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Coaching with Ultra Mad Lizzie

Run Coaching | Mindset | Backyard Ultra
Hello and thanks for stopping by my coaching page, my name is Lizzie. It’s hard to know and be sure if a coach is right for you isn’t it? It took me ages to find the right coach for me, so I know the process you might be going through at the moment.
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Ultra Running Coaching Services

Any athlete/coach partnership has to be a two-way relationship based on trust and commitment that is the best fit for the athlete. To help you with your decision-making, here is a little on my personality and approach.

Nothing pleases me more than seeing my athletes get fun out of their running journey. I am inspired by athletes working towards their goals - they could be stepping up to their first ultra or running their first 100 miler, looking to improve their race times or to obtain PB at Backyard Ultra - whether from a 4 yard or a 40 yard PB.

My sunny and cheerful nature and positive outlook ensures an enthusiastic approach towards your training.

  • I take great pride in seeing my athletes transition from classic race distances into ultra distances.
  • My extensive running CV ensures that I can progress athletes up to their first 100 miler and beyond using years of real life training and race experience.
  • Ranked number two UK female at backyard ultra I can develop athletes into efficient backyard ultra runners.
  • Through physical training and providing race day hacks learned from my own lived experience, seasoned ultra athletes will flourish under my guidance.
  • Providing insight into training, race prep and race admin, athletes can shortcut the mistakes in the learning process.

I bring positivity, joy, fun and enthusiasm into my athletes' training, running and racing.

What my athletes say

When Lizzie took me for a run to show me how to use my newly acquired running polesI had a great experience and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for running or coaching support. She gave me really practical advice on how to use running poles correctly, explaining the technique in a way that was easy to understand and immediately helpful. She was knowledgeable, encouraging and took the time to answer my questions without making anything feel complicated.
Caroline
I recently completed an 8-week coaching plan with Lizzie while recovering from a hip injury. My goal was to regain my fitness safely and be race-ready to run solo at Endure24. Lizzie created a structured programme that combined strength work, stretching, stamina building and endurance training, all carefully tailored to my individual needs and stage of recovery. The plan gave me the structure and accountability I needed, helping me gradually increase my weekly mileage and long runs with confidence as I returned from injury. Lizzie also worked on improving my running form, particularly reducing my arm crossing, which has made me a more efficient runner. Throughout the programme, Lizzie was incredibly supportive, motivational and enthusiastic. She regularly watched me run, took videos so I could clearly see where improvements could be made, and provided constructive, easy-to-understand feedback. Her encouragement at training sessions and attention to detail made a real difference to both my confidence and my progress. Lizzie genuinely cares about helping runners achieve their goals.
Lynne
Lizzie has been so good at tailoring my first running programme coming back from an injury, listening to what I needed and what I manage with work and life family communication and I highly recommend her amazing skills and knowledge!
Katy
Engaging with Lizzie was one of the best choices I have made since taking up ultra-running. I completely lost my mojo and confidence following an injury in 2025, and had a string of miserable DNFs in races. Lizzie not only guided me in how to change my perspective but gave me actually useable tools to become my own biggest cheerleader in races. I recently completed a 50 mile race, which three months ago would have seemed impossible, and it is no exaggeration to say that without Lizzie it would not have happened. 5*, 10/10, A+
Emma
"Lifetime running plans seemingly trashed then mindset training kicked in!" Working with Lizzie has been a genuinely transformative experience. Her personable, intuitive style immediately put me at ease, and she took the time to truly understand the personal challenges I was facing. What stood out most was her ability to guide my thinking toward positivity and practical solutions, using clear processes that helped me shift perspective quickly and confidently. I first approached Lizzie for mindset support around ultra-running, but her coaching became invaluable when I later faced an unforeseen injury that stopped me running full stop. What could easily have led to frustration and demotivation was instead turned into a constructive, hopeful plan. Lizzie helped me reframe the setback, maintain momentum, and stay connected to my goals in a way that felt both empowering and sustainable. I fully recommend both Lizzie and this mindset coaching process. It has supported me through challenge, transition, and growth, and I'm genuinely grateful for the impact it's had. Instead of losing a year of recovery I have gained a year of prep for bigger and better running adventures next year. Thank you Lizzie.
Julie
I had a great mindset session with Lizzie the day before a fell race. She took me through the race to think about process goals, and the parts of the race I was worrying about. She helped me come up with some very helpful ideas for my mindset before and during the race, including being in my own bubble at the start, not using every last drop of energy on the uphill, and having something left for the flatter finish. I really enjoyed my race the next day putting all this into practice. I highly recommend Lizzie as a mindset coach.
Hilary
The talk was a powerful and uplifting experience, filled with honest reflections, shared laughter, and meaningful connection. Together, we explored how to bring deeper purpose to our runs, turn down the volume of the inner judge, and navigate the thoughts that show up along the way. What stood out most was the sense of shared humanity. We recognised that we're not alone in these patterns, and that there's strength in meeting them with curiosity and compassion. A truly inspiring space to reflect, connect, and grow.
U-Xplore, Abergavenny
If you are going to dig deep and go a long way in a Backyard Ultra, you are going to need a skilled crew member, Not just any crew, but someone preferably with great organisational and coaching skills, who will cope and adapt under ‘your’ pressure. It’s a massive bonus if they have run through a BYU themselves, thus knowing all the requirements of the athlete. I have just described Lizzie Gatherer who crewed me to the M65+ UK BYU record. She was just fantastic, not just in 30 hours that we were a team, but in the build up to and break down from the race as well. Lizzie will always be my go to when I am looking for a BYU crew/team mate.
Kevin
I was already a runner but a half distance was my limit. I've never been interested in doing a marathon at all, but for some reason I did want to do an ultra distance. And there was one person I knew I could do it with, which was Lizzie. This was for a few key reasons: 1. She'd know which route would be best (trails, hilly, great views, a loop and within 90 minutes drive from home) - I didn't have a clue! 2. She was a seasoned ultra runner and knew how to run long distance - I didn't have a clue! 3. Having done a few shorter runs with Lizzie, I knew we'd get on well, even in the darker times I assumed I'd have, digging deep and wanting to give up.  4. She'd tell me exactly what kit I'd need. We completed 62k!   She slowed me down when I started off way too fast, we laughed a lot, we shared a lot, she encouraged me throughout (even when I totally ignored her chatter at the end because I had nothing left in the tank!) and she made sure I took everything in along the way - even stopping me at exactly a marathon distance, to tell me I'd finally run a marathon.  I highly recommend Lizzie. Her knowledge & experience is incredible, and nothing is too much. She'll tell you everything you need to know & hear to achieve your goal.
Debbie

Get in touch with Lizzie

Coaching enquiries, race questions or just a chat about ultras. Drop me a message and I will get back to you.

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