Success Stories

Jack Ryan

Note we added this success story over a year ago (after you ready it, check out Jacks more recent success here - www.instagram.com/p/DHRFNIUo62Z/

Why you joined up - I decided to join the FGRC as I wanted to see how a group dynamic benefitted my running. I knew that a coach would steer me in the right direction and add some variety to my daily/weekly workouts. As someone who primarily runs alone, it has been a great addition. 

Expectations of training - The training was more or less what I had expected, however, there were some days when the workouts really tested me. It's great. Having some accountability for hitting a certain goal is a brilliant motivation. 

Results or achievements - My goal setting out was to go for a sub 3 hour marathon and I had built towards that for a while. I was worried I may never get there but with Andrew's help, I achieved that last year. With that, I also have PB's in most of my other distances although he hasn't convinced me to do an ultra yet.

And now your future goals - The next goal will be to repeat the sub 3-hour marathon but this time go even further below and secure a place in the Boston Marathon.

Note we added this success story over a year ago (after you read it, check out Jacks more recent success

Another update from the view above sub 3 performances since 2023

Aimee Connolly

Back around the 12th of May 2024, @aimeeconnolly_com just finished a half marathon in London and her knee was giving her problems and the hard work she was putting in wasn’t coming through on her half marathons. That day, I think she ran a 2 hour and 2 minute half marathon and then shortly after we had a chat about how to try to make training perhaps fit in with her busy schedule, her busy cross training life, and also some IT band and knee issues. The training started off with big ambitions to try to run a big goal of a 1 hour 45 minute half marathon but very quickly we looked at this being a goal that wasn’t in the near future but more in the longer future.

The new phase was to improve the current half marathon time with the end of 2024 finishing the Dublin Marathon. And as you know a half marathon time that is over 2 hours, makes it an ambitious road to aim to run under 4 hours for the marathon.

We set up a lovely block of training and then the first main goals of our plan was to take out the sub 2 hour marathon which we did in the Dublin Half in Phoenix Park in September 2024 approaching the half in 1 hour 52.

The next call was to go out and continue training for the Dublin Marathon and Aimee will tell you with her busy work life preparing for this we had to make many many adjustments to the plan to make it happen. However, on the day Aimee managed to go out there and run the Dublin Marathon in just under sub 4 hours.

With the relief of the Dublin Marathon done, we then went to complete another half marathon which was set towards the end of November where no pressure half marathon wasthere. But Aimee being Aimee then proceeded to go out to run the Clontarf Half in 1:49.

Always in the back of our mind we had this idea that Aimee wanted to run a 1 hour 45 half marathon and that was almost a part of our early conversations that were probably 10 months ago. We just needed the perfect event, and then the Dublin City Half Marathon popped up. I even had a goal for Aimee to run around the 1.45 to 1.46 time period.

But as Aimee always does she likes to aim high and work hard and she decided to go out today and run a super 1:43 half PB

It’s not easy training for big events when you are very busy and have a job that takes you lots of places but it is a credit to @aimeeconnolly_com for not making excuses for her training. She will find a way to get it done during the week even if it means getting up really early or doing runs really late in the evening.

The sub 1.45 half time now has been achieved and now all I do now is wait for Aimee’s race report from the Dublin City Half Marathon and to get back to me and to let me know where we go from here and how much faster we are going to go from here in the future.

And to share how challenging her schedule is?

“What are you doing tomorrow Aimee”
“Oh I just have a running group in Central Park New York to go to for work”

becky sutherland

I joined because after doing a few races, I felt like I’d stopped improving and had become a bit stuck in my running. I had been following Andrew for a while and straight after another race I was disappointed with I decided to reach out to him (I got into my car after the race and messaged him straight away!)

Whats it like working with a coach from distance

Working with Andrew has been really positive! any time I have a question, he’s always quick to get back to me with advise and sometimes a bit of encouragement when I’m having a pre race wobble! When he can, he’ll be on the sidelines cheering us on!

There are also plenty of opportunities to meet up as a group which I’ve really enjoyed. Over the past few months I’ve joined a trail run (after Andrew suggested trying something different) and a 32km run he organised for the whole club. Even though I usually train on my own, these meet ups are always great fun and a great way to meet other runners.

Goals you had and have met?
1/2 marathon improvement 1:46:05 -> 1:35:15 (over 18 months)
Marathon 3:35:33 -> 3:14:03 (over 22 months)
& got my first sub 20min 5km !!

Future goals you are aiming for?

