Arj Thiruchelvam

Running Coach in Solihull, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Science-led running coaching that actually moves the needle. Trusted by beginners, competitive club runners, and Team GB athletes alike.

About Arj

Most runners train hard. My athletes train smart. If you've been putting in the miles but your times have plateaued, you're picking up recurring niggles, or you just don't know whether what you're doing is actually working — you're in the right place. At Performance Physique, every programme is built from a foundation of sports science, not guesswork. I use professional-grade tools including online and in-person blood lactate testing, GPS tracking (Freelap), and force output analysis (Output Sports) to understand exactly what your body is doing and where the gains are hiding. This is the kind of methodology used with elite athletes — applied practically to everyday runners. What you get with Performance Physique coaching: A training plan built around your actual fitness level (VDOT-tested, not assumed) Structured periodisation with purpose behind every session Strength and conditioning work integrated into your programme — not bolted on Nutrition guidance informed by MNU-certified coaching Regular check-ins, data review, and plan adjustments as you progress A coach who picks up the phone and tells you the truth Client results include: Multiple marathon and half marathon PBs (including sub-3 marathons) 5k times slashed by 3–5+ minutes over 12-week blocks All number of different sports and goals all managed by quality coaching Who I work with: Runners targeting 5k through to marathon and ultra Athletes looking to add strength training to their running Beginners who want to start right and avoid the mistakes most runners make Competitive club runners who've hit a wall and want to break through it Anyone who wants a coach who takes their goals as seriously as they do My philosophy is simple: your training should be as individual as your fingerprint. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all plans, fad protocols, or telling people what they want to hear. I believe in the science, I believe in the process, and I believe in the athlete in front of me. Coaching Certifications & Credentials BSc Hons Applied Sports Science — Loughborough University UKA Level 2 Coach (Sprints & Jumps) MNU Certified Nutritionist Level 3 Personal Trainer Co-designer of two Sports Science undergraduate degree programmes Keynote Speaker — National Running Show (multiple years) Speaker — International Running Expo, Amsterdam BBC Radio London / BBC Radio 5 Live / BBC Radio WM / BBC TV contributor Featured: The Guardian, The Times, Stylist Magazine A note on how I coach I've been injured. I know what it's like to have a goal ripped away from you — I sustained a ruptured achilles while training for the decathlon in early 2012. That experience sharpened my understanding of load management, return-to-run protocols, and how to build athletes who last, not just athletes who peak. I bring that lived experience into every coaching relationship. Ready to run faster? Let's find out what's actually holding you back.

Video Introduction

Coaching Products

Description

An initial consultation to review goals, training strategies and to outline how we at Performance Physique can help you achieve your training and race goals. We've found our initial consultations alone have allowed our athletes to gain an advantage on the track.

$45.00 - 30 minute call

Purchase

Description

A one-off Nutrition Consultation to provide you with the tools and nutrition strategies to achieve your goals and maximise your training. This is formed of a 60-90 minute consultation with immediate verbal guidance and points to action plus written feedback notes with detailed nutritional strategies. Using our experience from working within the world's largest nutrition company, the worlds leading nutrition consultancy and qualification plus our time as a Performance Sports Nutrition lecturer, we will advise you on how to best achieve your goals in your sport and improve your health. Consultations can be shaped by your requirements but commonly include: - Calorie & Macronutrient Requirements - Event / Duration Requirements - Race Day & Typical Training Day Strategies - Carbohydrate Loading - Supplementation - Consideration for the runner with dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian etc.) - Weight loss strategies - Muscle Gain strategies Most clients who have a consultation do not require monthly support but this is available. However, we provide you with a toolbox to manage and control your own nutrition following just one simple consultation conducted via Skype or Facetime. The opportunity to join our online support, advice and accountability group at a reduced rate for monthly on-going support is available after completing the consultation. Plus all clients are entitled to a follow-up consultation with a 30% discount, within 12 months.

$223.00 - 60 minute call

Purchase

Description

Our 5km Training Programme is here to help you progress and succeed and with it being customisable to your pace, you can keep working towards your personal bests no matter your ability! The programme includes: 2-3 Programmed running sessions per week Pace and Intensity Guidance Strength & Conditioning Circuit Training

Minimum Requirements

Must be able to commit to a minimum of three runs per weeks with an average of 25km or 15miles per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$200.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

Description

Our 10km Training Programme is here to help you progress and succeed and with it being customisable to your pace, you can keep working towards your personal bests no matter your ability! The programme includes: 2-3 Programmed running sessions per week Pace and Intensity Guidance Strength & Conditioning Circuit Training Final week taper

Minimum Requirements

Must be able to train 2 - 3 times per week.

Communication

1 email per month

$200.00 - 12 week plan

Purchase

How it works

01.

Choose how you want to work together

Book a consultation, choose a training plan, or start private coaching.

02.

Connect with your coach

Share your goals, experience and upcoming races.

03.

Start training

Get your plan, stay connected and track your progress in VDOT.

Training with Arj

Athlete requirement

I work best with athletes who are committed to the process — not just the outcome. You don't need to be fast. You don't need experience. You just need to turn up, trust the programme, and be willing to be coached.

Distances coached

800m, Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km , Half Marathon, Marathon, General Fitness, Ultra Marathon

Languages

English

Coaching options

In-person

Online/Remote coaching

Group coaching

Training camps

Consultations

Specialties

Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Nutrition Advice, Nutritionist, Cross Training Advice, Biomechanist , Mental Skills, Beginner Runners, Recreational Runners, Masters Runners, Exercise Scientist, Triathlons

AI Summary Based on information provided in Arj's profile.

Arj Thiruchelvam builds sports‑science‑driven plans that turn hard training into measurable gains. Using VDOT testing, blood‑lactate, Freelap GPS and force analysis, he integrates strength work and MNU‑informed nutrition to break plateaus and prevent niggles. His athletes earn PBs—from sub‑3 marathons to 3–5+ minute 5K gains. Explore his consultations and training plans.

Frequently asked questions

This coach supports runners focused on 800m, Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, Marathon, General Fitness, and Ultra Marathon with coaching specialities that include Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Nutrition Advice, and Nutritionist.

Yes. Arj Thiruchelvam is currently accepting new coaching clients, and you can reach out directly from this profile page.

Yes. Arj Thiruchelvam coaches Competitive Runners, High School Runners, Cross Training Advice, Beginner Runners, Recreational Runners, and Masters Runners specifically for 800m, Mile/1500m, 2mi/3km, 5km, 10km, 15km, Half Marathon, Marathon, General Fitness, and Ultra Marathon, tailoring the plan to experience level and race distance together.

This coach currently offers Consultations and Training Plans. Product availability can change as the coach updates their marketplace offerings.

I work best with athletes who are committed to the process — not just the outcome. You don't need to be fast. You don't need experience. You just need to turn up, trust the programme, and be willing to be coached.

Coaching is available through In-person, Online/Remote coaching, Group coaching, Training camps, and Consultations. Review product details to choose the format that best matches your goals.