The team

Find out more about the team who’ll put together your running and fitness break.

Directors

Mike Ovens, served in the Royal Navy for 25 years where he rose through the ranks to commissioned officer. His final post was as a Fleet Controller at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, prior to that he’d worked as senior warfare officer and was active in both the Falklands and Gulf War.  As a former Royal Navy/Combined Services 800m/400m competitor he’s used his experience to coach athletes from novice to advanced levels. Mike is a Level 3 Advanced Instructor/Personal Trainer (Register of Exercise Professionals) and Running Coach. He regularly participates in middle distance and Cross Country events, and is a member of Hailsham Harriers Running Club, in East Sussex, as well as joint co-ordinator of the Running Inn Running Club in Eastbourne.

Fiona Bugler joined the fitness industry in 1998 and is also is a Level 3 Advanced Instructor/Personal Trainer (Register of Exercise Professionals). Fitness qualifications include, Premier Personal Training Diploma, Body Balance, and YMCA qualifications: Exercise to Music, Ante and Post-natal, Aqua and Circuits.  Fiona has run nine marathons, running 3:13 in Nice, in November 2009, and also has taken part in track events running 2:36 for 800m (May 2008).

Like Mike, she’s a competitive member of Hailsham Harriers Running Club, in East Sussex and joint co-ordinator of the Running Inn club. Fiona followed a BA (hons) degree in Politics with a post-grad diploma and 12 year career in journalism, where she specialised in health and fitness writing and compiling workouts. She’s been a deputy editor and has written for national newspapers, websites, books and magazines, and has contributed to various TV and radio shows as a fitness specialist. In April 2010 Fiona took became the Editor, at Running Free Magazine, and so began the partnership between Running Free and The Running Inn.

Mike and Fiona have lectured and presented at Loughborough University’s annual fitness convention, Fit Pro, and are available to contribute to articles, TV shows/radio on all things related to running and fitness.

Pilates

Alison Mitchell is the owner of the Natural Fitness Centre, Eastbourne which she set up in November 2002 with a view to creating the perfect space for practising Yoga, Pilates and complimentary therapies. Having practised Yoga and Pilates herself she qualified to teach with Pilates Training Solutions.

Nutrition

Lucy Ann Prideaux, is a registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with The Nutrition Society, having graduated with an MSc degree in Human Nutrition and Metabolism from Aberdeen University in 1997. As a past competitive triathlete, and with a first class BSc degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Lucy-Ann is also an experienced authority on sports nutrition at elite and recreational level, as well as on health and fitness training. She owns Simply Nutrition.

Nutrition (energy gels), Footwear, Tri training

Simon Underwood, HND sport science, sports masseur, three times Ironman finisher, GB Long course triathlon age group representative. Simon works at Eastbourne’s Tri Store and formerly worked with Nike footwear specialists. He practices what he preaches – as his performances show.

Psychology

Julia Armstrong, is a former international Marathon runner, who’s run a 2:36 marathon. She’s an author, coach and inspirational talker.

Massage

Stuart Doree, qualified with the London School of Sports Massage in 2003. He’s a member of and insured by the Sports Massage Association. He’s an experienced masseur and has dealt with many runners at events such as The London Marathon, The London Triathlon, The Eastbourne Half Marathon, The Seven Sisters Marathon, and the Southend 10k. He also works closely with football and rugby clubs.