“We've both been working with Mags at Mountain Strong for around 2.5 years on a mostly 1:1 basis. After very active lives, but not much supporting strength or mobility work, Mags has patiently and skilfully helped us both to both feel confident with strength work, has ensured that we've continued to progress and, importantly helped us to understand the huge benefits of strength work for sports, every day life and longevity.
Although the work with Mags has very much focused on programming for strength and conditioning and mobility, she has always made the exercises appropriate to our lifestyle and sports. As we both run, we have greatly benefitted from the application and tailoring of our strength programs to support our running. We both feel generally stronger, but also much stronger when we run. This greatly helps when it comes to events and races, but also resilience to injury from training.
Mags is an encouraging and supportive strength coach and she'll always try to help more broadly with things like injuries. Her broad knowledge of biomechanics and mobility underpins her approach and, alongside her running based qualifications and running experience, this helps her to provide thorough and excellent coaching.
She's personable, holds you to account and always does her best to support you. She works hard for her business and her athletes. We'd totally recommend Mags as a coach, either 1:1 or online. She has helped us to continue to do the things we love and to enjoy learning about and exercising for strength and mobility. Thank you Maggie!”
~ David and Ruth
“Really enjoying my weekly strength sessions with Mags. I’ve had a couple of injuries over the last few years with the most recent being an operation to replace a tendon in my ankle. This has taken me out of running for a good few months but with the specific support of my rehab, S&C sessions that are focused on the ankle getting stronger and guiding me back to running with a phased return to run programme, Mags has built my confidence to come back to ultra running knowing I can be stronger and more robust for the increase of volume. Can highly recommend.”
~ Scott
“I first started working with Mags for 1:2:1 S&C coaching a few years ago when I was trying to get back to running after an injury. Not only was I able to start running again, but I came back stronger and faster and have stayed injury free thanks to the support she gave me!
Having now gained more confidence and knowledge around training, I went away to try by myself in the gym, but soon came back to Mags. Working 1:2:1 with Mags has so much added value. The training is well programmed, interesting and you really feel she is invested in your progress and well-being. I really trust that she can take me to the place I want to go with my strength and running goals.”
~ Rebecca
“I have been doing S&C with Mags that incorporates rehab for my plantar fascia injury, I have also been supported with a phased return to running programme since early summer this year which has allowed me to come back to running consistently.
Regular in person coaching sessions combined with use of the Volt app has made it very easy to plan and follow through with a programme. I love the consistency and accessibility the app gives me, combined with the expert yet friendly and fun help Mags gives me.The gym space is so welcoming, too!
My strength and enjoyment of both gym work and running has improved so much this summer. It's really exciting to feel the benefits of a long term strength programme on my running, as well!”
~ Lauren
“I first started my training with just the running program but soon picked up the strength program alongside it for a more complete in-house training program.
Mags has been incredible from the start - building up my running with a consistent foundation program and analysing my current strength for imbalances and weaknesses. From there we set a specific strength program which worked on my imbalances to prevent any injury while building up the running.
With mags guidance I was able to finish my first 90k race as well as finally get a sub 20 minute 5k. Would highly recommend her to any level of runner that’s looking to improve their running, strength, or both!”
~ Josh
“I have been training with Maggie at Mountain Strong for just over 12 months now. In that time she has helped me gain so much more confidence not only in running but in the gym too.
I started with a running programme and have recently moved over to a S&C programme to address areas of weakness and to stop potential injuries from arising. She has created a specific strength programme for me and my needs, each exercise is thoroughly explained and what the benefits are. I have really felt that this has improved my running and my general strength
From the initial call, I have always felt that Maggie has taken on board my thoughts and needs, where I thought my weaknesses were and this was incorporated in both the running and S&C training plans.
The regular feedback on sessions and check in calls are invaluable and I believe an important part of a training plan.
Maggie works the plan around my work/life balance, it has brought consistency and most of all the enjoyment back into my training.
I recently completed a 100km race with a programme specifically designed for me by Mags and I am confident that without Mags help, It would not have been possible. I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
~ Laura
“I have been on a run coaching plan with Maggie for a few years now. It has really helped my performances and kept me focussed on my goals. I have completed some big challenges and ran some fast times under Maggie. The mixture of running but also S&C knowledge has helped me to remain relatively injury free and made sure I manage my energy alongside work and life!”
~ Andy
“I’ve been with Mags for a few months now to help get on top of some long standing niggles and injuries, as well as increase power. Her knowledge of how the body works is next level, explaining how all the ligaments/tendons/muscles interact and affect each other. She not only gives you specific exercises but explains exactly what they’re targeting and how, so you know not just what to do but why you’re doing it.”
~ Laura
"The biggest impact of Mag’s coaching has been on my confidence, going from a nervous runner to setting my sights on some of the biggest mountain races in only a few short years. I would never been confident enough to sign up, or feel ready for the Dragon’s Back race without Mags’s incredible knowledge and support. It’s the personal touches that make Mountain Strong Coaching exceptional. The plans are not only structured around my work life balance but take into account my running background, needs and goals. The daily feedback and monthly 1:1 catch-ups are priceless and helps to keep me motivated.”
~ Heather
"I have been training with Maggie for several years now. Maggie has brought consistency and structure to my running, whilst also making me realise the benefit of rest days. Maggie is very approachable and is realistic with the training plans she puts in place. I would not be able to run the distances I do without her guidance and support. She is an incredible coach.”
~ Catherine
"In the initial assessment I felt listened to, and also appreciated that we won’t be fixing everything in one go, but bit by bit and in order of priority. Starting with the basics and building up properly, bespoke to me and in a way that is achievable and measurable. From the start I felt like we are working in a very professional way. Seven months later and I feel stronger, better conditioned and safe that anything I relay back is always listened to and my program adapted.”
~ Mikey
“Working with MagsMay at Mountain Strong to improve my trail running has been a great experience. Having a plan to follow has kept me consistent despite some long standing niggles and imbalances. The training got me strong and ready for the Cape Wrath Ultra. Following that, an ankle injury and some very difficult times in my personal life MagsMay has listened and flexed my plan to ensure recovery and a gradual return to running and health ready for the next trail running adventure. The focus on strength as a foundation to running better alongside advice on better fuelling has really helped my recovery and running overall.“
~ Ellie
“I've worked with several coaches over the years, but Mags stands out as truly exceptional. After nearly a year of strength training with her, I can confidently say she brings a level of personalization that’s rare to find. Every aspect of her coaching is tailored to me—my goals, my strengths, and especially my weaknesses. She doesn’t just follow a template; she builds a program that evolves with you.
The online coaching format works brilliantly for my lifestyle, and Mags makes it seamless. Her regular testing and check-ins show a deep commitment to progress and accountability. What really sets her apart is her passion—she genuinely loves what she does, and that energy is infectious. It motivates me to push harder and stay consistent.
If you're looking for a coach who listens, adapts, and truly invests in your success, Mags is the one.“
~ Jess
