An Introduction to Runna Coach Steph Davis
Steph Davis was Team Great Britain’s fastest marathon runner at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. So, she knows a thing or two about running! While Steph studied Sports Science at University of Edinburgh, after graduation she found herself working in finance and running just for fun.
In 2018, Steph decided to do her first marathon when she secured at a sport at Berlin. She went on to run a time of 2:42. Since then, she’s gone on to run a time of 2:27:16 from where she won the 2021 UK Olympic Marathon Trials.
Steph is a sponsored Adidas athlete and balances her training alongside her coaching. We sat down with Coach Steph to get some of her favorite half marathons, running stories, gear, training tips, and career highlights.
Steph Davis is a coach for our favorite half marathon training app, Runna. Use code HALFMARATHONS for two weeks of free training.
Steph’s Favorite Running Shoes
For long runs and easy runs, I run in the adidas Solar Control. For speed workouts and race day, the either the adidas Pro 3 or the Takumi Sen.
Steph’s Favorite Half Marathons
I’ve only ever raced two half marathons – Big Half and Oxford. My personal best in the half marathon is from a time trial during COVID. I’ll say the Big Half as there was torrential rain in Oxford!
Steph’s Favorite Race of Any Distance
The London Marathon! The atmosphere is next level!
Steph’s Favorite Running App
Well, of course, as one of the coaches that had a role in helping to craft Runna training plans, I’ll start with that as my favorite. Second favorite is Footpath, an app for drawing running routes in new places.
Steph’s Favorite Running Brand
Anything and everything adidas.
Steph’s favorite piece of running equipment
My adidas Pro 3 Running Shoes!
Steph’s Go-To Training Supplement
The Science in Sport REGO Rapid Recovery. Specifically, the chocolate flavor! It is my go to drink after my harder running sessions. It’s full of carbohydrates, vitamins and protein to enable quicker recovery and it tastes great.
Steph’s all-time favorite race memory
Winning the UK Olympic Trials and securing my place on the team going to Tokyo 2020!
Steph’s pre-race routines or superstitions
I have a routine to keep me focused. Since I have the same routine, it also gives me one less thing to think or worry about come race morning. I have the same breakfast usually 2 and a half hours before my race start time. I get to the start at least 1 hour before. And, I do the same warm up routine as I would before a session. Practice makes perfect!
Steph’s Favorite Running Quote
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
Steph’s favorite runner on Instagram to follow
Molly Seidel. I really love her sense of humor and realness on top of being a great runner!
Steph’s favorite dinner the night before the race
Chicken and rice. I like to keep it simple.
Steph’s favorite treat after a big race
You can’t go wrong with pizza.
Steph’s big running goals
Just to keep training consistently and see where that takes me!
Steph’s coach and favorite lessons learned
Andrew Henderson. He’s taught me that I am the only one that can feel what I am feeling. Be open. Communicate how I am feeling day to day, no matter how big or small it might seem.
If you’re not ready for the Runna training program, check out our Half Marathon Guide training plans for every half marathon between 8 and 20 weeks away.
