About Achieve Running Club

At Achieve Running Club, we believe running has the power to transform lives, because it transformed ours. We are John and Roisin McDonnell.

We didn’t start out as confident athletes. We were beginners, feeling our way through a sea of conflicting advice and battling those early doubts: “Can I really do this?” Like so many runners, we struggled to find our rhythm, catch our breath and quiet the voice that said we weren’t good enough. But we kept going. And over time, running became an extension of our lives, a source of confidence, happiness, and resilience. We’ve grown not just as runners, but as people.

We’ve made lifelong friends, discovered what we’re capable of, and learned to trust ourselves more deeply. Running has given us so much more than fitness, it’s given us community, purpose, and peace.

At Achieve Running Club, we want to share this with every runner, whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding your motivation, or chasing your next big goal. We’re here to help you improve, grow, and find joy in the journey, no matter where you’re starting from.

We know the mental side of running is as important as the physical, and we’re passionate about building a community of positive, supportive people who believe in each other. Our expert coaching, mindset support, and welcoming community are here to help you become the runner, and the person you want to be.

Let’s make running more than a workout. Let’s make it something we do to build confidence and connection, together.

Welcome to Achieve Running Club. Believe and Achieve.

About Coach John

My running life began as a method to help me lose weight and get into shape. It has since turned into my life’s passion. We created the Achieve Running Club to welcome the running world into this amazing community. Whether you are just starting and working towards running your first mile and need advice, or you’ve run hundreds of marathons and want to share your knowledge, we are all runners.

I began coaching in 2015 when I earned my UK Athletics Coaching qualification (CiRF). Since I’ve started, it’s been an amazing experience to help hundreds of people run their first 5k as well as coaching 1:1 athletes to their first marathon or their first sub-3 hour finish. Additionally, I earned my Sports Nutrition qualification in 2018 and can now use both.

My search for improvement and for knowledge to help others improve is a lifelong mission.

UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness
Sports Nutrition Certified
Have run over 40 marathons myself
Coached hundreds of runners on a 1:1 basis
Seen thousands of beginners run their first 5k using my Couch to 5k program
Published 6 books on running

In 2017 running played a role that nobody would have ever imagined. At the age of 48 I suffered a stroke and this was followed by heart surgery. If I wasn’t in such good physical condition, thanks to the sport of running, the outcome would have almost certainly been far worse. Additionally, the after effects of the stroke led to bouts of rage and depression. But

running has both physical and mental benefits and now at the age of 56, I’m feeling the best I have ever felt in all areas of my life.

It had such a profound effect that I felt the need to share the experience by writing my first book, A Heart for Running.

As an Author I have been active in sharing my knowledge to the wider running community through my 6
books.

A Heart for Running: How Running Saved My Life
Running For Beginners: The easiest Guide for Running Your First 5k in Only 6 Weeks
Step Up to 10k: Improve Your 5k Time and Train for a 10k
Marathon Training Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide to Running Your Best Marathon
Running Your First Marathon Made Easy: All the Secrets You Need to Know for First Marathon Success
The Beginner Runner’s Manual: Everything You Need for Success

Why I Coach

Running has been transformational for me and I want to share this with the world. There is a point in a beginner program when you can see that spark in a new runner’s eye. That moment they realize that they can do this. They can run! That one look, that one feeling, that moment in time is why I love coaching. Watching someone do something they never thought they could. It is powerful for athletes and coaches alike.

About Coach Roisin

I have always been drawn to sports, but running didn’t become part of my life until a friend convinced me to join a marathon relay. At that point, I knew very little about running beyond the simple fact that it was faster than walking! With just a few weeks to prepare, I managed to build up my distance to 3 miles, hoping that my natural stubbornness would carry me through the last mile of the race.

On race day, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. As the final runner for our relay team, I pushed myself to run 4 miles non-stop. Crossing that finish line, I felt like I’d just won an Olympic medal, and I was completely hooked. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with running.

Now in my mid-fifties, running has become so much more than a hobby, it’s my sanctuary. It’s the space where I clear my head, find calm, and let my mind wander freely. There’s something so special about how a run can bring clarity and a fresh perspective, especially on those days when life feels overwhelming. It’s also helped me maintain a healthy weight without the stress of counting calories.

Running has influenced more than just my personal life; it’s inspired my career path, too. For nearly a decade, I’ve been working as a sports massage therapist and reflexologist, supporting others in their own wellness journeys. I’ve participated in races of all distances, from 5Ks to full marathons, but for me, running is about so much more than finish lines and medals. It’s about the connections I make on the run, meeting up with friends for a run and a chat, sharing laughter and swapping stories. Many of life’s problems have been solved on those runs, and great plans have been made. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and mutual support that come from lacing up your shoes and hitting the road together

Running is also a family affair in our house. All four of our kids share a love for the sport, and it’s become a thread that ties us together, no matter where they are in the world. Sharing our experience, whether it’s a race day triumph or an early-morning run, has brought us even closer as a family. For me, the real magic of running is how it goes far beyond the physical benefits. It’s a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and finding your own rhythm. That’s what I’m passionate about sharing with others. As a qualified sports massage therapist, certified Athletics Ireland assistant coach, a certified sports nutritionist, and a coach for beginners, I love helping people of all ages and backgrounds experience the transformative power of running.

If you’re curious about getting started, overcoming obstacles, or simply want someone to share the journey with, I’m here to help. Let’s lace up and see where the run takes us!