Become a Stronger, Happier Runner

Personalised coaching, practical guidance, and support from 5K to marathon and beyond.

Why Work With Me

Personalised Plans

With one-to-one coaching, get training built around your life, your goals, and your running history.

Evidence‑Based Coaching

Guidance grounded in proven training principles, not guesswork.

Support & Accountability

Weekly check‑ins (with the one-to-one and group coaching offerings), adjustments, and encouragement to keep you progressing.

Meet Your Coach

I’m Alan Ladd, a running coach and nutritionist based in Northern Ireland. I help runners of all levels build confidence, improve performance, and enjoy the process. Whether you’re chasing a PB or training for your first race, I’ll guide you with clear, practical advice and a plan that fits your life.

services summary

Look at the details of the services below to see which is the right fit for you.

1. premium Coaching

  • Fully flexible and bespoke training plans with unlimited changes.
  • Monthly call to review targets, training, mindset and running nutrition.
  • Unlimited text support.
  • Access to my community with webinars, Q+A sessions and courses.
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2. THE RUNNING RULES Crew

  • A bespoke plan built upfront for your routine and goals with guidance on how to change things.
  • Access to my community with webinars, Q+A sessions and courses.

3. standalone support

  • TrainingPeaks plans (5k to marathon) with structured workouts that go straight onto your watch!
  • ‘Master the Marathon’ course – my signature 26.2 day video/audio course to get you ready for your best marathon yet
  • One-off race preparation call
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4. corporate & clubs

I can provide

  • Talks, plans and coaching sessions in group environments to help your club or team work towards their next big goal.
  • Licenses/group discounts for training plans or my ā€˜master the marathon’ course.
  • A training session or series for your club or team.

The Running Rules Podcast

Practical running advice, training tips, and conversations with runners who’ve overcome challenges and achieved big goals. New episodes every week.

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M YW
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Highly recommend Alan as a running coach and help with nutrition. He knows his stuff, he has such a calming influence, who listens to all your worries and can give you sound advice. Since i hit peri menopause i have been struggling to sort out my nutrition, which has been hinding my marathons. Alan has helped me nailed my nutrition issues and, on top, helped me gain a massive pb. If you want stress free coaching and help with running he's the person to go too. He has been there and done that. His podcast and website provide so much information you can relate too.
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Sarah McConnell
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I’ve been really enjoying working with Alan. As a busy single mum working full time, I thought training for a first time marathon would be almost impossible. Getting the training program broken down into weekly sessions, with the right amount of miles, types of runs etc. has taken a lot of the stress out of it. have learned a lot about the importance of fuelling and hydrating too. Having expert advice on when to push harder and when to pull back a bit has also really helped my confidence. Haven’t done the marathon yet but I now feel confident that I can. Highly recommend.
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Brendan McGeown
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I have been with Alan and The Running Rules for a few years now and he has coached me through several PBs. Alan's sessions and advice are extremely well tailored to my individual needs meaning every session is useful and productive. But it is not just the training plan. Alan is always available with tips and advice when needed. Especially when I need a boost! Highly recommended for anyone (of any pace or ability) wanting to take their running to the next level
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Georgia Kinnier
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Alan sure knows his stuff.when it comes to running and nutrition. His podcast is very informative. His one to one coaching has helped me not only get better at running but trust the process and know I can still improve. If you are considering a running coach I would highly recommend Alan. You'll see yourself improve almost instantly.
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Ameesh Shah
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I’ve been working with Alan for a few years now. Initially, we worked together on nutrition for multiday cycle trips. Two years ago, Alan helped me get into running, starting from gentle 20min runs and within year completed my first marathon. Alan has amazing experience and knowledge! Provides great encouragement, training plans, advice and is always available.

Ready to Start Your Journey?