At some stage I’d love to hit a sub 3 hour marathon, but happy to stick to a few shorter distances for the next couple of months

Why you might recommend the coaching for others?

I’d recommend Andrew’s coaching to others because for me it brought a level of structure and accountability that I didn’t have before. It also takes the stress out of planning your own training, it’s great to be able to simply check my phone and see exactly what I’m running over the next few weeks. The support and sense of community have been brilliant too, and it’s flexible enough to fit around your own schedule. Anyone looking to improve and get faster would definitely benefit from it.

Niamh Mullen


Why did you join up?

I signed up for two reasons. I’d been doing a lot of running alone for several years and felt I needed to expand my running network and have a group I could join for at least some of my weekend long runs. In recent years I’d also relied solely on online training plans. I got to a point where I was fatigued, my running had stagnated and I wasn’t reaching my goals. I knew I needed more tailored guidance from an experienced coach and contacted Andrew. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

What’s it like working with a coach from a distance?

So easy! Andrew takes you through everything you need to know on a call when you sign up and all the information you need about the group is available in the clubhouse online.
It took Andrew a very short amount of time to figure out the changes that needed to be made to my training. I love the simplicity of Andrew’s plans. All my workouts are on my watch and more straightforward to follow than what I was doing before. I’ve also found it easier to incorporate running into my life because my plan can be tailored to my work and home commitments and any travel and holidays.
Andrew is responsive and always one step ahead in updating my plan. He is also very perceptive in noticing small things about you based on how your runs are going and adjusts plans accordingly. For example, he made a small adjustment to the scheduling of my long run and rest days last year because he felt I had some underlying fatigue and the change made an enormous difference to my performance and recovery.
Over the last 18-months my plan has continued to evolve with my progress and I’m running and recovering better in my 40s than I was in my 20s.

Goals you had and have met?

Since I started training with Andrew in November 2024 I’ve run a personal best at every distance from the mile to the marathon across 2025.
When I joined I had a long-held goal to break 2-hours in the half marathon. I’d previously come close but failed several times. I finally ran a 1:56:23 at the KBC Half Marathon in September 2025 and then a 1:53:25 at Malaga Half Marathon in December 2025.
I was also delighted to improve my Dublin Marathon time from 4:37 in 2024 to 4:13 in 2025.
I’ve also run significant PBs at 5km, 10km, 5-miles and 10-miles and I’ve continued to make big progress over winter and into 2026, which I can hardly believe.

Future goals you are aiming for?

My mindset with goals has changed a bit and I’m focusing on enjoying my incremental progress and trying not to set really specific, arbitrary times to beat that can take all the joy out of running. Having said that, I’m feeling more confident than ever in my training. I know that if I stick to the plan and stay healthy I’m on track to further improve my Dublin marathon time this year.

Why you might recommend the coaching for others?

Whether you have big performance goals or want to enjoy your running more, Andrew’s coaching will definitely give you the structure and accountability you need to train smart while juggling your other responsibilities.
You also get more than coaching, you get access to a whole network of like minded and inclusive runners with opportunities to join group training sessions that cater to all paces and meet up for big events on the running calendar. I’ve made so many new friends and the group runs have become a highlight of my wee

Dee Kelly from Ennis (living in Ballinasloe)

Joined as I needed more direction with my training, all I used to do before was go out and run the same pace every run and had no idea what an interval/threshold/easy run actually meant!

Working with a coach from a distance is perfect for me, suits my lifestyle as I work fulltime as a nurse & have small kids, so the flexibility of having Andrew putting my training  up on training peaks and being available for any questions through WhatsApp is exactly what I need! 

My number one goal was to do better in Dublin Marathon which I have over the last 3 years 3.44/3.25/3.10 . I have a new half marathon PB of 1.29 from 1.44 also.

Future goals are a sub 3 in Dublin and to get under 1.29 in the half marathon.

I would recommend Andrew to anyone from novice to experienced. What I like about him is that he will tell you as it is with brutal honesty! For example last January 2025 I asked him would I do sub 3 in the marathon that year & he didn't hesitate in saying No! those are really good attributes to have in a coach as you need to have realistic expectations & understand that all these things take time and even then may not happen. Andrew has a wealth of knowledge about running & is a numbers & data genius, I don't know how he does it but it's brilliant, he will always know how you'll do in a race before you do it! Overall, I'm very glad I joined with him & look forward to seeing what I can achieve with him in the future!.

