Fitness coach Kevin Oakes is inspiring our fundraisers to meet their challenges head on, with new 10K, half marathon and marathon training plans. We caught up with him to talk coaching and canals.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Kevin began his fitness journey in 2008 after receiving some life-changing news. “I started running at the age of 16,” he tells us. I’d just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and I wanted to get healthier and improve my chances of having a longer, more active life.”
Kevin, who battled mental health issues throughout childhood, quickly fell in love with the sport, enjoying benefits far beyond physical fitness.
“I found it improved my mental wellbeing substantially,” he says, “especially getting out there in the great outdoors on the canals. There’s nothing better than running along the towpath in the winter when the snow’s falling, and you see the beautiful wintry scenery beside the canal.”
Despite having Type 1 Diabetes, Kevin has completed an impressive 12 marathons
After joining his local running club in South Birmingham, Kevin discovered a talent for coaching, impressing so much he was soon installed as head coach. Alongside his new duties, Kevin continued to compete at a high level, travelling the world to take part in his favourite event, the half marathon.
But his real passion is coaching, and now, as chair of his own running club, South Birmingham Striders, Kevin is inspiring the next generation to live happier, healthier lives.
“We spend a lot of time training on the towpath with the younger age groups,” he says, “often with the parents in tow. It’s actually one of the safest places to run; it’s fairly flat, there’s no traffic, they’re not going to get lost, and of course, it gets them out in nature. In Birmingham, the canals play a key part in the running community.”
Kevin is also a regional coaching councillor for England Athletics
Kevin works closely with youth charities in Birmingham to promote the benefits of fresh air and exercise and believes the city’s waterways play a vital role in our health, our wellbeing, and our sense of community.
“There are few places you can go running in a safe, calm environment, experience nature, and learn a bit of history,” he says. “Canals are really important to me; I think they’re a key part of the city and the country, and we need to do all we can to preserve them.”
As a seasoned athlete, coach, and Friend of the Trust, Kevin recently helped us put together a series of training guides, to enable our fundraisers to properly prepare for their events. There are three in all, providing structured training plans for people looking to tackle 10K, half marathon or full marathon distances.
“It’s all about breaking things up into little chunks,” says Kevin. “Taking on a new running challenge can seem daunting, especially if you’re a beginner, so it’s important to take things step by step.”
Kevin’s specially curated training guides provide in-depth weekly plans, including strength-building workouts, running sessions, and speed work – all geared towards getting you in the best possible shape for race day.
“Through any training cycle, there’s going to be highs and lows,” says Kevin, “and if you’re not following a proper structure, it’s easy to lose faith and focus. Some people may do too much and break down, others may do too little and leave themselves unprepared. Our guides will give you the best possible chance to have a comfortable run come race day.”
If you’ve been inspired by Kevin’s story and you’re thinking about taking on your own fundraising challenge, why not sign up today? Whether you’re looking to tackle your first 10K or half marathon or you’re ready to go the full distance, our helpful training guides can give you the structure and the confidence you need to reach your fitness goals.
