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Liz is a UK event group endurance coach (level 3) and has coached since 2011 at Cardiff Athletics and held the role of Regional Development Coordinator since September 2017. Prior to that she was a support coach to the regional endurance program. Liz manages the RDA-Futures endurance programme. Her role is to support developing endurance athletes throughout Wales; to support the National and Regional development programs across Wales; to provide support to Chris Jones with performance level athletes; and to be a resource for coaches on endurance activity and development opportunities.

"I began taking part in athletics as a Junior from the age of 11. I represented Cardiff, but I also ran in the regional team and as a Welsh international on XC and track. I am also a type 1 diabetic, so running was helpful for my own health and a great achievement for me personally. When I went to University, I began to drift away from competitive athletics but I still ran socially. When I came back I ran the Cardiff half and I loved it so much that I missed competing, so I linked up with my old Junior coach Paul Darney to stage a comeback! Unfortunately, this wasn't to be so Paul suggested that I start coaching to stay involved in the sport. I then got my coaching qualification up to the event group endurance level and started my own coaching group.

 

For a while, I combined being a club coach with being a Full time Physiotherapist in an NHS hospital which had its challenges but I then became a regional lead and I really enjoyed seeing people fulfil their potential and knowing that I have played a part in that was a great feeling. Since taking on the National Talent Development Co-ordinator role I have also really enjoyed the interaction with athletes and other coaches and supporting that development.

 

However, I think downtime is important, in my spare time I like to go walking with my dog and practicing yoga. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends which is really important, finding that work life balance."

 

Coach Philosophy: Fun and enjoyment needs to be at the heart of what you do at any level of the sport. Develop the person and then the athlete!