In The Running

Loved working with George, always offered me help/ advice in areas of running or swimming I was struggling with. He has amazingly structured plans for everyone and it is really easy to follow. I definitely recommend!

The whole process was quick and easy.

Where do I start! This was my first time using a coach for any training and it's not going to be the last. George has been amazing for my growth in this beautiful sport, I joined the ITR program to help me train for Ironman Wales 2023 and it was the best thing I did, honestly I cant big George up enough! He is easy to get on with and he's also been through the training and event himself many times before, which means he is very knowledgeable...any questions I had, had a instant answer or response, I had a lot of confidence going into my main race because of George. I can't wait to get back at it so I can use his service's again,
Thank you G I will always remember completing my first Ironman as a ITR athlete
Cheers Brad More...

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Reply from In The Running

An absolute pleasure to work with you mate, you’ve done the ITR blue proud!! See you back in 2025!!!

Having signed up for Ironman Wales (having never done a triathlon or run more than 10K) I had a year to train and my work cut-out. I had no idea where to begin and was really struggling to find a training plan and suited me personally and my busy schedule over the next year.

I was looking to have a better understanding of what an Ironman entailed, and exactly what would be required physically and mentally to get fit for raceday. I was looking to vastly improve my fitness, my running and cycling technique, tactics, nutrition and knowledge of all the gear that goes with it.

George was extremely helpful with regards to all of these points and was very supportive throughout the entire process. With the package I selected, he sent me detailed training block (4 weeks at a time) that were tailored to my schedule and other commitments and we would have a zoom call once a month to to touch base and ask questions. He was always very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He also would be on hand and very responsive via whatsapp if I had any random questions.

The training plans were very useful and were personalized to me and my strengths and weaknesses as I progressed. I saw my fitness very consistently increase throughout the year to a point I didn't think I'd ever be capable of leading up to the event. The workload increase was steady enough that I didn't feel at risk of being injured, George also recommended daily exercises for this too. By the weeks leading up the event, I felt I understood everything I needed to about what it takes to do and Ironman (in every sense) and confident enough to get it done on the day. George also organised a recce of the bike and run course for the group of us taking it on to see it for real and meet eachother. He was there on raceday and gave a lot of valuable support through the bike and was especially helpful getting me through the marathon, which was probably the hardest thing I've ever done.

Overall, George helped me to build every aspect of training and performance from complete novice to completing the event. I'd really recommend him to anyone looking for help taking on a challenge, or simply looking to up your game.

No doubt I'll be back in the future! More...

After suffering an injury due to overtraining, I began my journey with George. I was amazed by how well he understood my goals, lifestyle and training needs. Fast forward a year, and our hard work paid off—we qualified for the 70.3 World Championship. I've never been in better shape, and I've developed a deep passion for the sport, all thanks to George and the fantastic support from ITR. More...

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Reply from In The Running

Take all the credit mate, you put in the hours and get every session done. Let’s smash those world champs next year! 💪

I recommend George very highly and this is why:

I joined in the running last November after looking to gain more consistency in my training with middle distance pbs in mind and ultimately give me the confidence to book and train for a full Ironman

From the beginning George is very personable, easy to get on with and is very clear in his methods and advice. The real magic in George’s coaching comes in the 1-2-1 zoom sessions we have each week, firstly I’m always left feeling extremely motivated and ready to run through walls! However, there hasn’t been a catch-up where there’s hasn’t been an output based on my feedback and George’s advice.

The way the plans are structured week in week out means that I am able to hit most if not all of the sessions as is it a truly tailored to my levels/responses

Since joining in the running last year the results at times have been mind blowing, with constant pbs across the whole of swim bike run. This and the consistency that George has given me has given me the confidence to book an Ironman distance race, which I would not have thought was previously possible

In addition to this there is a great community with other athletes at in the running who share and bounce off each others experiences / success

Like anything, you get out what you put in, but I do believe George at in the running gives you the platform and confidence to keep one foot in front of the other! More...

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Reply from In The Running

In your own words; you get out what you put in, and you certainly do the hard work mate. It’s a pleasure working with you. Let’s go get that Ironman medal!!

My 9 year old son Emlyn wanted to get more into his running having enjoyed cross country at school.

I found George when doing some research and messaged him to see if he offered children’s coaching, which he hadn’t done before, but what a fantastic experience.

George has been incredible with him, understanding Emlyn and when he’s uncomfortable with something and knowing when he had an injury, he would soften the sessions and adjust it accordingly.

Emlyn now has the correct technique and speed to move into his next school year having the confidence to progress with his running and get into the cross country team.

We can’t thank George enough for what he has done!

Thank you More...

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Reply from In The Running

Massive well done Emlyn! Such determination and incredible improvements as a result. I look forward to seeing how you develop as a runner!

When our 6yr old starting being coached by George, he didn’t really know how to run properly, he would shuffle, and not use his arms at all.

8 weeks on and Gethyn can actually run and he has speed too, he uses is happy feet and his arms so nicely together how and it has really helped him with his football.

The way George has allowed for Gethyn to grow into his running and the way he has been with the boys is just amazing. For anyone wanting help with their little one in their running technique should definitely without hesitation go to George at In The Running! More...

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Reply from In The Running

It’s been an absolute joy working with Gethin; hard working, great listener and dedicated to getting the sessions done. So happy it’s made a difference to his other sports. Go Gethin!

George was by far the best coach I've ever worked with. I joined ITR team to complete my first Ironman and I could've not been happier with his knowledge, flexibility, and truly outstanding work ethic to help me to complete my goal. Even though it's an online group, he has managed to create a community spirit among the athletes. I'm taking a break from training but I cannot see myself joining any other team. Thank you, George! More...

I’ve been training with George for 8 months and I’m loving it!
He’s put structure into my training, explains why we’re doing certain training runs and gives great tips on how to improve.
I suffered from an injury 5 months ago and, after a month off, he got me back to fitness and running a PB at the Manchester Great Run last month.
I’m looking forward to my next half marathon in September and have even signed up for a full marathon next year! More...

Can’t recommend highly enough. George knows his stuff inside out and always has time for you…very attuned to the personal needs of the athlete. As a middle of the pack runner coming back from injury he got me motivated and much fitter within a few months with sensible but ambitious plans More...

I worked with George while training for my third marathon. He created a truly bespoke training plan for me, flexed around a busy work and family schedule and tweaked as needed for time / training needs.

George is responsive, open and knowledgeable. He's continually developing his coaching skills and as he also competes he genuinely understands what those he coaches are going through.

The group is also super supportive and takes you from an individual competitor to part of a team.

I highly recommend George! More...

I had a great time training with George. He was supportive and always available, while bringing his Ironman experience to build a comprehensive plan for my triathlon training.

I would strongly recommend for anyone considering training for an Ironman/Marathon to work with George! More...

I am not sure I could have completed Ironman Portugal without George's guidance and support.
I don't consider myself a triathlete anymore after 10 years of doing races and 3 half IM. But I'd never done a full IM. 2022 presented me with the perfect opportunity to do so. I'd run out of excuses!
I did initially sign up with another local coach but quickly became disillusioned: he sent me a schedule on Training Peaks each week, and I could Whatsapp message him, but that was it! No weekly conversation, no review of how I'd coped with the weeks load, no discussion about the coming week, not even a response to any activities I logged. Another triathlete told me this was normal. Pretty unimpressed.
Then I found George.
Straight away I got a great feeling of confidence and support from him. Not only is he technically knowledgeable, he has direct experience at a level I can relate to, and the ability to 'coach'. i.e. have quality conversations about performance, feedback and motivation. We spoke every week for 30 minutes or so and it made such a difference to my understanding and commitment to the plan he'd set. It felt very much that my plan was personal to me, my goals and where I was in terms of experience and aspirations - not a cookie cutter copy and paste job.
The real value came when 7 weeks before my event I crashed on the bike and sustained a nasty rotator cuff injury. I was forced onto a turbo trainer in August, couldn't run outside for weeks and was in quite a lot of pain affecting general mobility and sleep. When I could get out it was at a fraction of the intensity and duration I would have been doing.
George was calm, pragmatic, empathetic and practical. He understood the complete mind-**** of trying to maintain/train when I didn't know until 2 weeks before whether I could even lift my arm to swim. Whilst I know that ultimately 'I' pushed myself and kept going, emotionally and motivationally George was instrumental in getting me through it. I knew he had my back. Between us we were able to make judgements about when to be cautious, and when to push a bit more. I did get to Portugal - with a different mindset had I not been injured - AND I did a pretty good job of it. The pre race final pep talk was brilliant. The post race Zoom celebration also.
If you want someone who will engage with you in a partnership training towards your event, George is your coach! More...

