FAQ

Coaching Questions

WHO DO YOU COACH?

We work with trail and ultrarunners of all abilities, from first-time 50 km runners through to athletes competing at an international level. Our athletes race everything from local trail events to 100-mile mountain races, multi-day events and Fastest Known Time projects.

DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERIENCED ULTRARUNNER?

No. Many of our athletes are preparing for their first ultra. What matters most is a willingness to train consistently and follow a structured plan.

AM I TOO SLOW TO BENEFIT FROM COACHING?

Absolutely not. Coaching is not reserved for elite athletes. Many of our athletes are simply looking to complete their first ultramarathon, improve their consistency or gain confidence in their training. The same principles that help experienced athletes perform at a high level can help newer runners improve, stay healthy and enjoy the process more.

WILL MY PROGRAM BE PERSONALISED?

Yes. Every program is built around your goals, training history, available time, race calendar and individual strengths and weaknesses. We don’t use template programs.

HOW MUCH TRAINING DO I NEED TO DO?

That depends on your goals, experience, available time and event. Rather than chasing arbitrary weekly mileage targets, we focus on identifying the minimum effective training required to help you perform at your best while remaining healthy and consistent.

DO YOU COACH BY PACE, HEART RATE OR POWER?

We use whichever tools are most appropriate for the athlete and the session. Training may be prescribed using pace, heart rate, power, perceived effort or a combination of all four.

WHAT MAKES MILE 27 DIFFERENT?

We specialise exclusively in trail and ultrarunning. Rather than simply prescribing workouts, our coaching focuses on identifying the factors most likely to limit your performance and systematically improving them. Every training decision is linked to the demands of your event, your strengths and weaknesses, and the specific adaptations needed to help you perform on race day.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO START WORKING WITH A COACH?

The best time to start coaching is when you’re ready to train with purpose. Some athletes come to us for their first ultramarathon, while others are pursuing podium finishes, qualification standards or major international events. Coaching is less about your current level and more about your commitment to the process.

Practical Questions

HOW IS COACHING DELIVERED?

All coaching is delivered online through TrainingPeaks. Your program is built around your goals, experience, strengths, weaknesses and available training time. Communication takes place through TrainingPeaks, email and WhatsApp, allowing questions, feedback and adjustments to happen when they’re needed rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.

HOW OFTEN CAN I CONTACT MY COACH?

There are no limits on communication. If you have questions about your training, racing or recovery, we’re here to help. Most communication takes place through TrainingPeaks, email and WhatsApp.

DO I NEED A TRAININGPEAKS ACCOUNT?

Yes. We use TrainingPeaks to deliver and review training programs. All coached athletes receive a TrainingPeaks Premium account as part of their coaching package.

WHAT IF MY WORK OR FAMILY SCHEDULE CHANGES?

Life happens. Your training program is designed around your real-world commitments and can be adjusted when circumstances change.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET INJURED?

Injuries are part of endurance sport. If an injury occurs, we’ll help modify training, manage training load and identify alternative training options where appropriate.

WILL I WORK DIRECTLY WITH ANDY?

Andy works directly with a limited number of athletes. Other athletes are coached by a Mile 27 Performance Coach. All coaches follow the same coaching philosophy and performance framework, with placement based on goals, availability and the level of support required..

WHERE IS MILE 27 BASED?

Mile 27 is based in Byron Bay, Australia. We coach athletes throughout Australia and internationally, working with runners from first-time ultramarathoners through to experienced competitors racing some of the world’s most challenging trail and ultramarathon events.

IS THERE A MINIMUM COACHING COMMITMENT?

We recommend a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, as meaningful fitness improvements take time. Longer-term coaching generally produces the best results.

CAN I PAUSE COACHING?

In most cases, yes. If you need to take an extended break due to travel, work or other commitments, please discuss it with your coach and we’ll determine the most appropriate option.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure whether coaching is right for you, get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss your goals, answer any questions and help determine the best path forward.

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