PBs On The House

September 02, 2025

Free training from certified running coach and Islington Area Activator Simon prepares three GoodGymers for PB’s at The Big Half 2025.

Meet Simon

Simon began running in 2010 at his local parkrun, now he lives and breathes it. In the following 15 years Simon has engrained himself into the sport, and culture of running in his home of London. From road races to cross country, trail running to track days, running isn’t just a hobby for Simon, it’s his career as well. “I am so fortunate to be able to embrace this wonderful sport”.

Running has taken Simon far - ultra marathon far - and for the last 6 years he's been the Area Activator for GoodGym Islington. In this time he has led almost weekly group runs for the likes of ON Running, The Running Works, Runnersneed Holborn, GoodGym and his newly launched group Track and Towpath.

Why The Big Half Matters

A landmark event on the GoodGym calendar, The Big Half is one of the most highly attended races by GoodGym. Lots of community spaces combined with a great location for the many London GoodGym groups has seen the race grow in popularity with GoodGymers. Simon praised the event for its positive atmosphere in previous years “I will always appreciate this event for bringing the best out of London runners and supporters”.

“I will always appreciate this event for bringing the best out of London runners and supporters”

Training the team

This year Simon offered one-to-one training to three GoodGymers - Kitty, Becca and Sarah - for free, a way of returning the positivity and support he receives from GoodGym Islington. “I wouldn't have felt confident enough to take on this coaching journey without the enthusiasm of our weekly group run participants and the Goodgym race team, so I wanted to give something back”.

Simon’s philosophy is simple, “every training plan is unique to each runner!”. “I endeavour to create training plans that can be followed by those with busy lives or unpredictable schedules”.

“every training plan is unique to each runner!”

Runner stories

Sarah, a GoodGymer from Islington hopes to achieve a personal best and incorporate the race into her training for the Amsterdam Marathon in October. “I am chasing a time that has eluded me over the last couple of half marathons”, she emphasises the value of having a plan and coach, unlike many of her previous attempts. This year will be Sarah’s 5th Big Half, and 9th Half Marathon.

Although Simon will be running this year, his goal was to give back rather than chase his own personal bests. He concludes “It has been such a joy to help Sarah, Becca and Kitty with their running journeys. I am so proud of their commitment and their openness to engage with different forms of training. I would absolutely love it if they succeed with their time goals, but I feel that they have made incredible progress already.”

What’s next

Whether you’re training for an upcoming race or just want to meet new people, GoodGym is about moving together, supporting each other, and making a difference along the way. Find a session near you and make your movement mean something

The “Track and Towpath” fortnightly morning running sessions will return after The Big Half - watch out for these on the GoodGym website under Training Sessions, or by following the group on Strava

Coaching opportunities with Simon will become available on the new Track and Towpath Instagram page.