27/04/2026
FIVE STAR RUN COACHING - TESTIMONIAL - FRANK MCGAFFNEY
We caught up with Frank after his epic year so far. Here is what he had to say. If you are interested in getting coached by Fiona then please get in touch ([email protected])
"2025 was not a great year for me in terms of my running. I had several minor injuries and 2 bouts of flu that lingered for weeks. I only managed to start one race all year, naturally, it had to be the Chilli 10k trail race in my hometown, Auchterarder. The minor injuries were recurring niggles and I knew were probably the result of lack of stretching, strength and mobility work.
I was determined to make up for my disappointing running year in 2026 and decided I had to avoid the winter laziness that I’ve experienced in recent years. Cold, dark and wet nights provide me a real mental running challenge.
I needed a focus! I signed up for Rasselbock’s back yard ultra on 28 March 2026 and decided to have another crack at the Glentress marathon on 15 February 2026, this event being my only DNF to date when I tackled it in 2020. I felt these early season events would give me the focus to train well over the winter months.
The last time I felt really good about my training and ex*****on of an event was
Malaga marathon in December 2023. I smashed a 21 minute PB and put this down
being coached by Fiona Watt. Having experienced a fantastic Malaga training block
and race, I decided to contact Fiona again.
Fiona runs my local run club, Five Star Run Club and takes multiple classes every
week. During a club run in November 2025, I asked if Fiona had capacity to take me
on from December for a 16 week training block and prepare me for both events. I
knew the training block would be a challenge given the type of events – a very hilly
trail marathon, followed by a back yard ultra with no hills! I was delighted when Fiona agreed and she never “batted an eyelid” at the 2 very different events I wanted her to prepare me for.
We used Training Peaks, a fitness training app and Fiona set my weekly tasks every
Friday. The first part of the block involved lots of hill work and trails, which I actually enjoy but what really made the difference was the non running sessions – pilates, strength, stability and plenty of stretching. After Glentress, the sessions changed to race pace runs (slow) and lots of simulation yards with no hill reps! Other than rolling my ankle in a pothole disguised as a puddle, I remained injury free throughout the 4 month block. The longest I have managed since the Malaga block! I put this down to all the non running training sessions Fiona set.
Fiona provided constant support, encouragement and advice throughout the block
and took away all the hassle of planning my own training. I had the added benefit of
seeing Fiona at club runs when we discussed my planned weekend long runs in
more detail, as well as analysing the previous weekends run. Fiona also tailored the
strength and mobility sessions to target my weak areas and build leg strength to
support my fragile runners knees! The week of both events, we had a call to discuss
race strategy and Fiona provided some great advice and “golden nuggets” of
information from her own experiences of similar events.
I’m delighted to report that both events were a huge success. I had a mental
challenge with Glentress, having DNF’d in 2020. The 2 half marathon loops have
relentless climbs on difficult terrain. This year we had heavy snow just to make it that bit harder! The aim was just to finish the race and I had no time target. I didn’t want that pressure. I ended up really enjoying the event and had a strong finish on the downhill section. All the hill work and strength sessions really paid off.
My result at Rasselbock was probably my greatest running achievement to date. I
really wanted to hit the magic 100 miles (24 yards) a distance I have not managed in a BYU or point to point race. I managed to fulfil my dream and reach that magic
target – 100 miles! I know I would not have managed to achieve this success without the wonderful coaching provided by Fiona.
Fiona’s coaching has made a real difference to my running and performance. I’ve
now excelled (by my standards) in 3 events thanks to Fiona’s guidance. I highly
recommend Fiona’s 1-2-1 coaching programmes and I will be back for more for sure."
Francis McGaffney
