Your Squad Name: Watts Athletics
How and why did you start coaching?
My coaching journey began 15 years ago when my children joined Little Athletics. While they trained, I would run laps around the track, and a parent approached me about coaching their daughter. I discovered very quickly how much I enjoyed supporting athletes, and the group began to grow organically.
I went on to complete formal coaching qualifications and volunteered at the local little athletics club for many years.
What continues to inspire me is helping athletes discover their potential and, above all, developing a lifelong love of running.
What is your coaching philosophy?
I believe in a long term, athlete centred approach. Using LTAD principles, I focus on helping athletes develop steadily and safely so they can enjoy the sport for life. A strong emphasis is placed on running technique, movement fundamentals, smart training loads, and proper recovery. My aim is to support healthy development, build confidence, and set athletes up for long term success in the sport.
Do you have a squad mantra?
Not officially, but the guiding message is simple: enjoy the process, have fun, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
Did you run, and what distances were your speciality?
I started Little Athletics at eight years old. I loved the 100m and 200m, with a long standing love hate relationship with the 400m which, ironically, ended up being one of my stronger events. I also loved cross country, and found running through the mud pretty fun.
What is your favourite training session?
I love 1k reps!
What has been your career highlight so far?
Running a sub 3 hour marathon on my first attempt was a personal highlight. Last year I ran the Berlin Marathon, it was such an amazing experience and a real pinch me moment! From a coaching perspective, watching athletes progress and make National teams, seeing athletes I have coached from their junior days still enjoying their running whether it’s competitively or recreationally. I also really admire and am inspired by my athletes who have busy lives, full time careers, families and still find the time to get their own training in!
Oh and starting Watts Athletics!!
What has been your most challenging experience as a coach?
One of the tough realities of sport is that sometimes an athlete does everything right in training yet race day doesn't unfold as planned. Supporting athletes through that moment, helping them process disappointment, learn from it, move on from it, and stay committed to the next goal.
What do you recommend for pre- and post-race nutrition?
Pre race nutrition depends on distance and what time the race is, but generally something small, familiar, and easy to digest such as a banana, rice bubbles and honey, and electrolytes.
Top recovery tip:
Sleep!! Sleep is the no# 1 recovery tool!! I try to get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Prioritise protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes of finishing. This maximises glycogen replenishment and protein synthesis. Hydration and electrolyte replacement are equally important, especially after warm or high intensity sessions.
My go to if I can’t get straight to breakfast etc would be, Rokeby farms chocolate milk or a protein yogurt with a banana.
How can we get more teens involved in running?
Engagement needs to start with enjoyment and accessibility. Introducing more social, non-competitive running opportunities in schools would make a significant difference. A morning school run club at a social level would be great.
Many teens try to start to run long distances without adequate build up, leading to it becoming unenjoyable or causing injury. By following the LTAD (Long term athletic development) model, which include progressive loading, skill development, and age (including training age) appropriate expectations.
What is your biggest concern about teens in the future?
Balancing physical and mental health.
Teenagers face increasing pressure, from social media, peers,body image expectations, academic demands, and performance based sporting environments. Their bodies are changing rapidly, yet they’re often expected to produce adult level results.
Track or XC?
If I’m allowed a third option, road running :)
Cross country is fantastic for strength, fitness and fun with less time pressure, just good hard racing. It’s a great way for middle distance runners to gain fitness in winter/off season.
Toughest distance? 400/800/1500/3k/10k
That’s a hard one, they can all be quite tough, but I’d say for me it’s the 1500.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I truly believe anyone can be a runner. You don’t need to be fast or feel “fit enough” to begin. Just start. Running is an incredible tool for mental clarity, confidence, and overall health. Even on the days you don’t feel like going, you always finish feeling better.
Watts Athletics
Email : Admin@wattsathletics.com.au