Athlete Testimonials

“I started working with Brendan as a coach while navigating ongoing injuries. Brendan's caring and holistic approach, along with his attention to detail helped me get back on track. With his big heart and scientific brain, Brendan and I developed a person centred program that was just for me. He helped me 'get out of my own head,' and approach training in a smart and strong way. If you are looking for someone to put your unique needs first using a lot of brain and a lot of heart, then Brendan is your guy. Brendan will make sure you are well supported throughout the entire athletic process: from conception, to training, to start lines, and finish lines.”

“I would highly recommend Brendan to anyone who is looking to work on their running goals. He is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of running – workouts, strength work, nutrition, recovery, etc. Working with Brendan, I was able to get my best times in half marathons, marathons, and complete my first ultra. His workouts are challenging but fun. If you are lucky, you’d get to do a workout or two with the legend himself. The regular check-ins are super helpful to address any concerns you may have. For anyone looking for a coach, he’s the guy!”

“Brendan is a bit of a wizard - he coached me to a half marathon PB of 1:30 at age 48! His weekly plan is truly individualized and flexible, and his workouts are unique, effective, and dare I say, "fun". He also provides and continually updates a strength training program that I can follow in my home gym, which I really appreciate. Whether you want to get faster and stronger or just enjoy the process of training with guidance from an expert, I highly recommend him as a coach!”

"Working with Brendan has been an absolute game-changer for my running journey. He took the time to understand my goals, assess my strengths, and identify areas for improvement. Every training plan was tailored to my needs, keeping me motivated and challenged without feeling overwhelmed.”

“Brendan was hands down the best coach I have ever had. His dedication to his clients is second to none and he adds a personal touch to his training plans based on his clients unique and individual goals and needs. Brendan revolutionized the way I prioritize rest days. As a ER nurse I am constantly on my feet for work and rarely have any down time. Brendan started programming "runches" (lunch runs!) into my training schedule so I could take complete rest days on my days off. This has changed everything for me, even as I have moved away from being coached and racing. From his funny antidotes to terrible run workouts: "a tempo sandwich YUM!", to his monthly coaching call catch ups, I have nothing but amazing things to say! I can confidently say I was my fittest and fastest when I was trained by Brendan!”

"Brendan is an exceptional coach with a wealth of knowledge and a lifetime of experience and success in running and racing. He has helped me train for a wide array of races, from a 10k road time trial to setting the fastest known time on the Cove to Cove route. In addition to providing weekly training plans, strength programs, and 1:1 coaching calls, he offered invaluable advice on injury diagnosis, prevention, and treatment when I needed it most.

Running can be a solitary sport, but having a dedicated coach like Brendan not only helps with the logistics of getting faster but also adds a layer of accountability. It’s invaluable to have someone on your team who is rooting for you and helping you make decisions that improve your experience as a runner.

I have recommended Brendan - aka “Bilbo Baggins” - to several friends, all of whom have had overwhelmingly positive experiences working with him. His expertise and support make him an outstanding coach for runners at any level."

“The Shire provided me with a personalized plan that not only focuses on improved running performance (which it certainly does), but on building upon important foundations such as strengthening and injury prevention. It has been key having Brendan's support and expert guidance throughout my running journey from 5K to Marathon personal bests all the way up to extended Ultra outings. I honestly feel whether you are just starting out in running or are looking to compete at an elite level, you are in good hands with the Shire!”