Nick Thomas is an experienced ultra-endurance athlete and multisports coach. He started triathlon and ultra brunning in 1994, competed at Ironman for 10 years and raced at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in 2002 and 2003. After achieving a BSc in Podiatry he returned to competition at the 2011 Lanzarote Double Enduroman and finished 2nd at the UK Triple Enduroman. He now competes in ultramarathons and was the 2013 England Athletics Ultra Champion.
Marc Laithwaite has been competing in running, triathlon and ultra endurance events for 34 years. A former sports science lecturer, Marc established The Endurance Coach in 2002. He is a multiple Ironman Kona qualifier and placed first in the 45-49 category at Ironman UK in 2017 and 2018, he was also runner up at Ironman Wales 2018.
With a marathon best of 2:36, he also raced ultra running and adventure racing events, having been a member of the SAAB Salomon sponsored team from 2002-2006, competing on the world series.
Marc is also the race director for Montane Lakeland 50 & 100
How does it work?
Whether you’re training for your first marathon or you are an experienced ultra runner, our coaching support group can work for you. Being part of our squad will give you structure to your training and motivation from both coaches and fellow athletes.
1. On your first visit, you’ll complete a sports science test at our store in Wrightington. When you register you will be required to complete a questionnaire and from the test result and questionnaire, we can identify your strengths and weaknesses.
The sports science test will provide the following:
> Accurate training zones and threshold calculations
> Economy scores such as Kcal and oxygen consumption
> VO2 max, fitness scores and accurate benchmarks of progress
2. You will be provided with an 8 week plan. The format for the plan is very simple, and will be adaptable, based upon your race goals, personal circumstances and test results.
3. You will be able to ask questions and receive support via a private Facebook group page. You can go on at any time and ask as much advice as you need. The Facebook group is very active and works well to generate discussion between athletes and the coaches. We are on the page every day discussing training, racing and all other aspects of endurance performance with all members of the squad.
4. Every 8 weeks (2 months) you will return, complete a further sports science testing session and this will be used to monitor your progress. You will then be given a new block of training.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the package is £40 per month. This will include sports science testing every 2 months, your training plan and support throughout on our private Facebook group. When you register online, you will be charged £40, we will then arrange a sports science test. This initial payment will cover month 1 and a second payment will not be taken until month 2.
How can I register?
We advise that you start as early as possible, especially if you are a novice or competing at a lower level of ability. You’d need to visit us to complete your first testing session. Email testing@theendurancecoach.com to find out more or to register for Run Coaching Support, complete the process below: