“Figure out what makes you interested in running. There’s so many things you can do to make what would normally be boring better.” – Tim Rowberry
This refreshing perspective from Tim Rowberry, coach of 6x Olympic Medalist and World Champion Sifan Hassan, perfectly captures his unique approach.
What makes Tim special is how he combines analytical precision with genuine curiosity, science and intuition to bring out the best in his athletes. In our conversation, we explore his unconventional coaching philosophy, how he develops athletes for the long-term, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned while coaching at the highest level of the sport.
Click HERE to watch the full video.
► CLICK HERE to watch this new video.
► Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and or your other favorite podcast platform.
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to https://DrinkLMNT.com/FLO to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
Sifan Hassan has won six Olympic medals. In Tokyo 2020, she earned gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m, plus a bronze in the 1,500m. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, she won gold in the marathon, bronze in the 5,000m, and bronze in the 10,000m. She also won the London and Chicago marathons. Absolutely mind blowing how Sifan and Tim were able to pull this off.
Here are some of the topics covered:
- 0:00 – Tim Roberry’s coaching approach and working with Sifan Hassan
- 1:59 – LMNT sponsorship
- 2:51 – How Tim started coaching Sifan Hassan
- 4:57 – Life and training camp experience in Kenya
- 7:37 – Keeping training fun and interesting
- 10:56 – Intuition as a coach and building a feedback loop with athletes
- 12:38 – Understanding your range: short vs long distance performance
- 15:05 – Exploring and getting lost in Kenya
- 17:27 – How Tim and Sifan adapt training flexibility
- 23:26 – Adjusting speed workouts based on Sifan’s readiness
- 25:26 – Pushing vs backing off: how Tim reads the athlete
- 28:27 – Memorable race moments
- 29:40 – Lowering intensity and building volume
- 33:36 – What data really matters in elite performance
- 36:05 – The role of food in training, racing, and everyday performance
- 38:15 – Advice Tim would give to his younger self
- 39:28 – How race day at London Marathon unfolded for Tim as a coach
- 45:13 – Tim’s behind-the-scenes view during Sifan’s marathon
- 48:15 – Tim’s perspective on Sifan’s historic win
- 51:00 – Tim’s mindset tips for first-time racers
- 52:19 – How Sifan bounced back from the 10,000m fall in Budapest
- 55:14 – Common mistakes runners make
- 57:03 – Where to find Tim
- 57:44 – Tips to become a stronger, healthier, and happier athlete
A few quotes from Extramilest Show #99 with Tim Rowberry:
On Learning & Growth: “The first step to learning is admitting that you don’t know something. You have to figure out what you don’t know in order to even learn.”
On Overcoming Challenges: “Hurt now or you’re going to hurt later. You might as well make yourself happy in the future and just do the work now.”
On Practical Training Advice: “Most problems happen starting in the feet, so try to do stability stuff like stuff where you’re standing on one foot, balancing exercises.”
On Maintaining Interest and Enjoyment: “Figure out what makes you interested in running, whether it’s exploring, whether it’s listening to something, whether it’s like listening to something you’re learning while you’re running. There’s so many things you can do to make what would normally be boring better.”
On Training Philosophy: “Even if you set your heart on running a specific time in a certain distance this year, if your body is telling you to go a different direction, you’re just going to hurt yourself if you keep forcing that.”
Cheers,
Floris Gierman
P.S. If you’re inspired by Tim’s balanced approach to training and his emphasis on patience, exploration, and consistency, you might enjoy the Personal Best Running Program. Like Tim does with elite athletes, we focus on the whole picture: running, recovery, nutrition, and mindset. Check it out here to see how my team and I can help you become a stronger, healthier, and happier athlete.
