Oliver Butcher – Sydney Running Coach

Description

Welcome — and thanks for checking in!

I’m a dedicated Sydney based running coach, athlete, tradesman, student, sports fanatic, and travel enthusiast. But more than anything, I’m someone who understands the real-life challenges of chasing big goals while balancing everything else life throws at you.

My mission is simple: to help you become the strongest version of yourself — physically, mentally, and emotionally — through smart, sustainable running.

Running can change your life. It changed mine. And the best part? You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need the willingness to improve, and someone in your corner who knows what it takes.

Let’s work together to:

• Build a plan that fits your lifestyle.
• Create habits that support your goals.
• Turn challenges into progress.
• And enjoy the process — not just the finish line.

If you’re interested in working together — or you just want to learn more — reach out! I’d love to hear about your goals, your background, and where you’re headed next.

Let’s get after it. 💥

*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%oliverb ***

Contact Oliver

LEVELS: Intermediate
TYPES: Road
DISTANCES: Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Noraville
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only.

SPECIALTIES

While I coach runners of all levels, my specialty lies in the half marathon and full marathon distances. These races represent the perfect blend of mental grit, physical endurance, and smart preparation. I’ve trained for them during the busiest times of my life — and I know how to help you do the same, no matter what’s on your plate.

Here’s what I offer as a coach:

• Structured, personalized training plans that adapt to your lifestyle, work schedule, and training history.
• Fueling and race-day nutrition guidance based on lived experience and ongoing nutrition education.
• Strength, core, and mobility routines that enhance running form, build durability, and reduce injury risk.
• Pacing strategy and session breakdowns, ensuring you understand the “why” behind the work.
• Mindset support and accountability, so you stay grounded, motivated, and consistent — especially when it gets hard.
• Running is more than just fitness — it’s a lifestyle, a discipline, and a path toward growth. And I’m here to help you take the next step, whether that’s getting off the couch, crossing your first finish line, or smashing a long-held personal best.

I work with runners of all backgrounds, including:

• First-time half and full marathoners.
• Intermediate runners aiming for time-based goals (sub-2, sub-4, etc.).
• Recreational runners juggling work, family, and life.
• Athletes coming back from injury or burnout.
• Runners who need more structure, smarter fueling, or accountability.

Whether you’re chasing your first race finish or your fastest one yet — I’ve got your back.

PHILOSOPHY

In my own journey as a runner, I’ve followed structured training plans with purpose — but I’ve also had to adapt when life called for flexibility.

My philosophy is rooted in a balance between:

• Discipline and self-awareness
• Science and intuition
• Consistency and flexibility
• I don’t believe in perfection. I believe in showing up.
• I don’t expect 100% every day. I expect effort and honesty.
• I don’t hand out generic plans. I coach people, not spreadsheets.

At the heart of it all is mutual commitment — if you show up ready to work and grow, I’ll match your energy every step of the way. I will adjust your training, keep you accountable, check in on the tough weeks, and celebrate your milestones — because that’s what coaching is supposed to be.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I got into coaching because I wanted to help people I cared about — friends, family, and colleagues — transform their health, confidence, and running ability. What started as informal guidance turned into structured programs, race planning, and successful finishes from 5Ks to marathons.

I’ve helped runners:

• Transition from walking to running.
• Shave 30+ minutes off marathon times.
• Train through busy job schedules, shift work, and parenting.
• Improve mental resilience and bounce back from injury.
• Learn how to fuel properly to avoid bonking, gut issues, or burnout.

And now, I’m working to take my coaching even further by investing in formal education, building long-term systems, and creating a coaching space that puts athletes first.

ABOUT ME

I’m not just a runner — I’m a person, just like you, balancing a lot of things while trying to become better every day.

My Current Roles:

• Painter by trade
• Pest technician by profession
• Student of Nutrition (Diploma in progress)
• Marathoner constantly chasing new goals

My background in the trades has taught me discipline, routine, and the importance of hard, honest work. Studying nutrition has deepened my understanding of fuelling for performance, recovery, and long-term health — knowledge that I pass on to every athlete I coach.

Outside of work and training, I have a huge passion for travel and global cultures. I’ve explored Japan, the USA, Europe, and all-around Australia, and I believe that running connects us to the places we visit in a truly unique way.

Sports Obsessions:

• NRL – can’t miss a game.
• NBA – always watching highlights and analysing plays.
• ATP Tour – love the discipline and mental toughness in tennis.

Plus, basically any sport that’s on — if it’s competitive, I’m into it.

BIG INFLUENCES

My coaching and running mindset have been shaped by a mix of professional coaches, hybrid athletes, and endurance legends. These individuals have influenced not only how I train, but why I train.

Jeff Cunningham

• A highly respected marathon coach known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to extract top-tier performance from everyday runners.

Nick Bare

• A hybrid athlete whose discipline and mental toughness have shaped how I approach personal goals and mindset in both training and life.

Phil Gore

• Australia’s backyard ultra legend. Phil’s calm, calculated, and unshakable approach to ultra-endurance has inspired how I view pacing, patience, and mental resilience.

Sam Harvey

• One of the grittiest endurance athletes out there. His ability to thrive in discomfort and break conventional limits has completely reshaped how I think about mental toughness.

RACING HISTORY

The defining moment of my running journey so far was Port Stephens Marathon, where I ran 2:59:00 — my first sub-3-hour marathon. But it wasn’t just the time that made it special.

Why It Mattered:

• It was summer — hot, humid, and mentally brutal.
• The course had over 350m of elevation.
• I was juggling multiple jobs and studying at the same time.

It would’ve been easy to skip long runs or let the excuses win. But I didn’t. I trained smart, fuelled consistently, and pushed through when it mattered. That race showed me what’s possible when preparation meets persistence — and it’s a mindset I bring into every coaching relationship I build.

PRs

• Marathon – 2:59
• Half Marathon – 1:25
• 5K – 18:10

These numbers represent hours of discipline, trial and error, recovery, and growth. Every second gained came from consistency — not hacks. And that’s what I’ll teach you too.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Level 1 Recreational Running Coach – Athletics NSW

This course provided the foundational tools in training principles, athlete development, and safe, effective programming. But my learning hasn’t stopped there.

I’m actively studying sports nutrition and continuing to develop my coaching philosophy through reading, mentorship, and experience.

CONTACT OLIVER

Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.

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