How does Flat Rock coaching work?

Every Flat Rock athlete works one-to-one with a coach. After you apply, we'll have a short conversation to make sure we're a good fit and match you with the coach whose specialism aligns with what you're training for. From there, you get a custom training plan loaded into TrainingPeaks, weekly check-ins with your coach, race-day strategy support, and access to the wider Flat Rock runners' network. Coaching is month-to-month with no long contracts — you can pause or stop whenever you need to.

Do I need TrainingPeaks?

Yes — we use TrainingPeaks as the platform where your training plan, workouts, and progress live. It's where your coach uploads your weekly sessions, where you log your runs, and where strength work sits alongside the running. The base TrainingPeaks athlete account is free, so the only cost is the coaching itself.

Is coaching in-person or online?

All of our coaching is delivered online — through TrainingPeaks, messages, voice notes, and video calls. Our athletes train across South Africa, France, Spain and New Zealand, and the coaching works wherever you're running. For our Cape Town-based athletes, there are weekly group runs and Thursday track sessions at Green Point Stadium — but these are added to the coaching, not how the coaching itself happens.

How often do I speak to my coach?

Expect at least one full check-in per week through TrainingPeaks, where your coach reviews how the previous week went and adjusts the upcoming week. On top of that, day-to-day communication happens through messages, voice notes, and the occasional video call when something needs unpacking. If something comes up mid-week — a niggle, a missed session, a question about a workout — you can message your coach and you'll usually hear back the same day.

What does race-day support look like?

A few weeks before your goal race, we'll work through the race itself — pacing strategy, nutrition plan, kit, the bits of the course you should know, the contingencies if things go sideways. Pre-race calls cover all of this in detail. On race day, you'll know what to expect, you'll have a plan, and you won't be figuring it out in the start chute. For races where one of our coaches is also racing or supporting on the ground, there's also in-person support at events when it's possible.

Do I need to be at a certain level to work with you?

No — we coach across the full spectrum, from first-time marathoners and runners returning from injury, all the way through to athletes targeting UTMB and Western States. What matters more than your current pace is your commitment to the work and your willingness to engage in the process. If you're not sure whether Flat Rock is right for you, get in touch and we'll have a conversation — there's no pressure either way.

How much does coaching cost?

Coaching is priced as a monthly subscription. We'll share specific pricing once we've had an initial conversation about your goals and what you're looking for. There are no long contracts — coaching is month-to-month and you can stop whenever you need to.

Can I switch coaches if it's not working?

Yes. If it turns out the coach we matched you with isn't quite the right fit — different communication styles, different focus, anything — we'll move you to another coach on the team. The whole reason we have multiple coaches with different specialisms is so you can find the one who works best for you.

What if I get injured or need to pause?

Injuries, illness, work crises, family things — all of these will happen at some point during your time with us. Your coach adjusts your plan around them. If you need to pause coaching entirely for a few weeks or longer, that's fine too. Just let us know.

Do you coach athletes outside South Africa?

Yes. While Flat Rock is based in Cape Town, our coaches and athletes are spread across South Africa, France, Spain and New Zealand. Naomi Brand, one of our coaches, is based in New Zealand, which means there's full coverage of European and Australasian time zones for athletes who prefer a coach closer to home. Coaching is online, so geography doesn't change what's possible — what does change is the kinds of races and conditions we're tuned in to.

The Coaching Team

Flat Rock Endurance’s coaching team is a hand-selected team of world-class coaches, athletes, sport scientists and registered dietitians across South Africa, France, Spain, and New Zealand. Each coach brings a different specialism – but the philosophy is shared.

Erin van Eyssen · Toni McCann · Brendan Lombard · Naomi Brand

Black and white photo of a smiling man with a beard, wearing a cap and a T-shirt with a skull graphic, standing outdoors with a rocky mountain in the background.

