COACHING TESTIMONIALS
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to work in an industry where I can visibly see people striving to become better and kicking goals. In 2017 over 1700 individuals downloaded my Ultra Trail Australia (UTA) resources. We exceeded this in 2018. Now all my training planners are free to download! The feedback has been overwhelming and I hope that these short glimpses of their stories help to inspire you to
BE WILDER. PLAY WILDER. PERFORM WILDER.
"I think the training planner and principles that go behind it are amazing and had me perfectly trained come race day." Thank you so much for having a chat at the Ultra Trail Australia Expo. I used your training program this year as I wanted a belt buckle in the 100km event... and not only did I beat my time from 2016 (21h47m) I obliterated it! I ended up running 17h07m!! I exceeded all my expectations. Your The Trail Running Guidebook continues to be a source of inspiration, and I love how it breaks it down and keeps it playful.' "My mission runs really prepared me for those tough sections and had also taught me to not panic when I felt "all-done-in" as I knew this would pass. Sometimes I may not feel better, but I would at least feel different!" |
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"I just wanted to write to you to give you some feedback on your UTA22 training plan. As you know it has been a pretty rough last few years for me and I am just starting back into regular running. It was a big decision for me to start running again and to enter the UTA22 as there was a huge element of fear that I would end up going back to square one after all of the hard work I have put into regaining my health and vitality over the last few years. I chose your training plan because I love your coaching principles and could help me to recover from adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalance. I just wanted to say thank you and I am so glad that I chose your plan, it has completely restored my faith that I can enjoy running while make performance gains and still maintaining my health and vitality. I started the plan in December and prior to that I was only doing a very limited amount of running, the progress I have made in a short time has been amazing and the best part is that for the first time in a very long time I feel like I am wanting more (a much better feeling than being overtrained and burnt out!!), I have an abundance of energy and I look forward each session and have a much greater respect and appreciation for my rest days so I can recover, repair and make those important adaptations. I’ve got a few friends who I recommended your planner to as well and they are also very happy with it. Thanks so much Hanny! I am really looking forward to the rest of the plan in the lead up to UTA and I am really excited to hit the start line of a race feeling like I have done enough but not being overdone like in the past. I have found so much confidence again in my running…"
"I absolutely loved it! I am a beginner trail runner I only started running 2 years ago when I down loaded an app. You created something that empowered me and gave me the courage to give my bucket list goal of UTA100 a go. Thank you! I trained one for months and months as I didn't believe I was good enough to run with other people. Now I have confidence to run with others. I am a 46 year-old mum of 4 children and I feel so alive and that I am now living my best life and setting an amazing example for my children. I want to do so many more races and events just because they are so much fun and such a positive experience. PS Love the training process."
"My husband, along with others he was running with, used the 50km plan - they wavered a bit to start with but then as the event got closer and more ‘real’ they tried to stick to it more. My daughter used the 100km plan and she followed it very closely. As a Triathlon coach I found the plans and additional information provided well written and thought they were excellent for them to follow."
"This was the first ultra event that I have entered, and the goal was to complete it, and to do the 50km in 10 hours, I did it in 9 hrs 11! Including 45 + min wait at the Taros Ladder due to congestion. Our group all did better than they expected, through good preparation, which was pretty much provided by you (and our group jostling each other along to continue to train)."
"I really appreciate such simple, concise information being available to us - the plebs of running :)"
"Having never trained like this before. I was blown away on race day at how much I had progressed! I was easily inside what I expected and loved every minute of the run! Never knew what it felt like to be so well prepared! And the training was doable. Other planners out there are way more daunting but not sure I'd get better results..."
"I was a sponge for 6 months leading into UTA. I listened to everyone, all the experts, read your advice, listened to your podcasts, talked to fellow runners, spoke to yourself about mandatory gear as well as Graham. And then I had to make my own judgements from all the advice provided. And it worked. I would recommend Find Your Feet to anyone, your advice and generosity to assist others with only the hope that good karma will bring business to you is a very hard to find trait, you are a blessing you guys and you make a difference, but in no small way. I did place a number of orders from you over the journey, others also bought things for me though you, and I will continue to let people know about Find Your Feet and your exceptional service. Congratulations on being who you are, and congratulations on an amazing result for you at UTA too!"
"I had a great day. My 4th UTA100km and a PB by 33 mins in 14hrs57. I felt pretty good all day and kept thinking just keep running because at some point it is all going to fall apart. But it didn't!!"