James Murphy - Trail Running

Cork City

Why you joined up

In the last three years I’ve been aspiring to get into long distance running and in particular trail running. However, anytime I set a goal to do long distance race, I ultimately ended up injured and out of action for weeks. All because I didn’t have the knowledge to train smartly. I discovered Andrew on instagram and saw the fitnessgoose community he built and the successes those he coached were having. I had already registered for EcoTrail Wicklow and I felt signing up with Andrew to help get fit for that race and train the right way was a must for me.

Expectations of training

Structured training plan, accountability, progression, fun and support 

Results or achievements

Completed my first long distance trail race, EcoTrail Wicklow 47km 

And now your future goals

Istria UTMB 69km

Sub 3:30 Marathon

EcoTrail Wicklow 80 km

A 100 km race in 2025

PAddy May

Paddy May from Glasnevin in Dublin
Joined because I ran before 10 years ago but never had any structure and this time round I wanted to get the most from my time running and there’s just too much conflicting info on social media to decipher so joined for a month to see if I liked it and was amazed at the results so committed for the year

Main aim was to just be in the mix at 10k and half marathon races so I wasn’t so far back that I felt included in the atmosphere.
Find it great having all the science and tactics worked out by someone who knows what they’re doing and just sent to my watch. Also haven’t missed a single training run in 6 months because you feel accountable to Andrew. You just have to believe in the plan and stick to it. Takes patience but my results are amazing.

Did 2023 Dublin half marathon for charity with little training really struggled and did 3.05 fast forward to Dundalk half marathon 2026 time 2.23.50 which is only 7 minutes off my time in 2013 when I ran all the time.

Next goal is to complete the super 6 half marathon challenge in the next 2 years starting in Berlin and break my 2013 time. It’s really never too late to start training again.
I’d recommend training goose to anybody looking to get back into running I’ve rediscovered the love of taking part and trying to improve while only really competing with myself.

Kieron Pierson - From Dublin but living in Kildare

Why you joined up?

I had never really run before and I wanted to give it a try as a means to get fitter and lose weight.

Whats it like working with a coach from distance

Much easier than you think it might be. Andrew is very detailed and makes sure that there are a number of mechanisms for you to contact him as well as leave feedback on your runs so that he can effectively plan your next training block..

Goals you had and have met? 

At first it was simple goals such as being able to run 5 km and I was able to do that effectively with the proper guidance from Andrew and this evolved into taking on longer distances such as half marathons. I've now completed two of these and was able to shave almost 9 minutes from the first time I attempted it.

Future goals you are aiming for?

I'm looking to continue with improving my half marathons and will be taking on my first full marathon in September and I will just be looking to finish at the moment in order to tick that one off and then use it as a base for future improvements with Andrew's help.

Why you might recommend the coaching for others?

I think you get more of a benefit from having an actual coach where you can have honest and reflective conversations with and where they can give you more detailed advice and feedback in order to help you improve as well as having the foresight to take proactive steps if you maybe need to take a step back or look at changing something altogether for the betterment of your running.

Let me know if all of that helps or if you need anything else and I've also attached a couple of photos below. 

Lucy Mannion

Dublin

I joined up to the Fitness Goose Run Club as I had been starting to enjoy running for the first time in years but had no structure to my training and wanted to be held accountable by a coach. I was also looking for something that had a strong social element as I was hoping to meet new people and build a support network to further motivate me in achieving my goals.

Although I hadn’t set out with a marathon goal in mind, after one month of training under Andrew I was so pleasantly surprised by my commitment to his training plan that I signed myself up to my first marathon - the Rome Marathon in March 2023. In the early days of training, I had a goal in mind of completing it in under 4 hours, however Andrew’s training plan and frequent communication of support was so effective in helping me to progress that my goal gradually adjusted to 3 hours 45 mins – which I was thrilled to achieve on the day!

Under Andrew’s guidance, I’ve achieved remarkable goals in many more races since this time, ones I never thought possible – for example running the Dublin Marathon in October 2023 when 5 months pregnant! Between marathons, Andrew's persuasive skills also introduced me to the world of trail running, with its diverse terrains and scenic beauty offering a refreshing contrast to road running. This variety has kept my training exciting and challenging.

 What makes Fitness Goose Run Club so unique is that Andrew goes the extra mile to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued, creating an environment where lasting friendships are formed alongside personal bests. The club is more than a group of athletes; it's a close-knit community where everyone supports and motivates each other. Andrew meticulously plans both national and international trips for various groups, catering to diverse interests and skill levels. Having been abroad to Rome and Oslo with the club, I know these trips are not just about running; they're adventures that bring us together, creating amazing memories.

