Testimonials

I joined Team NOR with Niall O’ Reilly in 2021 in order to work on a plan to complete a personal best in my first ever Dublin marathon.

I went from a 3.30 Galway marathon to a fantastic goal of 3.09 in the Dublin marathon and the year after managed to run 3.08.  Niall provided me with the knowledge and helped increase my confidence in working on sessions, long runs and racing whilst also tailoring my plans to suit my demanding home/work/kids schedule.

Niall aided with me the endurance and the motivation that I required to run fantastic times in my marathons. Niall would make sure you were working hard but more importantly enjoying running which is the most important part of these challenges. He is very personable and extremely knowledgeable and it is a pleasure to work with Niall as a coach.

Niall tailor made a plan that helped me dig deeper, suffer and reap said rewards through an in depth and dynamic training regime. My half marathon went from 1:28 to 1:24 almost within the year. I was getting stronger and stronger whilst feeling fit enough to attack any race. I then went on to run a pretty comfortable 2:58 in the Dublin Marathon and am still in shock at how strong I was that day. Niall helped me have a day I will be insufferable with my kids about in years to come.

Niall’s vigilance in overseeing my training via Training Peaks gave me the sense of accountability that I needed to thrive. I really enjoyed the challenge of making running a way of life and training to some degree seven days a week. Given I was blessed with two children during this time, I felt it was paramount I be a good example to them and exhibit my passion for sport and the real value of it. Something I continue today.

Through his empathetic and intuitive approach based clearly on a strong bedrock of knowledge of the sport and its various facets, I have managed to continue to strive for these ideals, despite many responsibilities. Niall decodes my data for me and provides the insights I need at the right times and in the right way.

​I joined NOR coaching in December 2022, after a chance conversation with Niall. I had finished another DCM and had plateaued at 3.53/54mins for the 3rd marathon in a row. While being slightly deflated, I knew myself that I had made another a haphazard attempt at following a generic racing plan.  So I dusted myself off and moved quickly on to set another goal. This time, it was the Donadea 50k Ultra in February 2023. Most club members who ran this ultra I considered the ‘speedies’ in the club, while I considered myself more of a 'steady middle of the road' runner. And so began my introduction to a proper coaching plan. Not always easy to do when working full time and being a Mother of 3 kids.. and the plan actually involved more running! This time however, I began to learn the importance of purposeful running. For years I had been running with the local running club (shout out- St Cocas), since I had my middle child so close to 10yrs at this stage, minus a third pregnancy. But looking back I never committed fully to any plan given to me. I averaged 3 runs a week including the long run, never tested pace and while I completed speed and tempo sessions, I didn’t really understand why. One of the biggest achievements and sense of elation I had felt in years was crossing the finish line at Donadea in well under the 5hour cut off. While I had great companionship from club members who jumped in for the laps, I finished strong and felt strong throughout it. I knew then, that hard work paid off, consistency, accountability, and turning up. Yes, there were interruptions to the plan, being mithered with winter flu’s but NOR coaching kept me on task. Following Donadea, I continued on a NOR plan, completing a few shorter races including the local 5k, 10mile and Dublin half marathon all in times I never thought I could achieve, running at 4.55 pace/km when before I averaged 5.20/km for half marathons.  I continued my running streak at DCM in 2023 where I shaved 16 minutes off my marathon pb and finished in a very respectful 3.38 !! I have continued my ultra running, completing another Donadea ultra, completing the Connemara Ultra in 2024, where I was 3rd lady home. I’m now training for a 50mile trail race and have continued with NOR Coaching. When I’m on plan, I don’t overthink what I have to do, I figure out how I will fit it into my busy day/week and get it done. So, for the average 'middle of the road' runner like myself, don’t think you are not good enough to get a coach. Because guess what- you are! And I’d really recommend NOR because Niall listens, responds and adapts the plan, but always pushing to get the best out of you. 

Working with Niall has helped me achieve goals I once thought were out of reach. This past year alone, I ran my first sub-4-hour marathon, took 1st place In my Age group in a 50km UTMB event, and completed a 100km trail race with over 3,600 meters of climbing.

What sets Niall apart is his attention to detail and his ability to tailor training plans around real life. He’s quick to adjust when needed—especially if there are signs of overtraining. His plans are clear, varied, and easy to follow, and the progress I’ve made in just a few months has been incredible.

Thank you, Niall!