Existing Customer Focus: Sheila Rose Endurance Runner, Running Coach

Last week we caught up with Sheila from Sheila Rose Running who is based at our MK2 Business Centre to find out what inspired her to set up her business! Here's what she had to say...

“Hold the vision – trust the process” is my approach in life, we all have dreams we aspire to, but some people fold & walk away without ever realising those dreams – holding on to the dream the vision is not the easiest thing to do, it takes hard work, commitment, consistency, and sheer bloody mindedness - and you have to trust in that process, even if it fails first time out.

Endurance running to me is the one area of my life where I am exposed, where I alone take control & responsibility, and with that comes a sense of freedom to pursue the dream, to push beyond my perceived limits,
I look forward to the physical pain and fatigue kicking in, as that’s the point of sheer mental strength to keep going – Life is a beautiful adventure and pushing yourself physically and mentally beyond your perceived strength is just the icing on the cake!

​Away from running I am a full time Personal Trainer, Run Technique Coach & Sports Massage Therapist - most of my clients are runners of all levels. I train ordinary people to do extraordinary things because they can.

What inspired you to start up your business and when did you start?

I retrained as a fitness instructor in 2011 while still working my full time job in Finance, I had worked in Finance for over 20 years but felt the time had come to change my life completely. I’d been a smoker from the age of 17 and over the years not really taken my fitness seriously. Whilst I pottered around a gym, I frankly could not have run to catch a bus. Quitting smoking gave me the confidence to look at my life and basically how I was living or existing from 8.30am – 5pm sat in an office and the majority of the evening sitting in front of the TV.

The idea of becoming a fitness instructor came to me one evening, looking around the gym and observing the instructors & Personal Trainers. They were all young, fit & good looking, nothing wrong there and while all lovely people – I personally as a middle aged woman simply did not relate and I wasn’t too sure they would understand me and my insecurities - I may have been entirely wrong – but first impressions stick.

Despite being the oldest person in college – I loved learning new skills, following my fitness Instructor qualification – I completed my Personal Training Certifications in 2013 and took the leap into full time coaching career.  

Since then I have accidentally specialised in training runners on all levels from very beginner to Ultra distance, I have myself gone from running my first marathon in 2013 to joining the 100 Marathon Club in 2017 – distance running has become a passion in the last three years with six 100 miler races currently achieved.

I’m a huge believer in training ordinary people just like me to do extraordinary things, especially women over 40 who have spent time looking after family not having time to train or indeed confidence – it’s a massive buzz for me to see how much they can achieve.

What's your biggest business goal and have you achieved it yet?

My business is all about helping people achieve their goals, and over the years my clients achievements have been amazing – I’m honoured to play a part. My goals going forward are to increase my client base and introduce more people to the joy of running, for both physical and mental well-being.

How has your office space at Bucks Biz benefitted you and your business?

Setting up the studio in the Bucks Biz building in MK2 was a massive leap of faith – and really exciting to have my own studio space. Dom and the team were extremely helpful – I really like the fact that as a small, one person business, that I'm not tied into a long lease, it helps ease the pressure on my business and allows me to build going forward. The location has proven to be a big hit with my clients with all the facilities they need & bags of parking, and of course working mainly evenings I have some lovely outside space to extend into.

Why did you choose the Bucks Biz centre as your base?

I used to hire a gym space in Bucks Biz in Newport Pagnell, so was familiar with how the building was run, it was a no brainer to contact Bucks Biz – I knew I would be working a great organisation. I choose MK2 for the studio, as there are a few in NP already, the change of scene has proved very popular.

What are your business plans for the future?

I have personal plans which also reflect into my business – my goal this year running-wise is a race called King Offas Dyke – its 185 miles – a whole new challenge for me, but the experience feeds into my business making me a better more knowledgeable coach. I want to continue to promote Chi Running, I became a certified coach last December and boost my online coaching.

Are you offering any special discounts or offers for businesses in the iCentre/Bucks Biz?

Indeed I would love to get to know my neighbours in Bucks Biz & happy to offer a 10% discount across all services.

https://www.sheilarose-endurancerunner.com/