Athlete of the Month - Stuart Souter

October 2024

It’s such a pleasure to recognise Stuart Souter as the Athlete of the Month for October. Stu's dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and his journey with Best Athletics exemplifies the commitment we value so much in our athletes. As one of the founding members of Best Athletics, I have know Stu for many years, however his journey with me as his coach began with a clear goal: to prepare for the New York Marathon injury-free. Having faced injuries in the past, Stu's main priority was to enter the race feeling strong and well-prepared—especially after previous races, where the focus had often been on chasing a fast time, sometimes at the expense of enjoying the experience.

Stu’s goal for New York was simple but powerful: to enjoy the experience and avoid feeling like the race was a grind. We didn’t aim for a PB but wanted him to feel more prepared than he had in the past. His training block leading up to the race was nothing short of stellar. Stu not only remained consistent, but he also trained smartly, staying in tune with his body throughout the process. He communicated regularly with me about how he was feeling, allowing us to make necessary adjustments to the plan as needed. This proactive approach ensured that we were able to adapt the training to suit his physical condition, preventing any setbacks and keeping him on track for his goal. By prioritising quality over quantity, and by listening to his body, Stu managed to maintain a steady progression while staying injury-free, ensuring he was in optimal shape for race day. His commitment to the process paid off, as he not only completed the marathon injury-free but absolutely crushed it with a finishing time of 3:21 coming 382nd out of 3451 in his age category!

What makes Stu’s achievement even more remarkable is his mindset throughout the race. Not only did he achieve a fantastic time, but he also truly enjoyed the experience, even stopping for a selfie mid-run—an attitude that embodies the joy of running. Stu’s ability to balance hard work with a sense of fun and enjoyment is an inspiration to all.  It's been a privilege to work with Stu over the past few months. He is a shining example of what it means to train with purpose, stay injury-free, and embrace the journey.

Congratulations, Stu, on an amazing month and well-deserved recognition as Athlete of the Month!

Coach Sam 💙