ABOUT

Hi *waves* I’m Gillian / G / Coach G,

I moved to Canada from Scotland in 2014 at a time when I was very unhealthy and unfit. I did no exercise and convinced myself that I was eating healthily and only having treats in moderation (but it was all lies!). At the time I didn’t have the motivation or willpower to do anything about it. But that all changed, thanks to Canada (yes the whole entire country, if you are Canadian, I thank you).

Even in the harsh winter, when it would be justifiable to hibernate, Torontonians are active. As I watched the runners braving the cold and snow, it didn’t look like it was the chore that I thought it would be – they looked happy and relaxed. It had never occurred to me before that fitness would be enjoyable; I wanted to be a runner. So I decided that my New Year’s resolutions for 2015 would be to run a 5km race and eat healthily. I normally give up on resolutions by mid-January, but for some reason these stuck – I was so committed to these goals. I was clean eating every day, and despite the disgustingly cold Toronto winter weather, I would run after work three times a week. I had no idea about pace, or distance, or tracking apps, or even what a run/walk method was – I just ran. By May I had completed my 5km race goal, then in September I did a 10km race, and a half-marathon in October. I was completely hooked on running!

Fast forward to now, and I have run races from 5km distance to marathons, I volunteer at races and race expos, I pace at races, and I’m often an instructor for a local run clinic.

DAILY MOVEMENT AND HEALTHY EATING HAVE BECOME SO MUCH MORE TO ME THAN WANTING TO BE FIT AND HEALTHY; THEY ARE A WAY OF LIFE.

In 2018, I wanted to learn more, so once again I was back to creating a New Year’s resolution plan, and made 2018 all about self-development. After a year of studying, I became a certified marathon running coach (with the North American Academy of Sports Fitness Professionals) and Culinary Nutrition Expert (through the Academy of Culinary Nutrition).

I predominately wanted to do these qualifications to increase my own knowledge so that I could run better and have a deeper understanding of nutrition. It wasn’t long before I realised I wanted to do more, I wanted to help others – which is how I became Coach G. I absolutely love helping clients achieve their running and nutrition goals – it brings me so much joy to see them absolutely crush their goals.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

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