Laura Swanton-Rouvelin
My desire to become a running coach has been fuelled by how much I have gained from having a good coach myself. Kim has given so much to my running; directing and supporting me and I want to now give that to others and share what I have learnt along the way.
Running for me, is an absolute passion of mine; has saved me in many ways, mentally and emotionally. Then on top of that being able to find ways to get the best out of my running ability and push boundaries to achieve goals I thought out of reach, makes me determined to help others achieve their goals and improve their mental wellbeing.
I want to help people discover their untapped potential. Through my own experiences in ultrarunning I have learned the importance of mental resilience, planning and unwavering determination and how you are capable of so much more than you realise. As a coach, I aim to empower athletes to conquer their fears, break through perceived limitations and achieve extraordinary feats both on and off the trail. It’s not just about winning races but transforming lives and making dreams a reality wherever you are in the field, whilst having fun along the way.
I want to support and bring comfort as well as be the voice on your shoulder pushing you forwards, getting you out of the door. The ultimate aim - to create the biggest smiles throughout the process to fulfilling the journey.
Since getting into ultras in 2017 I have won races including the 100-mile Arc of Attrition, The Autumn 100 and the Devon Coast to Coast.
As well as the longer races, I am also a big fan of 50 milers, most recently taking on the Chiltern Wonderland 50, Thames Trot 50 miler and Butcombe Trail 50, placing first and setting course records at all three events.
I have set a number of FKT’s and have completed some of the UKs hardest races, such as Lakeland 100, The West Highland Way and The Ridgeway Ultra. In 2018 I completed the Centurion 100 mile grand slam where I placed 1st, 3rd overall and on the podium for all 4 100 mile events.
In 2022 I stepped up to running even longer distances, completing the 268-mile winter Spine race in 4th place. In 2023 I completed the summer version, finishing in 2nd place. I then went on to complete the Centurion Winter Downs 200 mile race in the same year, finishing 1st in 63hrs 47mins.
I started running in 2008 as a way to regain fitness four months after the birth of my second child. I trained for my first marathon whilst being a single parent to three children under the age of seven and studying full time at university, wanting to show that you can fit training in if you want it enough. I have gone on to complete part of a masters degree fitting in training by running to work and back, often squeezing in a ride on my pony amongst all this! Believing anything is possible if you want it enough. I am currently studying to improve my coaching skills and knowledge. I work part time as an advanced practice breast radiographer in the NHS, and live in Devon with my husband, three children, pony and many animals.