Runners Over 40: How Pilates & Running Coaching Helped 3 Clients Finish Big Races Injury-Free

Runners over 40: How Pilates & running coaching helped 3 clients finish big races injury-free

They say age is just a number and when it comes to running, that couldn’t be more true. With the right guidance, support, and a tailored approach to training, you can achieve things you never thought possible, no matter your age.

That’s exactly what happened for three of my clients Lizzie, Reece, and Ash. At 60, 48, and 50, they each set themselves incredible challenges. With our Run + Pilates Performance Package, designed in partnership with Miles with Michelle (running coach), they not only achieved their goals but did so injury-free.

Here are their inspiring stories.

Lizzie, 60: From Non-Runner to London Marathon Finisher

At 60, Lizzie set herself the challenge of a lifetime: to go from complete beginner to running the London Marathon in just eight months. With structured running coaching from Michelle and weekly Pilates to build strength and prevent injury, she not only made it to the start line but crossed the finish line feeling strong.

In her own words:

“Couldn’t have done it without you both. Dream team. You both quite literally got me over the finish line. A totally amazing experience cheering crowds from start to finish. Felt totally fine when I came over the finish… a bit stiff now but plenty of champagne to celebrate!”

Her story shows that it’s truly never too late to start. With the right guidance and support, Lizzie turned a dream into reality and proved that age is just a number.

Reece, 48: from Ultra dream to 100 miles in 23 hours 27 minutes

Reece set himself an incredible challenge: to go from struggling with niggles and calf problems to completing an ultra. With our Run + Pilates Performance Package, he not only achieved his first ultra running 66 miles in just over 13 hours but went on to complete an astonishing 100 miles in 23 hours 27 minutes.

Reflecting on his first ultra, Reece shared:

“Really good, I would recommend it to anyone. You helped me achieve my goal which was the aim. I also ran my quickest ever 10km, and got through it all without any injury and, bar the overall pain on the day, no issues.”

The programme gave him not just the strength to run injury-free, but also the support and guidance to think about strategy, nutrition, footwear even cow tactics on the course!

“Having struggled with niggles and problems with my calves to running 66 miles in just over 13 hours, I think speaks for itself. It has also made me think about many other things… what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.”

Now firmly identifying as a runner, Reece has swapped the bike for running shoes and already has his eyes on the next challenge.

Ash, 50: Celebrating a Milestone with 47 Miles

For his 50th birthday, Ash wanted to do something memorable and he chose to run a 47-mile hilly ultramarathon.

He’d enjoyed running for years, but increasing his training often left him battling niggles and injuries. That’s when he was advised to try my Pilates classes:

“I’d never done Pilates before, but the bite-sized and friendly classes have been transformative. I’ve become stronger and run/recovered better. So much so that I was able to complete the ultramarathon unscathed and thoroughly enjoy it; a week later I’d recovered enough to run another 10 miles painlessly.”

Ash paired Pilates with a structured running plan from Michelle, and the results spoke for themselves. He not only finished his ultramarathon injury-free but enjoyed it celebrating a milestone birthday in style.

“I wouldn’t have got here without Louise’s help. Thank you!”

Why Pilates + Running Performance coaching works so well for runners over 40

As we get older, our bodies need a bit more care. Strength, mobility, and recovery become just as important as the miles themselves. That’s where the combination of Pilates and structured running coaching comes in.

Pilates helps runners improve core strength, balance, flexibility, and control reducing the risk of injury.

Running coaching provides the right training plan, accountability, and progression so you’re building fitness safely.

Together, they give runners over 40 the tools to keep training consistently and achieve their big goals without being sidelined by injury.

It’s Never Too Late to Start

Lizzie, Reece, and Ash are living proof that no matter your age, your running dreams are possible. Whether it’s your first 5k, a marathon, or even an ultra, with the right mix of Pilates and running coaching, you can get there strong, confident, and injury-free.