Arj Thiruchelvam - Running Coach

Arj Thiruchelvam

Solihull, Birmingham
Accepting New Clients

Science-led running coaching that actually moves the needle. Trusted by beginners, competitive club runners, and Team GB athletes alike.

Video Introduction
About Arj Thiruchelvam
20 years in coaching . Loughborough Sports Science. UKA Performance Coach. MNU Nutrition. Co-designer of two Sports Science degrees. Keynote speaker at the National Running Show and IRX. London Marathon Expert. Featured in The Guardian, The Times, BBC Radio & TV. I've coached first-timers to Team GB athletes — and the approach never changes: assess, don't guess. No cookie-cutter plans. Just precise, evidence-based coaching built around your physiology, your schedule, your goals. Most runners are leaving performance on the table. I know how to unlock it.
Description
Most runners train hard. My athletes train smart. If you've been putting in the miles but your times have plateaued, you're picking up recurring niggles, or you just don't know whether what you're doing is actually working — you're in the right place. At Performance Physique, every programme is built from a foundation of sports science, not guesswork. I use professional-grade tools including online and in-person blood lactate testing, GPS tracking (Freelap), and force output analysis (Output Sports) to understand exactly what your body is doing and where the gains are hiding. This is the kind of methodology used with elite athletes — applied practically to everyday runners. What you get with Performance Physique coaching: A training plan built around your actual fitness level (VDOT-tested, not assumed) Structured periodisation with purpose behind every session Strength and conditioning work integrated into your programme — not bolted on Nutrition guidance informed by MNU-certified coaching Regular check-ins, data review, and plan adjustments as you progress A coach who picks up the phone and tells you the truth Client results include: Multiple marathon and half marathon PBs (including sub-3 marathons) 5k times slashed by 3–5+ minutes over 12-week blocks All number of different sports and goals all managed by quality coaching Who I work with: Runners targeting 5k through to marathon and ultra Athletes looking to add strength training to their running Beginners who want to start right and avoid the mistakes most runners make Competitive club runners who've hit a wall and want to break through it Anyone who wants a coach who takes their goals as seriously as they do My philosophy is simple: your training should be as individual as your fingerprint. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all plans, fad protocols, or telling people what they want to hear. I believe in the science, I believe in the process, and I believe in the athlete in front of me. Coaching Certifications & Credentials BSc Hons Applied Sports Science — Loughborough University UKA Level 2 Coach (Sprints & Jumps) MNU Certified Nutritionist Level 3 Personal Trainer Co-designer of two Sports Science undergraduate degree programmes Keynote Speaker — National Running Show (multiple years) Speaker — International Running Expo, Amsterdam BBC Radio London / BBC Radio 5 Live / BBC Radio WM / BBC TV contributor Featured: The Guardian, The Times, Stylist Magazine A note on how I coach I've been injured. I know what it's like to have a goal ripped away from you — I sustained a ruptured achilles while training for the decathlon in early 2012. That experience sharpened my understanding of load management, return-to-run protocols, and how to build athletes who last, not just athletes who peak. I bring that lived experience into every coaching relationship. Ready to run faster? Let's find out what's actually holding you back.
Athlete Requirements
I work best with athletes who are committed to the process — not just the outcome. You don't need to be fast. You don't need experience. You just need to turn up, trust the programme, and be willing to be coached.
Qualified To Coach
Keywords
Available for Coaching
In-person, Online/Remote coaching, Group coaching, Training camps, Consultations
Coaching Certifications
None

Consultations

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Training Plans

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