Founder · Head Coach · South Africa

Erin van Eyssen

Long-term athlete development · road, trail and ultra · coaching since 2016

“I want athletes to spend more time looking up, than looking down”

Erin van Eyssen founded Flat Rock Endurance in 2017 upon completion of his National Diploma in Coaching Sciences.
He found his love for running in March 2010, and has been a student of the sport ever since. With a passion for both road and trail running, Erin has been in the coaching space, building Flat Rock as a pillar of support and community for athletes to thrive and achieve their goals.
He has a world of experience working with athletes of all levels, from beginners to elites, covering distances from 5km to hundreds of miles.
He holds the athlete as the top priority, taking into consideration their goals and and their long-term focus in the sport for them to grow sustainably in their discipline.
Erin strongly focuses on the physical and mental health and well-being of his athletes prior to any race result or goal, which gives Flat Rock Endurance athletes a unique and well-rounded coaching experience.

A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a sports jersey outdoors.

Coach · Adidas Running Athlete · France

Toni McCann

International trail & ultra racing · race nutrition specialist

“The race is really just the celebration of the work”

Toni McCann lives by a mantra of “Stubborn Self-Belief” and what an important pillar that is in order to achieve your goals!
Toni herself was a Flat Rock athlete until end of 2023 and then transitioned to a coaching role.

Toni offers a wealth of experience in the field of running and specialised nutrition coaching. It brings together her belief in supporting the whole athlete, and not just the physical side of coaching.
Toni believes having a coach is so much more than a training plan; they are the voice of encouragement, belief, support, and – when needed – a bit of tough love.
Toni’s experience of racing at an elite level, both locally and internationally, will no doubt benefit all who are under her wing.

A man squatting on the floor in a gym with brick walls, holding a medicine ball in front of him, with gym equipment and a sign that reads 'BUNKER 11 FITNESS - CONDITIONING - REHAB' behind him.

Coach · Sport Scientist · Spain

Brendan Lombard

Sports science · strength integration · multi-sport background

"Any terrain, anyone."

As a Stellenbosch University graduate with a Sports Science degree, an elite trail runner, and a former World-ranked multisport athlete, Brendan brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of performance and trail running.
Brendan believes that there is a specific science behind endurance coaching on a physiological level and that the mind, body and spirit all work together to get one over whatever finish lines they set out to achieve. Brendan has worked with a variety of athletes; from "couch to 5km" to elite ultra runners. With a coaching mantra of "any terrain, anyone", he undertakes an inclusive, well-rounded approach to training.
With rich knowledge in strength and conditioning, specifically targeting the athlete's objectives, Brendan understands the importance of conditioning and insists it is a part of every athlete's plan.

Coach · Ultra Specialist · New Zealand

Naomi Brand

Elite trail runner racing 100km and Miler distances · based in New Zealand

“The long buildup is the work”

Naomi has been running and competing since the age of 12. Although she began with track and road running, her interest quickly shifted to cross country and eventually trail running after high school.

She joined Flat Rock as an athlete more than 10 years ago, and recently completed her UESCA Ultra Running Coach Certification.

Her main focus as an athlete is ultra trail races, including 100km and 100-mile events, and she has been fortunate to compete in major international races including UTMB, Canyons, Lavaredo, Tarawera and more.
Currently based in New Zealand, Naomi works as a locum veterinarian to provide her with flexibility to train and coach.

She enjoys coaching athletes, and being part of Flat Rock keeps her connected to the running community. She is deeply passionate about helping both humans and animals, and she believes coaching makes her a better athlete and a better person.

Join Flat Rock Endurance

Tell us about your running, your goal race, and we'll match you with the coach who fits.

Let's chat about your running

The Coaching Team

Erin van Eyssen

Read Erin's Bio

Toni McCann

Read Toni's Bio

Brendan Lombard

Read Brendan's Bio

Naomi Brand

Read Naomi's Bio

Join Flat Rock Endurance