"My A goal was a sub 18hr finish. I wasn't sure how achievable this was as this was my first 100km event. Came in at 17:39 so I was stoked. And with no injuries, even better :)"
"Failed to finish previously due to overtraining and injury in the lead up. This time I follow your plans and arrived at the start line well prepared and injury free. Finished in 18.20 after aiming for under 20 hrs for the 100km."
"I signed up again as my husband had unfinished business from 2016 & really wanted to go back & finish in daylight; so initially I set out on a training plan with vision to be stronger both mentally & physically and a goal to beat my initial 2016 time. My husband & I had planned to try & stick together for the first 28km (QVH checkpoint) & from there see how we felt. With a late change to the 50km course we reviewed our plan, thankfully; as I'm usually very anxious with new courses and technical terrain. He coached me through those rope & ladder sections (I thought often of our experience in Tasmania & Hanny's coaching words to trust my feet), but otherwise I felt on top of the world. No niggles, nutrition on par & was eager to push on but my heart overtook my body and I decided to stick with Chris. I'm extremely thankful I did, he cramped pretty badly on a few sections after CP2 & especially the stairs before CP4. When we crossed the finish line together, I was so overwhelmed we had done this together. I finally got that feeling I so desperately was looking for in 2016."
"I followed your UTA100km planner to the book, watched all the podcasts and you tube material. Hydration and nutrition was perfect. Shotz gels and tablets were perfect. The training missions were perfect. Testing gear was perfect, I was aiming for sub 14 hours and did 13hr20min. Out slow and home strong. So, so happy, thanks Hanny."
"I did hope to scrape a silver buckle, and won't know if I would have made it on the unmodified course, but I smashed 3h20 off my previous time, and that is definitely well within my goals for the race!"
"I think I did at least 80% of the UTA100 plan (missed 8hr mission and a few long runs) but was worried that I wouldn't make it, or would barely make it and finish in a lot of pain. BUT, I took it easy and cruised to the finish in 19:31. So your plan is on the money."
"The missions were great for trialling my race nutrition and pacing, which was probably the key factor in finishing in such good condition and having fun doing it. The structure you provide in the plan, on top of the trail running camp those years ago were invaluable. Thanks so much Hanny!"
"On paper I thought 15hrs to complete 100km’s was do-able but in reality a dream. Your plan made that possible!"
"I am thrilled that I completed the 100k. First 70k was a dream, struggled mentally in last 30k."
"I absolutely loved it! I am a beginner trail runner I only started running 2 years ago when I down loaded an app. You created something that empowered me and gave me the courage to give my bucket list goal of UTA100 a go. Thank you! I trained one for months and months as I didn't believe I was good enough to run with other people. Now I have confidence to run with others. I am a 46 year-old mum of 4 children and I feel so alive and that I am now living my best life and setting an amazing example for my children. I want to do so many more races and events just because they are so much fun and such a positive experience. PS Love the training process."
"My husband, along with others he was running with, used the 50km plan - they wavered a bit to start with but then as the event got closer and more ‘real’ they tried to stick to it more. My daughter used the 100km plan and she followed it very closely. As a Triathlon coach I found the plans and additional information provided well written and thought they were excellent for them to follow."
"This was the first ultra event that I have entered, and the goal was to complete it, and to do the 50km in 10 hours, I did it in 9 hrs 11! Including 45 + min wait at the Taros Ladder due to congestion. Our group all did better than they expected, through good preparation, which was pretty much provided by you (and our group jostling each other along to continue to train)."
"I really appreciate such simple, concise information being available to us - the plebs of running :)"
"Having never trained like this before. I was blown away on race day at how much I had progressed! I was easily inside what I expected and loved every minute of the run! Never knew what it felt like to be so well prepared! And the training was doable. Other planners out there are way more daunting but not sure I'd get better results..."
"I was a sponge for 6 months leading into UTA. I listened to everyone, all the experts, read your advice, listened to your podcasts, talked to fellow runners, spoke to yourself about mandatory gear as well as Graham. And then I had to make my own judgements from all the advice provided. And it worked. I would recommend Find Your Feet to anyone, your advice and generosity to assist others with only the hope that good karma will bring business to you is a very hard to find trait, you are a blessing you guys and you make a difference, but in no small way. I did place a number of orders from you over the journey, others also bought things for me though you, and I will continue to let people know about Find Your Feet and your exceptional service. Congratulations on being who you are, and congratulations on an amazing result for you at UTA too!"
"I had a great day. My 4th UTA100km and a PB by 33 mins in 14hrs57. I felt pretty good all day and kept thinking just keep running because at some point it is all going to fall apart. But it didn't!!"
