I recently reached out to Ali for one on one coaching leading up to Ultra Trail Australia 100. I had previously run this race in 14:23 and was hoping for the elusive sub 14 hours. I was coming into this short 8 week training block/lead in, off the back of another tibial stress fracture, and a diagnosis of osteopenia which meant that my lead in was never going to be the norm or ideal. Ali’s coaching was on point, we had constant communication about how I was feeling and adjustments were made to the plan day by day if needed. Ali listened to everything I said and with her wealth of knowledge and professional coaching training was able to adapt and accommodate my needs to give me the best lead in possible. Even with an adductor strain partway through, (I had slipped on some ice), she adapted and we kept going. Ali’s wealth of knowledge on the course meant that she gave me the best course specific training I could get. Ali did the research on others that had run the time I was after, compared to my times and training, and was able to assure me this was indeed very possible and not a crazy pipe dream.
Come race day I could feel Ali with me, cheering me on and I was able to do her coaching justice and ran a 13:53, a whopping 30min pb which I can only put down to her amazing coaching.
I highly recommend Ali as a coach.’ Lisa. A
‘In the time Ali has been coaching me she has taken me from a casual non competitive runner to landing on many of New Zealand’s trail running podiums, Including first place in the 2021 Tarawera Ultramarathon 102km Men’s race. Ali has incredible focus and commitment as coach with an amazing holistic ability to get the loading just right based on every other commitment and stress in my life. She has worked me out of many injuries and back to success with her kind hearted vision to always look at the big picture and long term implications on the body and mind while always having my best interests for longevity in mind. Ali is an amazing communicator and has always had her finger on the pulse with my training programs, adapting them to suit my changing needs as a runner. I feel she goes above and beyond my expectations and will keep turning over rocks until she has information that will help my individual situation. Ali is an amazing warm hearted person who is a joy to be around and always sees the positive in people and situations.
In the time I have been coached by Ali she has been constantly upskilling herself in all aspects of coaching and I really look forward to working with her more and seeing her continued success as a coach into the future.’ Rhys. J
As someone who loves to compete and be competitive, I have loved the training provided by Ali, the structure she has provided me with my training, the ability to taper to life demands and keep me firing on race day is second to none.
The number of different workouts is endless and provides so much variety to the weeks that doesn’t get old.You have to trust the process, and embrace those tough workouts.
There is a lot of thought, love, and intelligence put in to bring out your best!!.
Nathan – old and not yet slow runner thanks to the Coach
I was one of Ali’s first one on one athletes and am a definite back of the packer. Ali was so encouraging from the first training week to the finish line hug. Always open to changes in my plan to discussions about running, training or whatever was going on in my life. I have used Ali from my first ultra at UTA50 through to Tarawera 62, two UTA 100’s finishes and a Oscars hut 2 Hut 100. So caring and down to earth. She has helped me achieve some of my greatest achievements. Thanks Ali!!! Robyn. C
‘Ali always takes the time to give me feedback and check in with me after sessions, providing helpful advice but also much appreciated kudos and motivation. I ask endless questions and she always gets back to me quickly with answers. She is so experienced and knowledgeable that I feel confident leading into my event. Having so many events under her belt, she has been able to give me advice specific to my target event, which is very helpful and reassuring. Ali is an excellent coach, she is so nice to work with and I recommend her without hesitation!’ Zoe R
‘Having never had a coach but wanting to improve myself, I struggled to relate to the ex elite male running coaches, I felt too intimated – I’m just a mum that runs. Ali stood apart from the rest, as a female coach – completing/competing and challenging herself in events. Right from the start, it worked, Ali made sure she understood all the challenges I wanted to give myself with my running goals to achieve them. Ali has provided realistic and manageable programs, building me back from injuries to go again. I love that Ali considers and accounts for all the additional ‘women challenges’. Ali’s coaching considers your goals, lifestyle, work, family and husband that also runs – I love how she works ‘date runs’ into our programs. Ali is a coach, mentor and friend – with her coaching you, you know you can achieve the goals you set, trust in the program, trust in the coach’. Kirstin. F
“I first met Ali when I signed up for my first 50km at Tarawera. I was so scared but I followed the program and just loved every minute of the race, finishing strong and ready for more. Since then under the guidance of Ali, I have managed to achieve numerous events including 2 x 100 milers (over the age of 60) 2 x 100 km races, a 62km , and a 72km. I am hoping to run Northburn 100 miler next year and I know with Ali’s guidance this will happen. Ali listens to what you want to do and then creates a program that helps you get to the finish line strong.
What is Ali to me? She is fabulous, she makes me believe I can do anything and I get the job done.” Cathie.B
‘I’ve been training with Ali since 2017. In that time I’ve done a multi stage race and multiple ultras. Ali is such an knowledgeable coach especially when it comes to coaching women. She has been an amazing positive influence in my life and helped me through some tough physical times and is always my voice of reason and greatest motivator.
She is very supportive and writes my program to suit my lifestyle. She is also up for helping to achieve any crazy run idea I might come up with.
Looking forward to training towards new challenges and continuing the coaching partnership with Ali.’ Mel. F