Testimonials

darren

russell

I rarely ran before, football aside, but when lockdown kicked in, I wanted to keep active and got my 14yr old boy to join me on early morning runs.

We started off in April 2020 and were running anywhere between 3-5 mornings a week.

I’ve known James many years through football and every single time we ran, James would always comment on our activity with support and praise.

He was always be the first one to notice our outings and always went out of his way to pass on his comments, no matter how early it would be. It meant a lot to me, and also my young boy, who James also took the time to message personally regarding how well he’d been doing.

After 2/3 months I got to a stage where I felt burnt out and didn’t want to continue.

I exchanged messages with James and we spoke about what was affecting me - James advised me that rest/recovery was more important than anything else and advised that I took a week or 2 off. I did this, and can honestly say that it made a world of difference - I came back after my break and felt so much stronger for it. Had we not spoken, I would’ve either continued to run myself into the ground, or throw the towel in completely. I now know how to manage my runs better as a result, and I also know the signs that tell me my body needs some time off - this is all down to James’s knowledge and experience.

Although my boy is no longer running with me as he’s back at school, I am still out regularly, and still getting those nudges of encouragement from James.

Thanks a lot mate - “Top Man” ❤️

parminder

latimer

I have known James for about a year, more virtually than in person for most of that time due to Covid-19.

Having run for a number of years, on and off, I never had the inclination to join a running club, but the spirit and genuine motivation and passion James has for running, was obvious and James brings all that and much more to the Shinfield Running Club.

He's created a community that looks out for each other, supports each other and makes things fun, makes me want to lace up and run, rather than seeing it as a chore. I've also been the fittest I've been in a very long time.

When I needed support, help, advice and motivation to run a half marathon recently, when I was doubting myself, I turned to James, he knew all the right things to say, to get my mindset to turn to, "I can do this". He had been monitoring my running progress over the year though the Club's social media, seen that I had the ability to do this, and without any pressure, he dispelled by nerves and fears for the run, but also gave me some invaluable practical advice in the run up to the event, in terms of nutrition, rest and preparation. I ran a PB on the day! He does all that, at any time, for any of us, and he is genuinely a lovely guy. I would have no doubt that he could offer runners so much in terms of coaching, sharing his experiences and making them the best they can be.

Best,

Parminder Latimer

bret

johnson

I remember it quite clearly, over two years ago James said to me: “Come on, 19:30 down at the Green get yourself down, let's go and do some running, get yourself fit and keep you mentally healthy.” I just smiled and nervously agreed “OK”. James’ encouragement was there right from start.

To be honest with you, I was quite anxious, even though I had run before, running in a group of people that I don't even know, or normally run with - it makes you think: Can I keep up? Am I going to be OK? What happens if I need to stop?

All completely irrelevant questions the moment I walked onto Shinfield Green and joined the Club.It was a very relaxed, sociable, dare I say - fun 5km. I was hooked. I needed to lose some weight, get myself healthy and have a regular activity that I looked forward to.

Two years on, I am the fittest and healthiest I have been my whole life. The positive effect this has had on my mental health, also needs to be called out – there is nothing more mentally relaxing than stepping away from your job, putting on your runners and going out for a quick 5km.

I continue to look forward to the Wednesday night club runs which is expertly organised and led by James.

paul

white

“I met James Suarez in the summer of 2019, not really knowing anything about running other than one foot in front of the other, I was advised by James on the basics with great emphasis on building up slowly and taking my time to get stronger. I’ve found over the past year James is unbelievably supportive, always answering questions and offering sound advice. On top of this, he on occasions has been an excellent listener and has been there when I’ve needed to vent or I’ve needed somebody to talk to. He never judges but will offer his unbiased opinion.

Being associated with James and the runners in his social network has benefited me greatly in my running. I wouldn’t be running now if it wasn’t for his help very early on. James has affected so many lives with his infectious positive energy, motivation and dedication, he works so hard to achieve his goals and works with others to help them achieve theirs. Although James is very professional and dedicated to what he does he is personable and is fun to be around. There are so many that owe where they are now in their running to James, yet he never asks for anything back.

He is a true team player. leader and friend, I’m very very glad to have met him.”

jay russell

Suarez's advice has helped me a lot in terms of staying fit and how to stay motivated when running.

This has now helped me complete over 60+ runs over lockdown, which I really never thought I could have done.

Thank you Suarez!

neil

reynolds

James is an inspirational and dynamic leader who has created a running club that is inclusive, supportive and innovative. He is open to new ideas and gives people responsibilities to help them and the club grow. For me his motivation and leading by example has given me inspiration to progress my running and also support me in my long recovery from injury.