"My A goal was a sub 18hr finish. I wasn't sure how achievable this was as this was my first 100km event. Came in at 17:39 so I was stoked. And with no injuries, even better :)"
"Failed to finish previously due to overtraining and injury in the lead up. This time I follow your plans and arrived at the start line well prepared and injury free. Finished in 18.20 after aiming for under 20 hrs for the 100km."
"I signed up again as my husband had unfinished business from 2016 & really wanted to go back & finish in daylight; so initially I set out on a training plan with vision to be stronger both mentally & physically and a goal to beat my initial 2016 time. My husband & I had planned to try & stick together for the first 28km (QVH checkpoint) & from there see how we felt. With a late change to the 50km course we reviewed our plan, thankfully; as I'm usually very anxious with new courses and technical terrain. He coached me through those rope & ladder sections (I thought often of our experience in Tasmania & Hanny's coaching words to trust my feet), but otherwise I felt on top of the world. No niggles, nutrition on par & was eager to push on but my heart overtook my body and I decided to stick with Chris. I'm extremely thankful I did, he cramped pretty badly on a few sections after CP2 & especially the stairs before CP4. When we crossed the finish line together, I was so overwhelmed we had done this together. I finally got that feeling I so desperately was looking for in 2016."
"I followed your UTA100km planner to the book, watched all the podcasts and you tube material. Hydration and nutrition was perfect. Shotz gels and tablets were perfect. The training missions were perfect. Testing gear was perfect, I was aiming for sub 14 hours and did 13hr20min. Out slow and home strong. So, so happy, thanks Hanny."
"I did hope to scrape a silver buckle, and won't know if I would have made it on the unmodified course, but I smashed 3h20 off my previous time, and that is definitely well within my goals for the race!"
"I think I did at least 80% of the UTA100 plan (missed 8hr mission and a few long runs) but was worried that I wouldn't make it, or would barely make it and finish in a lot of pain. BUT, I took it easy and cruised to the finish in 19:31. So your plan is on the money."
"The missions were great for trialling my race nutrition and pacing, which was probably the key factor in finishing in such good condition and having fun doing it. The structure you provide in the plan, on top of the trail running camp those years ago were invaluable. Thanks so much Hanny!"
"On paper I thought 15hrs to complete 100km’s was do-able but in reality a dream. Your plan made that possible!"
"I am thrilled that I completed the 100k. First 70k was a dream, struggled mentally in last 30k."
"I am so grateful for all the work and effort that the Find Your Feet team put into the planners, podcasts and other material. I wouldn't have been able to achieve the goal of my first ultramarathon without you! Thank you so much!" |
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"This is the 3rd time I have used the training plan, as a single mum who is working I find I am able to work the training into my week. It's quality training rather than quantity. Will be hoping to use it again next year. Thank you."
"My wife and I used your program. Being time based we can train together. I run back to her at each track junction when we train together. It was great to know in advance the week month ahead. We didn't follow the last 3 weeks as at 53 years of age we find that more rest and recovery in taper better. This was our third year using your program."
"Out of my comfort zone with technical trails, so hiked more than in any other race, and made a friend. We ran the last 22 km’s together. We bonded instantly over a tough reality! I loved it!"
"I set myself two goals. My primary goal was to run over the finish line uninjured and feeling strong. My secondary goal was to finish the event in under 8 hrs. I managed to achieve both of these goals and finished the run in 7:21:25 so I was stoked with the result! I won't be doing the run next year as my focus will be on the six foot track but when I do go back, I reckon if I improve my base and do some more strength and conditioning work, sub 7 is achievable :-)"
"I got a silver buckle… just, which was my ultimate goal."
"First in my age division 22km (over 50s ) :-)"
"A dodgy glute and knock-on hamstring and achilles problems have been an issue for me for a long time. Good management and a sensible training plan (this one) meant I never exacerbated the problem. A win for me!"
"Followed Hanny's plan for my weekly runs and my local running club (Manly Beach RC) for my long runs. Unfortunately (against my better judgement) I ran a 64km 3 weeks out from UTA. The plan was originally to run the 64 on road which I was greatly unhappy about (train on the surface your run is going to be on right?) I wanted to run in the mountains - we did but coach wouldn't cut distance to 50km which is what I wanted. Ended up with stress fracture on 5th metatarsal - devastated. Have learned my lesson the hard way and will be sticking to Hanny's plan for all my long runs for my next 100. I used Hanny's plan for the 50km last year and stuck to it for all runs - and I had a great race! :)"
"I knew it was vital for me to stay happy & positive. I also knew letting my heart rate creep up would make me feel panicked and then doubt myself and that could spiral. From the missions though I knew how to tell when this was starting to happen and to stop it. I also knew that I had trained well and to trust in that."
