna P who, after volunteering at the Spine Race in June 2023, was introduced to the idea of running the Spine Sprint – a 74km/46-mile race along the Pennine Way. “The longest distance I had run by that point was around 10km,” she explains. “So that goal was so far out of my reach, I didn’t even know where to begin and knew I needed professional help.”
Why did Anna choose Panthera?
It was a chance encounter at a local running shop that led Anna to Panthera and online running coach Emily. “I found Emily’s business card in a running store while buying new shoes. I loved that she specifically offered coaching for women.” At the time, she wasn’t yet ready to commit to coaching but decided to join Emily’s Chester running club (RPC). About six months later, she took the leap and signed up for online run coaching with Emily.
Anna’s main goal when she began coaching was to build endurance and increase her mileage, with the aim of running a trail ultramarathon. What she didn’t expect was the improvement in her overall performance. “I am now also noticeably faster than when we first started and my running form has improved, so that’s an amazing bonus!”
Anna’s biggest achievement
One of Anna’s most rewarding achievements has been how much easier certain races have felt compared to what she had imagined. She ran the Delamere Half Marathon in November 2024, followed by a trail marathon in the Lake District in February 2025. “I came out of both races feeling really happy and positive,” she says.
“It was a great feeling to be able to run distances and manage elevation levels that a few months before seemed like impossible challenges – and to not just finish them, but to actually have a great time doing it.”
What Anna enjoys most about training
There’s no shortage of things that Anna loves about the training process. “I like the variety of the runs [and] workouts Emily schedules for me, even the ‘usual’ sessions that I do on a regular basis are built in different formats,” she explains. “I also like the routine it’s added to my week and the sense of achievement that comes with ticking off the sessions as the week progresses, especially with the harder workouts.” Having a personal coach and cheerleader throughout the journey has also been a major highlight. “Having my own personal cheerleader is also a great bonus!”
How the process fits into Anna's life
The process of working with Emily has been smoother than Anna expected. “Even the harder workouts are achievable (yay for a personalised training plan that grows with you!) and it always feels great when I’ve completed something that feels like a real step up,” she says. A key feature of online run coaching that she particularly values is the convenience of having her sessions automatically synced to her watch. “I travel a lot, but Emily always takes that into account when preparing my training plan, which has really helped me stick to my routine and run regularly, even when life gets a bit chaotic.”
Anna's goals for the next 6 months
With the Spine Sprint South in June 2025 as her major goal, Anna is feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’m still feeling quite daunted by it, but at the same time I’m looking forward to it,” she shares. She’s also signed up for the Chester Triple, a series of races that includes a 10K, a half marathon, and a full marathon. “They will be my first road races, so I’m excited to see how they will be different from the usual trail races.”
While she hasn’t signed up for anything beyond the Spine yet, Anna is already looking for her next big race challenge. “I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been on the lookout for the next race already.”
Confidence and consistency: A new approach to running
Looking back at her journey, Anna notes a shift in how she feels about her running now compared to when she started having online run coaching. “I definitely feel more confident. I’ve always been quite a casual runner and would often stop in winter and then pick it up again in spring,” she reflects. “So now that I have been running consistently for a few years, it’s great to see what a difference it makes to just be consistent and stick with it.”
Anna still loves long trail runs at a relaxed pace, but she’s now also enjoying the shorter, higher-intensity sessions too despite initially not believing that she would.
The wider impact of coaching outside of running
The positive effects of online run coaching have extended beyond running. “I sleep much better now,” Anna shares. “It sounds like a small thing, but I’ve always slept really badly, averaging maybe 5 hours of sleep at night. Running regularly has really made me prioritise rest and I’ve become much more protective of my bedtime routine, which has improved my sleep (and as a result reduced stress levels).”
Anna also mentions an increase in confidence and a greater willingness to step out of her comfort zone. “I also definitely feel more confident and happy to try new things outside of my comfort zone.”
Anna's advice for women considering online run coaching
For anyone on the fence about signing up for online run coaching, she has one clear piece of advice: “Stop thinking about it and just do it!” Anna believes the support, personalised approach, and motivation of a coach make all the difference. “Whether you’re just starting or aiming for an ambitious goal like I was, having a coach by your side makes all the difference in the world.”
For anyone ready to take their running to the next level, Panthera online women’s run coaching offers a tailored, supportive approach that can help runners reach their goals, whether they’re preparing for a trail ultramarathon like Anna, a series of road races, or simply striving to improve their endurance and speed. Anna’s experience is a testament to the power of consistency, personalised training, and having the right coach in your corner.