Spotlight on Can Too Running Coach Bethany Williamson

14 Aug 2020

Our Trail and Road Running Coach Beth started Can Too as a non-runner, in 2010. She went on to fall in love with running endurance events and turned her passion into a career to help others achieve their fitness goals.

Trains Can Tooers at: Northern Beaches and North Pod

Coaching qualifications: Cert IV in Fitness and Athletics Australia

Day job: Mum of 2 (13 & 8), personal trainer, Pilates instructor & run coach at Chocolate Box Training.

Lives: Wheeler Heights

Age: 38

Raised funds for Can Too to benefit cancer research and prevention: nearly $10,000

Why running?

It’s me time. It’s good for the body and soul. Running makes me happy.

Why Can Too?

There is so much to love about Can Too. The community, the fitness goals and the joint goal of trying to find a cure for cancer. Good people doing extraordinary things to improve themselves and make the world a better place.

What started your journey with Can Too?

I moved to Sydney and didn’t know anyone. After seeing an ad on late night TV I decided to sign up to Can Too to try and be a healthy role model for my son, make some friends and raise funds for cancer research.

How has Can Too changed your life?

I was never a runner. Anyone that knew me before I started Can Too can attest to that.

My first goal was to be able to run 10km in 2010 and with the help of my two Can Too Coaches, TC and Mentor I got there. From there I fell in love with exercise and endurance events, so I decided to turn this passion into a career and help others achieve their fitness goals. None of this would’ve happened without Can Too.

Favourite Can Too moment?

Finishing my first marathon has to be my favourite. I was greeted by a sea of orange as I came around the corner at Circular Quay and headed to the Sydney Opera House. I didn’t know any of them but they all greeted me like family, cheered their lungs out and gave me high fives. Ill never forget it.

What’s most rewarding about coaching?

There are so many aspects of coaching that are rewarding. But it’s so special to see someone start to believe in themselves and achieve things they never thought possible. I whole heartedly love this job.

Motivational quote: Anything is possible.

What I eat pre-race: the night before a big event I eat an entire vego pizza and a big bowl of porridge in the morning.

Go to meal post-race: ALL OF THE THINGS!!!!

Perfect weekend: being in the great outdoors with family and friends.

Talent I wish I had: singing!

Your advice to those thinking about starting training:  

I’d like the people that are on the fence about training to know that we were all once like you. Everyone has to start somewhere. It just takes one moment of courage to sign up and then step out of your comfort zone to change your life for the better.

You don’t have to be fit to start, you don’t have to look a certain way, you just have to start.

Your next Can Too program:

 We have a new Can Too Trail running program starting soon and I can’t wait to coach it! Trail running is very different to road running and we are so lucky to have access to so many beautiful trails locally.

 If you love nature, adventure and would like to get fitter at the same time this program is for you! There is nothing quite like feeling that you are a million miles away from the world for a little while.

Find out more about the Trail Program 2020