I am immensely grateful to Andrew for his dedication and for being more than just a coach – a mentor, a motivator, and a friend. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to elevate their running game while enjoying every step of the journey.

Catriona Courtney

Cork

Why you joined up: focusing more on ultra events, needed some guidance. Also looking for flexibility in a plan that wasn’t going to be difficult to follow with a busy life of work, family with 4 kids. Knowing that the plan would help me achieve my goals. 

Expectations of training: I thought I’d be doing lots more miles and that I would not see too much progress due time constraints and bring a 50+ female athlete!  

Results or achievements: 2023 3 ultras incl 1 50 miler and 1 x 100km + race plus other smaller races like trail half marathons. I also strength train 2 times per week plus mobility and yoga. No injuries. Still sane and healthy. Shaved 2 hours off KWU nite 100km last year with excellent programming from Andrew. His flexibility and empathy to situation really makes it all feel easy when it isn’t! 

And now your future goals: April Ultra Skeeps Head, transvulcania 73km 4600m vert May, KWU full 180km (100miler), and s couple of other > half marathons IMRA races on trail. Stay injury free and sane and not stressed with it all just making steady progress weekly and trusting the process. 

Michelle Johnson

Michelle (I'm in Canada. Joined up with Goose when I was in the Falkland Islands, have ran with him living in Ireland and England aswell - perks of an online club!)

Why you joined up?

I got into a rut during covid - mentally and physically (healthcare worker and 3 bouts of covid later). Had no motivation, wasn't doing much exercise and felt like I needed to be accountable to someone and make a change to get going again. I'd run a bit before, I like the simplicity of running to exercise. I had followed goose's club online (and was a bit intimidated by it initially) but saw a couple of faces I recognised and then reached out.

Whats it like working with a coach from distance

Suits me to a tee! I travel a lot and have lived abroad in multiple places so having a running club online is great. I'm not tied to specific days and times for meeting up. I know there are club meet ups weekly now but I don't feel massively like I'm missing out because I think it was initially mainly an online club and there's lots of other online/remote members (could be wrong here). It also means I can dip in and out of other running groups when I move somewhere but my training plan is consistent. 

Goals you had and have met? 

Initially - get moving

Then run half marathon distance.

Then I started to think about times. I took 4 minutes off my 10km and 6 mins off my half marathon the first year. I then took a break from Goose's program and tried to do a half on my own. I finished in 2 hours. Signed back up with Goose and took 20 minutes off that time in 6 months

5) Future goals you are aiming for?

Stay feeling fit and confident running. Going faster would be great but feeling fit is the main thing. 

6) Why you might recommend the coaching for others?

I've gotten the results I've wanted with the amount of running that suits me and without running taking over. I do other sports, I travel, I socialise and I like running to fit around all of that. Goose is very accessible despite the size of the club and being in a different country. The online community doesn't feel anonymous. The chats and groups are genuine conversations, discussions and feel like chatting with peers. And everyone is so supportive when you turn up to something and there's other geese there. You feel part of a team

LOuise Stafford

Dublin

Why I joined up: After years of poorly following some free online training programmes, I had finally managed to run a sub-four-hour marathon.  I felt I had more in me but knew I needed some help.  I had a spot in the Chicago marathon 2022 and had set a target of 3.45 / 3.50.  The Fitness Goose was recommended to me by a coach in my gym. 

Expectations of training: Having had a chat with The Goose, we quickly identified two problem areas – consistency and maths! The online programmes allowed me to dip my toe in with zero accountability – Andrew’s programme was focused on me and based off the amount of time I could afford to give to running each week. The other area was interval training – having interval sessions loaded onto my watch actually allowed me to do this type of running rather than plodding along at the same pace for every run, as I had previously been doing.

Results or achievements: I ran Chicago with a smile on my face from start to finish.  I got my target time and then some, shaving over 21 minutes off my previous PB.  I ran negative splits for the first time.  Overall I'm enjoying running more than ever!

And now your future goals: Get under the 3.30 marathon mark and qualify for Boston!

Ciara O Connor

Dublin

Why you joined up

To train more consistently due to having accountability to a coach. I had run for 10 years and always enjoyed it but always struggled to run consistently due to other commitments, I wanted that to change. 

To improve my running ability overall and reach my running potential

I chose Fitness Goose over other coaches / clubs as it looked like an inclusive, fun community to be part of 

Expectations of training

I personally love Andrews approach which is 1. a great plan, 2. solid advice and 3. the truth on where you are at. This has really helped me progress - if you don’t do the work, he is clear that you will not get the results. But he doesn’t chase you or hound you about training which I like - I hold myself accountable to Andrew but I don’t need another person nagging me and he doesn’t do that. 

