INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE ARNOTT

Why do you run with Sean’s group?

Lots of contributing factors get me up in the morning to have a run with Sean. The structure of a programme that works and has variety, friendships and camaraderie that has developed amongst all the other runners at Sean’s group, and feedback and knowledge from Sean to achieve goals that I never thought were possible.

What has your progression as a runner been like? How have your times improved?

I never thought breaking 40minutes for 10k was a possibility. However, Sean quickly saw my strength was in middle distance and I’ve now well and truly achieved that goal with my current PB as 38.51 in Gold Coast this year where I set a new record for my age. After years of running it has been a comparatively short time that my progression as a runner has jumped to a whole new level of just being a fun runner to being competitive.

What has been your experience in training with Sean as a coach?

Sean has opened me up to new ways of approaching my running. It is so easy to fall into the trap especially as we get older to ‘pounding the pavement’ for hours. I always saw myself as the typical ‘marathon mum’. My experience of this was more injuries and slower times. However, Sean has taught me that not all formulas suit all and programmes and goals need to be tailored to the individual.

You are a mother and work full time. How do you fit it all in?

I attend Sean’s sessions four times a week. I’m not sure how Sean fits it all in, however he is always online for feedback on anything from a quick programme if I’m heading away for work for a few weeks or even calming a few pre-race nerves on how to attack the race course.

It is a busy schedule working full time and being a mum. Somehow it all works. A large part of it is the fun at SWEAT squad and looking forward to seeing your mates. Despite the hard work ahead, it does get you out of bed and I actually look forward to starting the day with the Sean’s squad. The key is being organized and making training a priority which isn’t so hard when it’s first thing in the morning. I do have short cuts like having all the lunches made the night before, my running gear out and even what I ‘m wearing to work. It may seem a little too structured for some, however it works for me and makes me a much calmer person at work and at home once I’ve had my ‘me’ time in the morning.

Would you recommend Sean as a running coach, and if so, why?

Over the years I’ve tried lots of different types of running, outdoor training, coaches and feel I’ve landed in the best team possible with Sean. I’m inspired by the elite runners I train alongside with, the incredible achievements of other runners and Sean’s typical laconic Aussie style somehow keeps a sense of fun and energy in all our training sessions. Sean has a unique way of planting a seed of thought that maybe ‘that is possible’ and the next thing you know you have nailed that next PB!