Daniel Rowland Coaching
I help endurance athletes to optimise their training through an evidence-based approach that draws on best practice to build effective, individualised training plans. I love accompanying athletes on their journey to pursue their racing goals and take on demanding challenges.
Who this is for
I specialise in trail running and swimrun, but I also coach runners, cyclists and triathletes who want a structured, personalised, research-grounded plan.Whether you're preparing for your first ultra, chasing a podium at ÖTILLÖ, or simply want a smarter approach to a demanding goal, I build the plan around you: your life, your training history, and your target race.
Individual coaching
I start by mapping a long-term plan for your season: your race goals, key training focuses, and the training blocks needed to get there.Week to week, I review your training and adjust your plan as needed. I'm also available for queries or feedback during the week. When a new significant training block begins, before a race, and for race debriefs, we'll schedule a call.This combination of a structured long-term plan with flexible, responsive week-to-week coaching keeps you progressing more effectively than a rigid, one-size-fits-all plan.
Consultation calls
If you prefer to manage your own training but want expert input or a second opinion, I offer once-off consultation calls. This can be useful for athletes who don't need full-time coaching but want a research-grounded check on their training and racing.This could cover season planning and periodisation, analysing the specific demands for goal races, choosing race gear and equipment, or developing a race nutrition plan.
Individual coaching
CHF 200/month
This includes:
An initial set-up call
A high-level periodisation plan for the season
Weekly training plans with key sessions and weekly review
Regular check-ins
Calls at the start of new training blocks and before races
Consulting call
CHF 150/hour
A once-off call to review your current plan and approach.
FAQ
Do I need to be an elite athlete to work with you?
No, I coach a range of levels from first-timers taking on their first ultra to athletes chasing podiums. What matters is commitment to a demanding goal, not current ability.How much time do I need to train?
This depends entirely on your goals and life circumstances; we'll design a plan that fits realistically around your schedule, not the other way around.What if I already work with a physio or nutritionist?
That's great. I regularly coordinate with other practitioners athletes are already working with.How is this different from a generic training plan?
Every plan is built and adjusted weekly around your actual training data and feedback and is grounded in the research I write about every week, not a one-size-fits-all template.What training platform do you use?
I use Final Surge. There is no additional cost to you as an athlete to set up an account there.Do I need to use a Garmin or other training watch?
Yes. I need to be able to see your training and how you comply with the plan so that I can give more detailed feedback based on what you actually do in training.
About me
I'm Daniel Rowland, an endurance athlete living in Switzerland and competing internationally. I'm fascinated by training and progressing as an athlete. I coach athletes from all around the world and I work with HRV4Training and Saturday Nutrition as an ambassador and in user support.I have competed in endurance sports for many years starting with cross-country running and triathlon and now in trail ultra-marathons and swimrun races. Over that time I have experienced a lot of training protocols, made many mistakes, made refinements, and slowly figured out the best practices that work well for me as an athlete. As a teenager I designed extremely detailed training micro- and macro-cycles for my season specifying training session length to the minute (completely unnecessary!). Later I worked with world class triathlon coaches and then trail running coaches. After consolidating that experience, continually learning from reading, and talking to other athletes and coaches I now design my own training and it has proved successful.Every week I review a range of endurance-related research studies in my newsletter. It's important to me to build my evidence-based approach and to share ideas and ways to implement best practice through simple, practical takeaways and coaching concepts.
Testimonials
Lawrence Laughery
I can't speak highly enough about my experience with Daniel over the past season. He has had an immense impact on my development as an athlete. Before our collaboration began (end of 2021), I was feeling stuck in my performance and training. When we first started working together, I was enthusiast but lacked some skills and confidence to step up a level. Daniel saw my potential from the start and knew how to unlock my potential. His expertise, dedication, and guidance were instrumental in transforming me into a more capable and confident athlete.What sets Daniel apart is his ability to break down complex techniques and strategies into simple, manageable steps. He tailors his coaching to my individual needs, providing constructive feedback and hands-on support to improve my performance. His personalized approach not only accelerated my progress but also made me more passionate about the sport. Daniel, didn't just focus on the physical aspects; he emphasized the importance of mental strength. He gives out great pep talks and strategies for handling pressure during intense competitions. I learned not only how to be a better athlete but also how to run under pressure. As a result of Daniel's coaching, I've seen a significant improvement in my performance and have gained more self-confidence both on and off the field. I am proud to say that I've achieved personal milestones and unlocked some interesting physical, psychological aspects for the future. I recommend Daniel to any athlete looking to take their game to the next level. I am grateful for the positive impact he’s had on my sports journey.
Selected highlight results
Eiger UltraTrail UTMB 51k : 8th
Engadine UltraTrail 51km : 1st
Swiss Peaks 70k, Swiss Championship : 1st
Nici Winkelbeiner
I am deeply grateful to have the privilege of working with Daniel Rowland as my running coach. His qualifications, broad knowledge, and coaching philosophy are truly exceptional. From the moment I began training under Daniel’s guidance, it was evident that I am in the hands of a professional expert in road-, trail-, and mountainrunning. Further, Daniel provides most valuable support in recovery phases and for developing the mindset essential for running ultra distances or extreme-condition races.Every aspect of Daniel’s coaching reflects his deep understanding of biomechanics, sports nutrition, and training methodologies. Training plans crafted by Daniel are carefully thought-through and flexibly tailored to individual needs and goals, ensuring that your personal potential and athletic progress are maximized.Daniel unwaveringly supports his athletes and is dedicated to their progress as well as overall well-being. Besides providing solid guidance, motivation, and encouragement for training, Daniel imparts his valuable knowledge on “making good decisions” for your personal running journey. His positive attitude and genuine care for his runners is augmented by Daniel’s empathic and supportive communication.I wholeheartedly recommend Daniel as running coach for his unmatched qualifications, broad interdisciplinary knowledge, and unwavering support full of kindness to help you reach your full potential.
@nixitrixili
Jonas Maurer
I started working with Daniel while preparing for the Zurich Marathon. Since then, he has helped me progress physically and in how I think about training. I have learned to trust the process, put individual sessions into perspective, and make good decisions when things do not go to plan. This has made me a more confident and mentally resilient athlete.As a sports physiotherapist with experience in training and load management, I value the depth of our discussions. Daniel combines scientific expertise with pragmatism and empathy. He explains the reasoning behind his decisions, challenges my thinking, and helps me develop both as an athlete and a physiotherapist.His race preparation is specific. Before the GP Bern, the training gave me the confidence to tackle Heartbreak Hill knowing I had already done the work. The same approach is now transferring to trail running.This journey matters deeply. After a severe foot injury 15 years ago, I stopped running and dared to start again in 2023. First I thought 15 kilometres was the limit, then a half marathon, then the marathon. Daniel is helping me see there may be more ahead while becoming a sustainable athlete who can keep running for years.
Selected highlight results
Zurich Marathon: PB 2:51:13
GP Berne: PB 1:00:13
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