Helped me preparing the LDN2022 and I had a 20min PR. Not rating him only based on results also based on the process getting to them.

Working with ITR was a great experience. George is a very supportive coach who is always happy to listen and give advice.
The training plan that he gave me was achievable and he was able to tailor it around my holiday and the other life issues. I really enjoyed running to time instead of distance and it have a different perspective to my runs.
The WhatsApp group and group Zoom meetings were also really helpful and supportive.
I would definitely recommend ITR to anyone and will definitely be using it again.

Thanks George More...

I first spoke to George after enquiring online. Our initial conversation was great and was instantly interested in having him as a coach. He is very friendly, very informative and also a really down to earth guy. He asked all the right questions and has a genuine interest in his clients. I was initially after a 6week swim program to prepare for a triathlon, though after our conversations and how much effort and passion he put into my program and follow ups i know I have a trainer for the foreseeable! It's refreshing to have a trainer show a high level of attention and out of plan care. He is always happy to answer questions and even share tips,advice and forms of information he has created through his own experience. I can't rate and recommend him highly enough. More...

George is probably one of the most motivational people I’ve come across.
Combine that with his knowledge and personality you’ve got one hell of a coach!

Knowledgeable and professional but always friendly. A great running coach!

Having never considering myself a runner, I signed up to ITR starting with the intention to just get fitter.
Not only did I do this but within a few weeks I had signed up to a half marathon (I'm a front row rugby player and not build for endurance running)
I completed it sub 2.30hours which smashed my target.
Highly recommended and really enjoyable! More...

George got me from a nothing to a 10 in 5 weeks! My goal was to run 5km in under 25min.
My previous best was 32 mins. Through his weekly workouts, constant encouragement, useful tips …. George helped me achieve my goals

Highly recommend More...

George was cool calm, listened, have great advice and focused on enjoying your running and creating a habit.

His knowledge was abundant and super helpful in reframing the way I think about my running.

Would recommend highly to anyone. More...

George was amazing, I started on the kick started and found my love for running again. Every Monday I would get my plan for the week and Monday evening we had a group zoom call which was so motivating. Had to take a short break for personal reasons but will be starting again in the next few weeks and I can’t wait More...

It was fantastic to work with ITR. Not only have I received the support to achieve couch to Half Marathon - I’ve also unleashed a passion for running I never knew was inside!

I signed up in January for the 8 week starter programme, very apprehensive I might add as I had not done much running previously, and what's more, not enjoyed it when I did. .. however the "course" and George completely obliterated my misgivings and to my astonishment I started to enjoy running! George is very knowledgeable, and rather then be a hard taskmaster, a supportive one. Always on hand for advice or motivation. I was able to achieve more "running" and distance in 8 week than I think I had done 12 years previously! More...

George has been amazing. I'm now on my third course with In The Running and falling in love with it more and more each day.
The training plans are trailored to your fitness level and needs. Regular coaching catch ups are a great way of staying in touch and the we're all here to support and encourage one another on our fitness goals.
I can't thank you enough for getting me up and moving. This isn't just for people who already run! More...

George Lavalette (ITR) he’s an absolutely fantastic running and triathlon coach!! Nothing is too much trouble he’s always there to help, he’s so friendly approachable and goes above and beyond for his clients! !

2nd to none, has a wealth of experience and I would highly recommend him and his team ITR services!!!

He is massively helped my performance! More...

Half way through the ITR Kickstarter programme. It is fab! Weekly running plans, weekly coach check-ins, an accountability group to keep motivated. Never have I run as far or for as long. Would definitely recommend 👍🏻 More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Currently on Week 5 of the ITR speed me up programme and it’s been a brilliant platform for finding my love of running again. Weekly run plans, insightful nuggets of info and calls/what’sap group with fellow runners has been great - Seeing the progress in the group and celebrating wins together on our journey is real highlight for me. Cheers again George More...

Reviewed on Facebook