"The "gem" that I took out of Nutrition and Hydration was to remember that stomach is about the size of my fist, this really resonated with me and pretty much reminded me each time to eat and drink small amounts and allow my belly time to digest - I didn't experience any "belly-issues" and I felt really strong energy-wise for the whole event. I also took Hanny's advice on the hydration front - It was also the first time that I have hydrated 100% with electrolytes (Shotz) and that was definitely a game-changer for me, not one single issue with cramping (which has historically been an issue for me)."
"Compared to previous years where I had struggled on the steepest sections and in the second half of the race, I felt strong and confident."
"I felt strong just before the race and prepared physically. I hadn't spent much time on the course but felt a little excited about the unknown and mentally prepared to tackle what was in front of me. I felt ready with hydration and nutrition and felt if anything I under fuelled a bit, but still felt good right to the end! Thanks for all the amazing info - I was able to achieve my goals come race day!"
"This is the 4th time I have used your plan (I have used them for different races too). The training is so stress free and I often say it’s not the racing I enjoy, it’s the training. You take the pre-race stress and anxiety out of the equation completely and the only thing we need to be concerned with it giving each session 100%. The amount of times we have mentioned you during the hill sessions post Mission weekend, your ears must be burning constantly! You manage to find the perfect place between over training and under training, recovery and fitness loss. When we feel we are getting tired of this whole training business, its taper time and we find the love of short sharp again. You are brilliant at what you do."
"Having a solid base and completing the missions were big boosts to my confidence. I felt confident of completing the course even when I had some low points during the race. Feeling fresh and relaxed at the start line led to a great day."
"I had practised all those key skills in my mission runs, and I made a conscious choice to have a positive mind-set during the race. This really helped me to stay focused and happy even when I'd been running in the dark, alone, for a really long time by the end!"
"I knew what pace to set out at to give myself a strong change in the back half. Set out at a consistent pace and was feeling strong. I've been beating depression and anxiety for the past year, so my mental state is always a gamble on race day (I've burst into tears for no reason apart from thinking I was last in events before) but I felt prepared, and the pressure was for completing, not for smashing a time so I felt really good, and a lot of that was down to the information from yourselves."
"I train in Victoria in the Falls Creek and Bright areas. I was able to attack those stairs and uphills because I practiced so much exactly that type of terrain. It was good to be able to look at what was coming and say to myself - I've done this before. I was prepared mentally which I really think got me through. You know when the day just seems to go right?? I had one of those days!"
"To have a race course change at such short notice, I normally would have gone into a dark place with not knowing what was to come; but I kept it together knowing I felt physically strong."
"Everything was perfect!"
"I knew that I was physically able to do well, and that helps mentally too."
"It just all worked. Mostly being prepared to grind all day in the mid-pack and have fun. Base fitness and missions gave me confidence that I could execute a good race day. I think that acceptance of a slow effort, nailing nutrition in practice, late decision to use cheating sticks (which made Nellie's a leisurely walk in the park) and the amazing energy and commitment of the volunteers all contributed to a strong finish, high fives and feeling great a few days down the track."
"Just wanted to send you a quick message thanking you for the UTA50 Training Plan, the regular newsletters and also the encouragement and support your team offered to myself and my wife. Broadly speaking, we followed your plan and nutrition advice and both finished the run injury free and happy with our results. It was also my first Ultra so I was really stoked to finish it and beat my time-based goal as well! :) We have both also been happy with the packs we purchased from your store. Thanks again and we will certainly recommend your business to others!!! " |
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"This was my second year which made a big difference. However, following the plan more closely this year and additional trips to the mountains ensured I was so much better prepared."
"Your training programs had me SO ready to race. The missions were fantastic. You were right - it was something we started to look forward to. I knew exactly where I wanted everything in my pack, every bit of nutrition and hydration I knew to the tee. The only thing I feel like I missed which showed to me on race day, was my mental game."
"Find Your Feet were extremely helpful when I was purchasing gear online. Extremely impressed!"
"Previous running and material Find Your Feet material I referred to extensively for 2016 UTA helped me be completely prepared in all aspects other than physical for race day. No surprises during the race."
"Felt very strong this year!"
