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Why Run Light?

We are passionate about running light. For us it means running with a free mind, listening to your body and connecting with the environment. Being playful and creative in the way you move, flexible and adaptable in the way you think, and feeling a sense of flow more frequently. It is about accepting who you are and where you are at. From this place, there is limitless potential. 

RUN LIGHT COACHING METHODOLOGY

 

Our coaching philosophy is centred around empowering you as an athlete. We demystify how to train and race so you can surpass boundaries and reach your potential in a sustainable way. We are outcome oriented and process focused because the lasting value is in the learning journey. 

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Our coaching approach is rooted in evidence-based sports science practise and is bespoke to you. Every person is unique and we are committed to listening to your needs and preferences to create a personalised approach that resonates with you. We understand the detail, but we like to coach as we run: responsive, agile and flexible. 

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Our communication with you is at the heart of our coaching process. Staying connected with you is vital to your progress and motivation. Through an easy to use training app and regular communication, together, we will refine your training for optimal results.

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Our commitment to you is simple. We are committed to your running, about getting to know you and working with you. We can’t run the path for you, but we will be by your side through the good runs and the tough ones, keeping you moving forward, one step at a time.

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 - Strava Optional -

 - GPS Watch Recommended -

 - Growth Mindset Mandatory - 

YOUR COACH - MATT GUMMER

​Running has always been more than just a hobby for me; It has been and is a key tool to keep my mind and body healthy. It provides structure, purpose and has developed my self-esteem and confidence. It has taken me to astonishing landscapes with people who share a passion for an integrated life. It has been a transformative journey.

 

Running has also been a competitive outlet from before I was even in double digits, racing in cross country and competing in athletics for my region back in the UK. I quickly understood that testing my limits was something that intrigued me. I have been training, adventuring & racing in the 30 years since & I have experienced peak performances, injury, great competition, DNF's, illness & moments of flow. I have competed from the half marathon to the 100 miler distance in New Zealand and overseas.

 

The foundation of my coaching however is the formal academic training I have undergone & over 20 years experience in the health, fitness & wellbeing industry. In this time I have worked with people to integrate running and exercise into everyday life. I place equal importance on strength & conditioning, healthy diet, emotional support, and balancing stress and recovery when it comes to 

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optimising performance. I create bespoke programmes based on science and layer this with the practical lessons from my own training and racing to fit your lifestyle and goals. 

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I also advise on race preparation, fuelling, injury prevention & resolution, and how to train for events at altitude and in the heat. I have recently coached athletes who have achieved podium performances in a variety of distances from a half marathon through to multi day races. While achieving these outcomes an integrated and sustainable approach to the training process is always prioritised. 

 

If you’re ready to elevate your running experience and fulfil your potential, reach out to me. Let’s light up your running path together.

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QUALIFICATIONS​

  • B (Hons) Physical Education including; Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Biochemistry, Sport Psychology

  • UK Athletics Running Coach

  • Personal Training Diploma including; Sports Nutrition, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, Training in Outdoor Environments

  • Training Peaks Accredited Coach

  • Meditation, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga Teacher

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PROUDEST MOMENT COACHING & RUNNING

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Running a 2:42 marathon is right up there as a taller athlete, but I would have to say keeping pace with some top athletes recently in the Dragons Back Race, the toughest mountain race in the world. It didn't go to plan in the end (full write up here), but life rarely does. I feel proud to have had the courage to back myself, to compete and race from the first steps of the race.

 

Brooke, who I coach also did the race and finished on the women's podium. An absolutely monumental achievement, and one of which I feel grateful to have played a small part in. 

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RACING RESULTS IN THE PAST 24 MONTHS

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  • ​Hunua Hillbilly 60km 3rd

  • Raglan Karioi Trail 2nd

  • Manuka Trail 1st

  • Tarawera 100 mile 15th (18hrs 4mins)

  • Mission Mount Somers 2nd

  • Isthmus Peak Traverse 3rd

  • Beast of Beetham 2nd

  • The Wild 75km V5000 3rd

  • Northburn 100km 1st

  • South Island 100km 2nd

  • Matterhorn Ultraks 49km Sky Race (Switzerland, field of 700) 22nd

  • Dragons Back Race (Wales, Multi-Day) DNF​​

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