KADS Run Leaders & Coaches

Kimberley & District Striders have a number of England Athletics (EA) qualified run leaders and coaches. These volunteer club members are passionate about running and are available to help you achieve your running ambitions.

KADS run leaders hold the LiRF EA qualification, "leader in running fitness" (more info here). They are trained to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for club members of any ability. Our LIRF-qualified leaders carry out risk assessments, warm-ups and cool downs, and lead fun running sessions for mixed ability groups of runners. KADS offers two training nights per week (Tuesday and Wednesday) with each session being managed by an EA-qualified run leader.

KADS coaches hold the CiRF EA qualification, "coach in running fitness" (more info here). They provide free guidance and advice for club members who are focussed more on non-track activities e.g. road, fell, cross country or multi terrain events, and who wish to improve their fitness. Our CIRF-qualified coaches are available for help and support on a range of subjects, including running form, warm-up and cool-down techniques and race preparation. They can provide 1:1 coaching and training plans to KADS members.

To contact the club coaches and run leaders, please drop an email to: [email protected].

Micheal Perry - Coach (CiRF)

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Micheal started running in 2014 when he was helping his wife and her sister train for their first 10k. After that he got the running bug and within a year he found himself running the Great North Run in 2015.

Micheal runs for the love of it, for the buzz he gets after a race when the endorphins are flowing. He joined KADS in late 2017 once he'd signed up to his first marathon and has tried all distances from 5k to the marathon, both cross country & road. He's mainly a half marathon road runner these days. 

Micheal was ask by the club in 2020 if he would help out coaching and completed his LiRF qualification in 2021, and subsequently his CiRF in 2022. He gets a buzz seeing the people he's helping improve their race PBs or just making running more enjoyable for them. 

You can see Micheal's latest training sessions here on Strava, or check out his racing history on Power of Ten.

Gareth Storr - Run Leader (LiRF)

Gareth joined KADS in 2019 and soon got the running bug. He was a keen cyclist that ran in the winter to keep fit but now he says he's a runner who cycles a bit. He loves everything off road, from exceptionally muddy Sunday morning runs to long evening summer trails.

Of course he needs to get his racing fix and after being introduced to cross country racing by Dale Mellor he's a regular at the Deryby Runner (BDL) cross country races, which he finds amazing fun. He says he even owns a pair of spikes😀. Gareth enjoys these races as he says "you race against the same clubs and you can measure yourself against people in your age category. Last season (21/22) I finished 6th overall with PBs at all 4 races I ran."
 
In 2021, Gareth decided to become a run leader as he enjoys helping people improve their times and personal goals. He says "with all of the extra run leaders that the club have invested in it has allowed us to put on a structured session each week and hopefully everyone can feel and see the benefits."

​Trish Woodward - Run Leader (LiRF)

Trish has been a qualified run leader since 2018. She likes a mixture of running - roads and trails up to half marathon distance.

For Trish, running is about getting out in the fresh air for mental well being as well as chatting with friends. She enjoys getting out for a run, spending time with her little boy or her daughter in her buggy, encouraging them to be active, which they love to do. Trish ran and remained active during her pregnancy with her daughter, running until full term, hanging her trainers up just a few days before her daughter was born.

Trish has also completed sprint triathlons and a half Outlaw distance triathlon (1.2 miles swim, 56 mile bike followed by a 13.1 mile run). She enjoys outdoor swimming as well as running to try to maintain all-round fitness. She plans to do an obstacle course run in the future. 

Ryan Stocks - Run Leader (LiRF)

Ryan started running in 2016 when he did the Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon to raise money with friends for the charity SANDS. Since then he's found himself entering various events throughout the years.

Ryan joined KADS in December 2019 and says it has been one of the best things he's done to improve his fitness, race times and social life! Most of the time he can be found down at Bestwood Parkrun having a row with that second hill! He'll run any distance from 5km through to ultras and would describe his running style as going all out from the start and clinging on for dear life at the end!
 
When asked why he runs, Ryan says "I have a love/hate relationship with running. For me it's about aspiring to be the best I can be. I enjoy the competitive side of running, constantly wanting to push myself."

Since joining KADS Ryan has thrown himself into cross country, relays, road races and various other events and would highly recommend them all: "It doesn't matter where you finish, the encouragement from others in KADS is amazing. One thing the club does really well is cater for all aspects of runners. I've learnt a lot about aspects of running from drawing on the experience of others. There's a wealth of knowledge knocking about, whether it be technique, nutrition, pacing etc."
 
Ryan asked the club in 2021 if he could be considered for a LiRF role, which was accepted and he qualified in early 2022. He says "The club has done a lot for me over the short time I've been here and it would be great to help others progress, hit PBs and enjoy running. I compose a lot of my own sessions and training programmes from online resources. Admittedly, I am a sucker for a hill session 😉!" 

Sam Garside - Run Leader (LIRF)

Sam joined Kads in January 2022 when she had a plan of returning to regular running. She initially took part in the couch to 5k programme and after that joined Kads. In the spring of 2023 availability came up for a LIRF run leader and Sam jumped at the chance. Sam Qualified in the Summer and has settled into the role.

Sam had this to say " It's an honour to give back to the sport which gave me so much when i was younger. Historically I'm an 800m track runner but nowadays my preferred distance is the 5k however i do love taking part in both the BDL and AAA league races which are both around the 5 mile mark"

"If you see me running around the streets on a nonclub nights it's usually with my pupster Barney Waffle"

"The furthest I've ran is the Great North Run. The first time i took part in the iconic race was raising money for the Downs Syndrome Association on behalf of my best friends daughter Isla. This was one of my biggest achievements in my running career."

"Another of my proudest achievements was going to the English schools Championships representing Nottinghamshire."

" Within my new role I'm  hoping i can help others to progress and hit pb's whilst at the same time get them to enjoy the most out of running and making them feel welcome at the club"

Stuart Laurie - Run Leader (LIRF)
Stuart joined Kads in March 2022 after transferring over from UKNETRUNNER.  With his former club there weren't the club nights, league races and social events so being a Kads member has enabled him to embrace the club culture and challenge himself better. 

Stuart has recently qualified as a run leader and hopes to be able to help other club members improve their performances and achieve their individual goals, whether that be taking part in there first parkrun or taking on an Ultra Marathon. 

Stuart had this to say " I've competed in most race distances in the short space of time I've been running. To now be in a position to help others maximise their potential is fantastic and I hope to be able to contribute to the clubs future successes."

"My proudest achievement so far has been completing a 100 mile Ultra Marathon whilst raising over £1,000 for charity. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done but the support of family, friends and Kads helped me get to the finish line. It's an event I will never forget."

"Kads is the perfect place to be, whether you're a seasoned runner or beginner. It accommodates for all abilities. I used to run on my own 99% of the time but since joining the club I have been a regular attendee at club nights, league races and even social gatherings. If you're reading this and you're thinking of joining a club I would recommend attending one of the taster sessions and experience the club for yourself. The wealth of knowledge is phenomenal!!"