Role models for women coaches - Kate's story

England Athletics are working with local women in local clubs to publicise how they become involved in coaching.  As a part of this project we bring you the story of Kate Macpherson who is an endurance coach but also a Run Group Leader.

The women talk about how they become involved in coaching / leading, what support was given, how they juggle family commitments, and work life. Become inspired by reading their stories. 

Click here to read about more inspirational women coaches on the England Athletics website.

‘Been inspired by Kate’s story? Find out how you can become a Run Leader here.

Kate Macpherson
Elvet Striders RC & Durham Mums on the Run
Endurance Coach

Kate says:  I’m currently the coaching coordinator at my club and my job is to try and ensure that we cover coaching across all ability levels and distances! I also coach a number of athletes on a one-to-one basis and lead the ‘Durham Mums on the Run’ Run England group which is what it sounds like - a running group for women! Again, it’s a mixed ability group so much of my time is spent ensuring that coaching is appropriate and differentiates between the needs of all the athletes who train with us.

I must confess that I am as surprised as anyone to find myself in this position! I had never been very sporty at school and avoided running (particularly school cross country!). I discovered running in my 20s and it become something of an obsession! When my running club suggested that I might be the right kind of person to qualify as a run leader and then coach I was skeptical and honestly didn’t think that I would be able to do the course. I had a perception that it would be a male-dominated world where I wouldn’t have a voice given my background. It was quite the opposite, I was really impressed at the support and training that was made available to me. The support I was given from local coaches was excellent and I was never made to feel that I was asking ‘dumb’ questions. Ongoing support in the way of online training, local events and one-to-one support from the local England Athletics Club and Coach Support Officer (CCSO) has also proved invaluable.

Training as a coach has quite literally changed my life; I’ve gone from being a rather bored office worker to spending my time doing what I absolutely love to do. I work part time mentoring new run leaders in local workplaces, a project that I’m passionate about. I’m also a wife, a mum, a school governor and, somewhere in amongst that, I find time to train for myself!

I would say to anyone considering coaching to get out there and ask questions, don’t be afraid to have a go at leading, grab coaches you know and shadow them, ask if you can help them and most of all believe that as a female coach you will bring vital skills and qualities (such as empathy and an ability to multi task!) to the role.

• Contact Kate at: kate@heartandsolecoaching.co.uk
• Click here to download a printable version of Kate's story

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• Been inspired by Kate’s story? Click here to find out how you can become a Run Leader.

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