coach
michelle bird
“I am here to guide and help you toward achieving your running and fitness goals.”
My aim is to help everyone enjoy running; whether it’s for the social side or for competition. I believe everyone can enjoy the sport, no matter what their starting point is.
Michelle Sporting Successes
Cambridge Triathlon Club’s Best Novice, 2016
Cambridge Triathlon Club’s Duathlon Champion , 2016
Kimbolton Triathlon – 2nd in Age Group, 2016
Newmarket Triathlon – 3rd in Age Group, 2016
Battle of The Knights 5km OCR April – 5th placed female (54) 36:22, 2019
Maverick 17km Snowdon X -Trail September- 7th placed female (25) 02:45:31, 2019
Ely Potato Race Oct 2019 – 3rd place, 2019
Qualification
UK Athletics Level 3 Performance Coach (Endurance) & Coach in Running Fitness & Run Leader (Licensed & CRB checked)
Personal Sports Background
At the age of 14, Michelle represented the Lincolnshire air cadets in athletics, competing in 100m, 4 x 100m relay and javelin. Michelle decided to take up endurance sport in 2014 and has since competed in many running road races, triathlons and duathlons across the country.
Michelle’s most significant sporting success came when she won Cambridge Triathlon Club’s Duathlon Champion award in 2016. Her most challenging race was the Rat Race’s Scottish Coast to Coast in 2018, covering 105 miles with running and cycling.
Professional Background
Michelle has worked in the fitness industry since 2011 as a Pilates teacher. Helping clients improve their health and well-being inspired her to train with UK Athletics as a run coach, forming a community-based running club in Chatteris. Currently, she is studying Sport, Fitness & Coaching at the Open University.
Coaching Philosophy
Michelle’s approach to coaching is very much athlete-centred. Too often, athletes are unsure of how to fit their running goals with their lifestyle. In most cases, this results in over racing, injuries and sub-optimal performances. Her view is that the athlete’s individual needs and demands are essential to sustain motivation and maximise athletic potential. And through personal coaching, she can work with individuals to identify their specific needs, which will deliver the best results.
UK Athletics Event Group Coach – Endurance
Coach in Running Fitness – UKA/England Athletics (CiRF)
Group Leader in Running Fitness – UKA/England Athletics (LiRF)
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork (QCF)
Active IQ Level 3 Award in Designing Pre and Post Natal Exercise Programmes (QCF)
Certificate in Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions
Sport and Exercise Nutritional Advisor (CPD & CYQ Endorsed)
Advanced Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner (CPD & CYQ Endorsed)
Active IQ Level 2 Award in Instructing Kettlebells
Mindfulness Teacher – GLL College
ATHLETE COACHING – STRENGTH & CONDITIONING – NUTRITION