I have found that Andrews plans work a treat, he builds slowly and you don’t even notice that you are progressing until suddenly you are where you set out to be.  

I have loved the community element of fitness goose - a friendly, supportive and fun group of all abilities who meet up fairly regularly if you want. It’s great, in particular for longer runs. 

Results or achievements

I have achieved more than I ever could have imagined. I always thought I would reach my ceiling as a runner quite quickly as I didn’t think I had much natural ability and so thought I would improve a little but not a lot. 

By training consistently with Andrew over a 12 month period, I improved astronomically, taking 31 minutes off my marathon time (4:02 —> 3:31) and after 10 years of running, I ran PB’s at every single distance (5K, 5 Mile, 10K, 10 Mile, Half Marathon and Marathon) in 2023. 

In addition, I have loved every second. I was afraid i would lose the love of running if I pushed more.  Yes I have had to push myself at times in training… harder sessions, which I would have shied away from in the past but they have always been manageable and I have really enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction afterwards. 

And now your future goals

Continue to enjoy running and enjoy the Fitness Goose Running Community 

Qualify for the Boston Marathon by running a 3:25 Marathon 

Longer term, I would like to take on some new, fun running challenges like ultra marathons 

Robert Mehigan

Kildare

Why you joined up

I joined Andrew and the Fitness Goose Run Club to run my first marathon in 2022. I run on my own and lacked the confidence to tackle the distance.

Expectations of training

My Initial expectations were completely understated. All I thought I needed was an experienced individual to keep me on track for my first marathon. What I actually joined was very supportive community and got a coach that is completed invested in the individuals he trains. The training was structured to fit around my family, lifestyle and individual goals.

Results or achievements

Andrew gave me mini targets in 2022. This meant I always had a short-term focus which was great. After 10 years of running with self-prescribed plans I was running races able to finish the races as strong as I started. I got to the start line of Dublin Marathon 2022 full of with believe and achieved my target, what an awesome feeling! 2023 I book a multitude of races, every race was PB for the distance. Dublin Marathon 2022 and 2023 I got share the races with some incredible fellow ‘geese’, and each and everyone of them offer support and encouragement.

And now your future goals

Run some new races in 2024.

DarAgh howard

Why you joined up :

Wanted company on long runs in preparation for a race and some training advice as I’d felt I underperformed in recent races

Expectations of training :

wasn’t really sure what to expect but was delighted with the result, the addition of group interval sessions plus the weekend long runs make training much easier

Results or achievements :

PB in 10km, half marathon, 3/4 marathon and full marathon :) lots done, more to do

And now your future goals:

50km coming up soon, a Faster marathon is a constant goal & maybe a longer distance trail race

Megan Jungmann

I joined the running club when I was frustrated that I wasn't seeing any improvement in my fitness or running after a significant time off Within weeks of starting Andrews programme I had not only made up huge ground but had completely fallen in love with running again. I wouldn't have believed 7 months ago that I would sign up for a 58km trail race when I had been struggling to get through 10. It's been fantastic to have a coach so passionate about what he does which has also encouraged a very welcoming community attitude between club members. I really couldn't recommended the fitness goose run club more.

Dan Fitzergald

Limerick

The reason I joined the group was to gain knowledge and to get a plan that I could follow with the hopes of getting back running consistently and start enjoying it again. My training had been very intermittent since about half way through the pandemic and I had a goal of getting a PB in  for Dublin Marathon in 2022. I struggle to run a training block myself as I have a very short memory when it comes to running so after 2 good weeks I could over do it or after 2 bad weeks I could throw in the towel. Seeing weeks laid out in front of me helps me keep focus. 

My expectations of training are possibly covered in section 3 somewhat but my expectations were similar to what I got which was a good balanced program that helped me progress and improve over a long period of time.

My results and achievements since I joined up are many for me. 

PB'd my Marathon twice. 

PB in all distances I ran since I joined the group 5k, 10k,10mile , HM , Marathon 

5k went from 19.15- 18.34

10k went from 42.01- 40.13

10mile went from 1.11- 1.06 

HM went from 1.34-1.28

Marathon went from 3.31-3.10

And pretty much all while staying injury free. 

Future goals are to continue running injury free and hopefully keep improving for another little while . My big goals this year are to hopefully improve my 10k time and hopefully get as close as possible to 3.00 for the Marathon.