He is always available to talk to offer support, advice and guidance. And the club he has created and spearheads has given me all of this and more. James continues to bring people together even through this time of lockdown and social distancing and is continuing to help people achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to recovering from injury so I can get back to achieving mine.

DAVID

CHURCHYARD

I joined Shinfield Running Club in February 2020 as part of the Couch 25K initiative. This seemed like a good entrance into running as I had barely run at all in the past.

We got to week three before lockdown happened and then it was down to us to complete the 5K goal as individuals.

Since February, I have been fortunate to be in regular contact with James who has supported me, motivated me and given me the aspiration to keep going and better myself as a budding athlete.

James is always willing to support me 24/7 with any questions regarding training, nutrition or injury. My progress and achievements have grown to the point of winning SRC athlete of the month in June which motivated me to enter and run the SRC half marathon the last weekend in September (which I completed in 2 hours and 3 minutes).

The best thing I have done is join SRC and without the help, belief, words of wisdom and confidence from James, I would still be on the couch!

What can I say? Thank you James for your continued support, motivation, conviction and belief in me that I CAN do it. And I did. I’m not stopping here. My sights are set for the next challenge.

James, you are an inspiration to all the SRC members. You’ve got a ‘can do’ attitude and infectious positive personality. You have got me to where I am and I know you will continue to push me further, for which I am grateful.

I feel fitter, happier and with a goal that’s achievable in a sport you have made fun and challenging by injecting healthy competition.

Thank you for introducing me to the world of running and supporting me every step of the way.

LEE
DUNN

At the age of 41 I had finished playing football due to age and persistent injuries. I was looking at photos of myself and noticing my stomach, backside and chin were bigger than ever and my clothes were regularly becoming too small.

James encouraged me to start running. Although I enjoyed it,at the beginning I could just about manage twenty minutes.

In just over a year I have gone from entering 5k races to completing two marathon distances. James is very friendly, fun, encouraging and keeps setting me small but achievable targets that motivate me to keep improving.

The weight has fallen off me and I am fitter than ever. James has played a big part in this and I would recommend him to anyone looking to improve their fitness.

CLAIRE

CAMPBELL

“I met I’ve always enjoyed running but never knew or had the self motivation to improve on speed or pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I had a 10km race at Silverstone coming up in Nov and heard about Suarez Running School starting up through Shinfield Running Club. Perfect timing, so I got in touch with James and asked for his help. James was so professional and amazing throughout. Without even realising he had researched my race and planned sessions just going by what I had said I would like out of some speed training.

I booked a block of three sessions as this would have been the build up to my race day. Every session was different and each one really pushed me completely out of my comfort zone. Throughout every session, James was so encouraging and very motivating. He would help me with my stride, pace and breathing making me feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible whilst pushing me to my limits. If ever I had any questions or needed advice on running, James helped!

Sadly my race is postponed until Feb 2021 but this just means I will be able to book in another block of sessions in the New Year whilst putting into practise everything James has already shown and taught me. I feel honoured to be the first client at Suarez Running School and I am looking forward to signing up again soon. Thank you so much James.

TOBY
EARL

I have been a runner for about 17 years, mainly focusing on long distance running & never really going out with any real strategy or plan. I’d just put my trainers on and run the same each day.

I joined a local running club about a year ago & from that I’ve become interested in focusing on different types of running sessions & was keen to do some speed sessions, with the aim of improving my 5 Km PB.

Through the club I hooked up with James from Suarez running school & asked for his help in achieving a 5K in sub 21 minutes.

James was amazing from the start, so professional, focused & supportive. James researched all my runs, planned the sessions & talked me through each session on the day & what he’d planned for the following weeks session. He even looks at all my runs in the week between the sessions to make sure I wasn’t over doing it & that my weekly runs were fitting in with the session he’d planned.

During the session James was full of encouragement & motivation to push me forward. He was constantly monitoring my breathing, stride, posture & pace to make sure I was relaxed & comfortable while he pushed me to my limits. Today after just 5 training session with James, I did the 5K time challenge with him & smashed my target with a new PB of 20:42 min. In addition to this, during the 5-weeks of training with James I’ve also achieved new PB’s for my 1K, 1 Mile & 2 Mile distances.

I’m over the moon with my 5k time & the progress I made with the speed training.

I’ve now signed up for another block of training session with James to help me with an upcoming Marathon. Thank you James & I looked to returning to the training in February.

I can highly recommend Suarez running School to anyone who has a challenge they want help achieving, or if they just want to improve, their technique, stammer or pace. I can assure you you’ll be in great hands with James & his vast knowledge of running.

Toby Earl