Matt Hardwick

Athlete of the Month

Matt Hardwick

Coach: Jordan Gusman

Event: Marathon

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Interview with Matt Hardwick

How's it going today? Where are you currently at with your training with coach Jordan?

It's going great - it's a hot Saturday morning in the UK, I'm in my house overlooking the beach and there are already dozens of runners using the promenade outside - along with swimmers, SUPs, and a few roller bladers. I've got an easy run this morning, sea swim to cool down then off to London to watch some football (soccer!).

The program I have with coach Jordan fits my lifestyle perfectly - we're building up weekly mileage slowly, there's a variety of slow runs, progression runs, longer runs, and also cross-training ideas for when the gym is the only option (see British weather for details...)

Can you talk a little about your running journey and how you got to where you are now?

I picked up running again a few years ago after I signed up for a sprint triathlon as a bit of a dare. The swimming and cycling elements were okay, but I found that I really enjoyed the running at the end - I had loads of energy and just took off. So I ditched the bike and the towel and just connected with running. You just need a pair of shorts and you're ready to go. So I started with 5k training and running at the local Parkrun; moved onto 10k training ( using programmes from Runner's World ); got faster and fitter, and then moved on to the half and ultimately full marathons. I joined a running club too - I prioritize Thursday nights to run with the club and other bits and pieces too. So I've pretty much run at least 5 days per week every week for the past few years, the enjoyment is still there, and I want to enjoy running for as long as possible until my physio tells me not to!

I try to run on trails and hills where I can - " hills pay the bills!" - but equally by the sea is like having my own personal track space. I run in all weather and light; I've had some truly awe-inspiring trail runs where you literally have to stop and draw breath in awe at the scenery. I can't think of any other accessible sport where you get that.

Why spend the time and energy to work with coach Jordan? What's that been like compared to writing training on your own?

If I ever needed motivation in the past, I'd watch a TME clip on YouTube. The one that I watch over and over is the "watch this when you hate running" clip, the one with the Arctic Monkeys soundtrack, and you guys start tattooing your own toes with the TME logo. It gets me every time, and I've shared it with friends dozens of times. So I thought - go one better and reach out to Coach Jordan. I chose him as he seemed to have a similar outlook, maybe slightly unorthodox, and he was cool AF. We had a phone conversation and his philosophy of running really resonated with me. He emphasized the enjoyment of running and talked about what motivated him as a coach, seeing his guys happy.

The programs he developed went right back to basics and I found that my running improved without me realizing it! I was mixing it with some of the faster guys at the club; my stamina went up; I became more relaxed and looser in my running.

But the best part of working with Coach Jordan is the accessibility - We message a few times a week (understandably he has his notifications switched off so I don't disturb him in the middle of the night with another enthusiastic outburst about a great session I've just done!). Coach Jordan responds almost immediately; he is supportive, realistic, and actually really sensible with his advice. He is more cautious than me sometimes and keeps my feet on the ground if I try to come back from a niggle too soon, So I get real-time feedback from my running coach - which you'd never get from following a static program. I think we've bonded pretty well and we talk about stuff other than running: cars, music festivals, etc. - so I feel that we are both 100% in and that's important to me - I know we are investing in each other as runners and as people.

Have you had a workout where you've been like "damn, I've never done anything like that before!" yet? If so, what was it?

Some of the interval stuff is pretty interesting; I also sometimes think wow this is great I can do this slow run and still get faster next week. A lot of the strengthening exercises/ stretches ( clips sent via text message) have been enlightening too. So the whole package - not just the workouts - has been pretty awesome.

What races are on the horizon for you? What are your goals for them?

I seem to be constantly training for longer runs - halves or marathons -although I've had a couple of minor niggles recently. So my goal is to continue to build up my mileage and strength up until Christmas and then be in a really strong place for the spring marathons. There is a big Ultra community around here, but I don't want to succumb to that just yet, as I think I'd take my eye off the ball.

I know I'm never going to be the fastest guy out there but I want to work towards best for age times in 10k, halves or marathons- totally achievable with the right mindset and of course expert coaching.

Do you have any advice for others thinking about joining Hammer and Axe and working with one of our coaches?

Signing up with a H&A coach takes the holistic experience of running to the next level. For me, I've been able to prioritize running with my full-time job, family, etc. It gives you a degree of accountability - if I go quiet on Coach Jordan I get the " what's up?" text message! So I make sure I do my workouts and do them well. I have almost instantaneous access to training tips, nutrition, rehab, stretching, cross-training, sleep advice etc. - from a coach who I respect and who has won stuff - and continues to run at a high level - it's a pretty priceless opportunity that you just have to take!

Keep up with Matt on Strava

Need a Core/Strength Plan?

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