Emma McEwen
I work closely with a small number of athletes, providing highly individualised coaching that combines science-based training, technical and mental skills development, and race-specific strategies.
My coaching approach focuses on building aerobic endurance, physical strength, and mental resilience, enabling athletes to train with purpose, race with confidence, optimise their health, and ultimately find joy in the process.
I support athletes in achieving their individual goals, whether that’s a new athlete transitioning to ultra-distance events, hybrid athletes or an experienced athlete looking to dial in their performance, train more effectively and optimise their health.
I also work with athletes who need guidance returning from injury or managing persistent niggles, helping them rebuild confidence in both their bodies and their training.
My coaching strengths include supporting runners returning from injury, athletes navigating overtraining and low energy availability (LEA), and athletes seeking to optimise both performance and health goals.
As an athlete myself a couple of notable races I've completed are the UTMB Doi Inthanon 100-Miler in Thailand—a race with more elevation gain than UTMB Mont-Blanc, combined with the challenges of tropical heat, extreme humidity, and remote technical trails. My performance there earned me direct entry into UTMB Mont-Blanc, where I embraced the demands of significant elevation, high altitude, and tight cut-offs alongside thousands of runners from around the world.
Alongside my coaching and training, I'm a free lance designer and the mother of a highly active and adventurous young family as well as a volunteer Scout Leader.
I’m passionate about inspiring others to pursue bold goals, embrace adventure, and create meaningful experiences that enrich their lives.
Experience & Qualifications
UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach
Level 2 TrainingPeaks Accredited Coach
Outdoors First Aid Certified
Honours Degree in Design
Grad Diploma in Production Design - Film and TV
Experienced ultra runner with NZ Event top 10 W finishes in the trail marathon, 80k, 100k and top 10 age group finishes in International 100-mile events.Â
Wild Things Women’s FKT Whakarewarewa Rainbow Run 60k
10+ years experience in leadership roles
Notable Event Coaching / Race Experience
- UTMB Mont Blanc 100 Mile
- UTMB Doi Inthanon 100 Mile
- Ring Of Fire
- Tarawera Ultra Marathon
- Taupo 100k
- Blue Lakes 24hour
- Legend of the Peaks
- Taupo Trail Series
- Run the Forest
- Rotorua Marathon
Coaching Specialties
- Trail and Ultra Marathons
- Technical events - heat / altitude
- High-Performance Racing & Podium Goals
- Optimising health and performance
- Supporting runners return from injury