Meet Mark

Hi, I’m Mark, the Lead Coach and Founder of Sweetspot Training. I’ve enjoyed endurance sports throughout my life and showed an affinity for them at school, particularly running, although I didn’t really appreciate it at the time!

 

I joined the British Army at age 20. I recorded a time of 6.20 minutes for the 1.5 mile Basic Fitness Test, again not really appreciating touching the 4 minute mile times I was achieving! I worked my way up through the ranks, completing numerous operational tours abroad, being stationed overseas and becoming a Physical Training Instructor for over five years of my service.

 

Family life bought me back to England in 2009 where I took up cycling as a hobby, riding competitively locally, nationally and internationally over many distances and disciplines.

 

Whilst on holiday (without a bike!) about five years ago, I rediscovered my love for running. Once back home again, I discovered Parkrun, and realised how much I loved running – and how much other people do too! It means so much to so many people with a lot going on in their lives, and certainly made me feel better physically and mentally without question. Being someone who likes to train to a goal, It wasn’t long before I was running competitively.

 

As I head towards my fifties, I have never felt in better shape and have this year achieved new personal best times of 16:25 for the 5K & 1:13:28 for the Half Marathon.

 

Achieving goals in running, takes hard work and dedication, and a holistic approach looking at all aspects of training, lifestyle and nutrition. For a while I have wanted to set up my own business within the industry I love, and I’m so happy now to be focussing on coaching others through Sweetspot Training and sharing what I have learned about being a strong runner and keeping fit and healthy whatever your age.