INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN TONKIN
Interviewed in SEPTEMBER 2014
Select an athlete to view their profile:
What is your age, and how long have you been training with Sean?
I am 36. I was looking around for a group that trained on weekday mornings and three separate people recommended Sean. Coincidently, a work colleague and I were chatting at our school athletics carnival (we are teachers) and she had also heard about him so we decided to try out a session together- that was 18 months ago and that work colleague and I have been going ever since and have become close friends in the process. We even added a third teacher running buddy to the group!
Are you an online only client, or do you attend sessions as well?
I attend the Tuesday and Thursday sessions. They are such a wonderful way to spend part of the day. Being in such a picturesque location and with the positive energy from all the runners is so energising and addictive.
What has been your experience in training with Sean as a coach?
Sean is amazing! He has a calm, kind presence. He is encouraging and supportive without being pushy. Sean has all the tools for success and it is up to the individual runner to follow his advice and take advantage of that. I really like how he notices each and every member of the squad and always has words of encouragement and praise when he notices progress. He makes time for everyone in the group from elite athletes to the fun runner. There have been a few times I have emailed Sean late at night asking for advice and he has responded by the next morning- even when he was over coaching at the Commonwealth Games.
What has your progression as a runner been like? How have your times improved?
A long term goal of mine was to run the City to Surf in under 65 minutes. This year I finally achieved that with 63.20. I regularly run the 5km Park run and my first run was 23.40, my times have been improving since then and last weekend I ran 20.38! My next goal is to get under 20 minutes ) I recently ran in an 8km race and came 3rd which was such an achievement and gave me inspiration to train harder to see what else I can achieve.
Would you recommend Sean as a running coach, and if so, why?
I have run since Little Athletics, but as an adult have just done my own training, mainly by just clocking up mileage. Since joining Sean’s group my training has become more structured. He has taught me the importance of ensuring there is a balance of strength, speed and endurance work. He has also encouraged me to challenge myself during training sessions. Sean is generous in spirit and time and this encourages me to run my best and to aim to continually improve. The drastic improvement in my times since training with Sean is testament to the success of his techniques.
Anything else that you would like to add?
The running camp I attended at Jindabyne was a real tipping point for me with my running. I got so much out of the sessions and learnt to challenge my body each day. I actually think it was this weekend that gave me the push to step my running up and I started to notice real improvements then. The camp was also fun and relaxing)