Running Adventures
  • ABOUT
  • COACHING
    • ULTRA RACE COACHING
    • TRAIL RUNNING COACHING
    • MARATHON DES SABLES COACHING
    • DRAGONS BACK RACE COACHING
    • COUCH TO 5KM COACHING
    • 1-2-1 ONLINE CONSULTATION
    • 1-2-1 FACE TO FACE COACHING SESSION
    • RUNNING POLES WORKSHOP
  • WORKSHOPS
    • TRAIL RUNNING WORKSHOP - GUILDFORD
    • NAVIGATION FOR RUNNERS WORKSHOP - GUILDFORD
  • GUIDED RUNS
    • SILENT POOL 10KM
    • HANKLEY COMMON 10KM
    • DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL 10KM
    • SURREY HILLS 10KM
    • BOX HILL VERTICAL KM
    • SURREY HILLS HALF MARATHON
    • MALVERN HILLS 18 MILER
    • NORTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SOUTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • GREENSAND WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SERPENT TRAIL ULTRA RUN
    • JURASSIC COAST ULTRA RUN
    • HIKING ADVENTURES
  • TRAIL WEEKENDS
    • YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS 2025
    • TRAIL RUNNING SUMMER CAMP (SHROPSHIRE) 2025
    • SNOWDONIA MOUNTAIN SKILLS WEEKEND 2025
    • EL CHORRO 2025
    • PORTUGAL 2025
    • EL CHORRO 2026
    • MENORCA 2026
    • WILD JOURNEYS - WEST HIGHLAND WAY 2026
  • CONTACT
  • MORE
    • REVIEWS
    • MERCH & VOUCHERS
    • TAILORED RUN SERVICE
    • VOLUNTEER
    • BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
    • PODCAST

MARATHON DES SABLES COACHING

Online coaching and support package by ​a Marathon des Sables finisher. 
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Travel to the desert knowing that you are prepared, both mentally and physically, for the epic challenge that awaits you.

My aim is to ensure that you get to that sandy start line with the knowledge and confidence that YOU have made the right decisions about kit, nutrition, training and whether or not to take that extra pair of socks! I will support you the whole way and get you both mentally and physically prepared for anything that the desert can throw at you. I'll even explain the toilet situation!

🌍 The advantage of online coaching is it doesn't matter where you are, I can help you as everything is remote. I coach people from all over the world.

Over the years, I have coached people of all abilities, with clients claiming prizes such as 'Fastest Brit' and 'Oldest Finisher'.
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Matt Buck

meet the coach 

I’m Matt Buck, a Salomon and Suunto Ambassador, experienced ultra runner, and qualified coach.

​I have completed the Marathon Des Sables and therefore know exactly what is required to run this awesome race. I have years of experience in coaching people of all abilities for this race, with a proud success rate. I'm passionate about getting people ready for the adventure of a lifetime and will help you achieve your dream of reaching the finish line.

Marathon des sables
Marathon des sables
Marathon des sables

"I worked with Matt for 6 months in the run up to the Marathon des Sables. His run coaching was superb, focusing on what I needed rather than fitting me into an off-the-shelf plan. More than that though he was always on hand with support on all related issues, particularly mindset and navigating the kit minefield! I can't recommend Running Adventures highly enough."
Paul Patterson

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What is included in your online coaching package?
​
  • Initial lifestyle, fitness and goal assessment and consultation
  • A personalised, comprehensive, and flexible training plan, fully customised to suit your needs and schedule
  • The MdS is notoriously hard to find information about, take advantage of tapping into the knowledge of someone that has done the race
  • Constant, 24/7 communication via whatsapp
  • Regular catch ups via phone or video
  • Training plan delivered through Training Tilt platform
  • Training Tilt platform app
  • Full gait analysis and technique advice
  • Help to find your ideal race if you haven't already chosen one
  • Running kit advice - shoes, clothing, rucksacks, accessories etc...with focus on keeping weight down
  • Strength and conditioning sessions built in partnership with the team at Strengthworks
  • Exclusive strength and conditioning instructional videos by the team at Strengthworks
  • Nutrition guidance for your training and race
  • Help to find new routes for training
  • Advice on preparing for the heat
  • Detailed pace plan for major races
  • Final pre-race checks to ensure you are confident and ready to go
  • Post-race evaluation to discuss your running career going forward
  • Motivation to get out on your training runs and reach your goals

Contact​
​
  • Unlimited correspondence - ask me anything and at anytime, I'm here to help!
  • Regular phone or video catch-ups to discuss progress and tweak your training plan if required, based on your needs

What does it cost?​
​
  • For a monthly payment of £135 you can benefit from all of the above, leaving you to focus on your training and preparation​
  • No joining fee or binding contracts

Extra - You may want to consider a 3 hour face to face session to compliment your coaching package and help you progress to the next level.
​
  • Privately led trail run
  • Talk through MdS roadbook, rules and recommended kit
  • Technique assessment
  • Demonstration of different drills you can do to improve fitness and running performance
  • Guidance on how to tackle different types of terrain most efficiently
  • Personal, face to face Q+A session to get all your questions answered

What does it cost?
​
  • £120 when booked alongside a coaching package

"Matt trained me for the MDS from a standing start position to placing in the race, assisted through everything from training to kit to food and then support pre and post race. Thoroughly recommend when taking on an ultra event and hugely for the MDS!"
Rob Fiford

"
I trained with Matt for 8 months in the lead up to Marathon des Sables. I was a novice trail and ultra runner but he built me up to confidently running multi day ultra events before tackling MDS. He has a very approachable and encouraging style. I was comfortable asking questions about race strategy, kit etc. Ultimately had a good race at a very tough edition of MDS."
​Ellen Docherty

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  • ABOUT
  • COACHING
    • ULTRA RACE COACHING
    • TRAIL RUNNING COACHING
    • MARATHON DES SABLES COACHING
    • DRAGONS BACK RACE COACHING
    • COUCH TO 5KM COACHING
    • 1-2-1 ONLINE CONSULTATION
    • 1-2-1 FACE TO FACE COACHING SESSION
    • RUNNING POLES WORKSHOP
  • WORKSHOPS
    • TRAIL RUNNING WORKSHOP - GUILDFORD
    • NAVIGATION FOR RUNNERS WORKSHOP - GUILDFORD
  • GUIDED RUNS
    • SILENT POOL 10KM
    • HANKLEY COMMON 10KM
    • DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL 10KM
    • SURREY HILLS 10KM
    • BOX HILL VERTICAL KM
    • SURREY HILLS HALF MARATHON
    • MALVERN HILLS 18 MILER
    • NORTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SOUTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • GREENSAND WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SERPENT TRAIL ULTRA RUN
    • JURASSIC COAST ULTRA RUN
    • HIKING ADVENTURES
  • TRAIL WEEKENDS
    • YORKSHIRE 3 PEAKS 2025
    • TRAIL RUNNING SUMMER CAMP (SHROPSHIRE) 2025
    • SNOWDONIA MOUNTAIN SKILLS WEEKEND 2025
    • EL CHORRO 2025
    • PORTUGAL 2025
    • EL CHORRO 2026
    • MENORCA 2026
    • WILD JOURNEYS - WEST HIGHLAND WAY 2026
  • CONTACT
  • MORE
    • REVIEWS
    • MERCH & VOUCHERS
    • TAILORED RUN SERVICE
    • VOLUNTEER
    • BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
    • PODCAST