Our Coaches

At Mindful Runner, our coaches are the heart of our community, dedicated to guiding you on your journey to extraordinary achievements. Each coach brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a passion for helping athletes of all levels reach their goals. Our team is committed to fostering a supportive and motivating environment where you can thrive both physically and mentally.
Marius Van Rensburg
Coach

Marius is more than just a coach; he’s a living legend in the world of ultra trail running. As one of the most experienced 200-milers on the planet, his insights into the physical and mental demands of these grueling races are unparalleled. With countless miles under his belt, Marius has honed his craft to the pinnacle of the sport. His expertise extends beyond personal achievements, as he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion with aspiring ultra runners. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey, Marius’ guidance will propel you to new heights.

Debbie van der Linde
Coach

Navigating the world of endurance sports can feel like a constant uphill battle. From gruelling training schedules to the mental fortitude required to push your limits, it's a demanding journey. And let's not forget the impact of nutrition – it can be the difference between a podium finish and an early exit.But what if you're facing the unique challenges of menopause? Hormonal shifts can significantly impact your performance, from decreased bone density and muscle mass to increased fatigue and mood swings.That's where I come in. As both a nutrition coach and a menopause coach, I specialise in helping women like you overcome these obstacles and achieve their peak performance.I understand the intricacies of both endurance sports and the menopausal transition.
I can help you:
•⁠ ⁠Optimize your nutrition and fuelling strategy that supports your training goals and addresses the specific needs of your body during menopause.

•⁠ ⁠Manage hormonal fluctuations with strategies to mitigate the impact it has on your energy levels, mood, and performance.

•⁠ ⁠Improve overall well-being, enhance your sleep quality, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels through targeted nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

I'm passionate about helping women feel strong, confident, and empowered on and off the trails.

Let's work together to unlock your full potential and achieve your endurance goals, regardless of your age or stage of life.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about how I can help you conquer your next challenge.

Anja Louw
Coach

Born to motivate, Anja will make sure you conquer whichever mountain you sign up for. Thanks to her actuarial background, your running stats will find its full potential in her nerdy hands. Combine that with her love of adventure and her incurable addiction to running, and you have a coach that will summit your mountain right by your side.

Fred Richardson
Coach

Hey there, all you trail and ultra runners out there! Fred is your go-to coach if you want to take your running game to the next level. But here’s the thing: he’s not just any ordinary coach. With years of experience working with runners of all ages and abilities, he knows that running is about so much more than just winning races.Initially trained as an Infantry Instructor in the military, Fred later switched careers and founded Mindful Runner with the mission to help others create extraordinary lives through running. With certifications as a running coach, personal trainer, and more, he brings decades of experience working with runners of all levels and across all disciplines.Fred is a certified UESCA Running and Ultra Running coach, Stryd Coach, COROS Coach, and Training Peaks level 1. Whether you’re a seasoned master athlete or just getting started in the sport, Fred has the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. He’ll work with you to create a personalised training plan that fits your unique needs and schedule, helping you to push your limits and unlock your full potential.So if you’re ready to take your running to the next level, why not schedule a no obligation discovery session with Fred today? He’s here to help you achieve your goals and create a truly fulfilling running experience – no matter what your age or ability level.

Diana Henry
Coach

Hi, I am Diana Henry, ultra runner and proud to be on board with the Mindful Runner Coaching team. 

My ultra-running journey began in 2022 with a simple dream - to run a mountain marathon. What started as a goal became a life-changing journey. Through Mindful Runner Coaching, I found more than fitness, I found nature, community, resilience and confidence that show up every day in life. 

Since then, I’ve completed numerous trail and ultra races across South Africa and fallen in love with the entire process - the training, the challenges and the holistic experience of trail running, a practice that strengthens the body, grounds the mind and feeds the soul.  

Now a qualified ultra-running coach, I coach runners who dream of more, whether you’re starting with trail running, aiming for your first ultra, or already running long distances and wanting to grow stronger.   My passion is helping people to discover their strength, connect with nature, and experience what running can truly offer - health, confidence, purpose, and joy.  I will help you with a training plan that fits you, your lifestyle and goals. Let’s make 2026 and beyond your most powerful years, together we will climb higher, run stronger and fall in love with the trails and the magical lifestyle.

If you have a dream, even one that feels impossible, I’m here to help you build it, one mindful step at a time- together with the beauty and fun. 

Dream big, feel alive and discover the magic.

Performance Metrics

We track various performance indicators to assess athletes’ progress, including:

  • Race Times: Monitoring improvements in personal bests for various distances.
  • Training Volume and Intensity: Analysing data from training sessions to ensure athletes are progressing appropriately.
  • Gait Analysis Results: Evaluating changes in running form and efficiency through periodic gait assessments.
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