Welcome to Switchback Coaching

Unlock your full potential with personalized coaching for ultra trail running.

About Me

Hi, I’m Johann—a passionate ultra running coach from South Africa with over a decade of trail-running experience. As a certified UESCA ultra running coach with a background in Data Science, I bring a unique, data-driven approach to help athletes achieve their impossible.

Dubbed "permanently optimistic," I thrive on challenges. Living in a town with no elevation but competing in mountain races has taught me creativity and dedication, qualities I bring to every athlete I coach.

Why Choose Switchback Coaching?

1-on-1 Personal Coaching: Tailored guidance to suit your individual goals.
Custom Training Plans: Designed specifically for your needs.
Dynamic Adjustments: Training programs that adapt weekly to your progress.
Constant Communication: Stay connected and supported every step of the way.

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🏃‍♂️ My Experience and Highlights

With numerous ultra races under my belt, here are some key achievements:
SkyRun 100k: PB 16:07, 4th place (5x participant)
UTCT 100k: PB 14:42, first sub-15-hour 100k (2x participant)
MUT 100k: PB 15:30
MacMac 50Mile: 🥇 PB 10:11
Outeniqua Quest 108k: 🥈 16:47
Munga MTB 1140km: 102 hours, single-stage race
Otter Trail 40km: PB 5:31 and 🥈 on the Challenge (3x participant)
UTD 100k: PB16:54
Magoebas Ultra 50k: 6:30
Sage Burner 50k: 5:18 Gunnison, CO

📜 Qualifications

Real-World Experience: Countless miles and ultra races completed, learning by doing.

Certifications:

UESCA Ultra Running Coach
STRYD Coaching Certification

What Clients Say

From 10km to 50km within a year! When I had the nearly impossible dream to run a 50km trail run with only 9 months to go, Johan just said "yes!!". And so my training started...with a coach that believes anything is possible. His laidback but very focused approach to life and coaching helps you to not only better yourself as athlete, reaching heights you never thought possible, but also to create an absolute love for running. His detailed, personalised speed, run, progression, tempo, threshold sessions are pure torture, but exactly what is required for you to reach your goals. He literally goes the extra mile - sharing all his nutritional knowledge, life mottos and even runs with you when needed - leading me to excel and finish 4th lady in my first ultra! He ensures that your programme is flexible and will suit any busy schedule, just make sure to "toughen up buttercup"!

🚀 Innovation, Tools & Benefits

Critical Speed Calculator: A custom-built tool to calculate zones for optimized training, even without a power meter.

Coaching Platforms: Garmin Clipboard & STRYD Power Platform for seamless training integration.

Join our free social speedwork group—where the sessions are not only fun but also conveniently loaded directly onto your Garmin!

50% on STRYD monthly subscription fee

15% discount on a new Next Gen STRYD pod