"I felt strong all day on stairs. Knowing I had completed the program fairly closely was good for confidence. Getting up Nellie's Glen without a stop. Passing you around sublime point (I think) wishing you well and thanking you for your program and getting a reply back while you were flying along was pretty cool."
"I was strong on uphill (although not so much on the big steps). Your technique of taking tiny steps really helped. I ran up lots of hills where others were walking. I just kept tapping away. Took glucose tablets if any negative thought popped up. Downhill sitting down technique helped too. Kept to regular eating and hydration. Didn't hang around at checkpoints. Asserted myself (nicely) behind slower runners whereas in past have been a bit shy to ask to pass. Suffered in last hour and decided I'd never do it again ... but now... hmm maybe. Thanks!"
"Powered up the hills!"
"I especially followed the last 3 weeks sharpening & tapering to the planner, and I felt relaxed & calm the last week like no other race. My base fitness was strong through the race and could've keep going for a lot longer."
"Find Your Feet- you are all amazing! Super friendly, great gear, fantastic knowledge about your products. Hanny you give so much- and ask for nothing. I love your podcasts! Just wish you had a store in Canberra!"
"I would highly recommend the store, I had no idea when buying my new Suunto, Graham was fantastic at talking to me and provided me with advice. Selling me the best model for me and my needs."
"Find your Feet is leading the pack! I love how Hanny is so approachable and accessible to so many."
"I think you guys are doing a great job and are especially good and being approachable for someone who is just starting out doing trail running."
"I was so impressed with the accessibility of information and generosity. Including the recovery blogs! Congratulations and thank you!"
"Just an additional comment.... THANK YOU so much! The 100k training program was exactly what i needed if i was going to complete the 100k. I have and will continue to recommend Find Your Feet and the training program to everyone! What you do for runners like myself is awesome. Thank you so much for helping me to achieve my goals!"
"I want to thank you and your team on an amazing service/mentorship/support/encouragement. We were able to start knowing we had been guided through all aspects of prep and race. That meant less nerves on the day. And when I heard you were running too we were all so more excited that our new-found idol would lead the way. Inspirational!!"
"You guys do a great job. If I could participate more, I would. Keep on being awesome!"
"On the whole, for a first timer I found the podcasts invaluable, along with your YouTube posts for gear etc. which were excellent. Dealing with Graham via email when I was purchasing mandatory gear back in October was so effortless and helpful, he was excellent. There were a number of questions on whether or not the Ultimate Direction jacket met requirements but Graham went out of his way to ensure that my questions were answered."
"Your team offer an excellent service, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet you all in March on the running tour. Your tips during this tour along with resources offered on line were invaluable. I hope you can keep things personnel in the future. Hopefully we can lock in another tour next year. Many thanks."
"I really like the training plan even though I only used it as a guide. Next year I plan on taking on the 50km race at UTA. So, I will be looking out for your training plan for next year and follow it very closely this time around. Lessons were learnt in the 22km which probably could have been avoided if I had followed the training plan more closely. So, in saying that, I found nothing wrong with the plans and I liked how easy they were to follow. Very nice layout clean and straight to the point."
"There are many ultra training plans floating around but I like your staged approach. It got me to race day in good shape. Thanks for sharing."
"I am eternally grateful for all the resources that you and the Find Your Feet team provided. Thank you!"
"You guys are awesome, thank you so much! I'm a UTA finisher now and so proud!"
"I always recommend Find Your Feet! Your website is fantastic and it was how and through I bought my Ultimate Direction Women's Running Vest last year, and I love it! Running reasonable distances on trails is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, so for you to provide the information that you do is so valuable and it helps us runners make smart informed decisions. For that, I can't thank you enough Hanny! (and congrats on your UTA100 achievement for 2017 - so inspiring!)"
"A big thanks for all the information you provide. I haven't found a better training plan."
"You are doing an amazing job, and you have guided a group of older amateurs into something we are all enjoying doing"
"I love your dedication to the running community. We first came across your store at the Buffalo Stampede event in Victoria and Hanny advised my wife on some La Sportiva shoes which she loves ands wears by now. I had some great advice online for shoes too. I was a bit disappointed to not be able to see Hanny run during UTA. However, congratulations on your run and second place result!"
"Seriously ... you guys are awesome! I can't imagine how you could improve on inspiring, informative, generous and wild motivation. I can't wait to come to Tassie and come into your retail store."
"I really appreciated the instore support, cheerfulness and encouragement. Thank you!"
"The training program was brilliant. I only started to use it about six weeks out but it helped me immensely and I was prepared for hills and stairs. Don't change a thing. Thank you for the support. I had energy at the end. Very happy."