Dave Coombs

Interview with Dave Coombs from October 2023

By Bianca Ratje

How and when did you first get involved in athletics?

Dave first became interested in coaching through his own experiences racing trail, marathon, and ultra-marathon races.

Being a physio as well as an athlete and coach meant that he was interested in the technique and biomechanics of running just as much as the coaching science and endurance physiology. Initially, this was purely to benefit his own running, but he soon came to realise that he was in a great position with a unique set of skills to really help other people with their running and training.

What brings you the most enjoyment or satisfaction from athletics coaching?

Dave gets the most satisfaction from receiving positive feedback from athletes that they are enjoying their  training and loving their running.

Dave has been coaching for a long time now so it's difficult to pinpoint a single moment that brings him the most pride, but one that stands out is seeing Tom Brimelow win the 50k event at Ultra Trail Australia which is the biggest trail event in the country. “Being able to share that with Tom and his family was pretty cool!!”

Who and where are you coaching?

Dave lives and works on the Gold Coast and does individual running technique coaching, workshops, and physiotherapy sessions locally in South East Queensland.

In addition to this Dave has a number of athletes he works with remotely, throughout Australia.

Dave mostly coach adults, but does have a few juniors that he helps.

Most of Dave’s athletes are training for longer distance events such as marathon and ultra-marathon, both on the road or trails. These events can be anywhere in the world!

What do you think makes a great athlete? What are some common traits you have observed in your athletes?

Definitely the athletes with the greatest level of success are those that are consistent with their training over the long-term.

Nothing beats consistency. 

What have your greatest successes been as a coach?

Something Dave is proud of was starting the Wolfpack running group at a local school in 2018, getting primary-aged kids (many of whom had never run in any organised capacity before) running a couple of times a week, and venturing out onto the trails.

Do you work with any other coaches or have a support network?

Dave has a big support network around the Gold Coast, but the main one he’d like to highlight is his physio practice Physiologic, Robina where Dave has been working at for 12+ years. “We have an awesome team without whom I wouldn't be able to do the work I do”.

What do you hope is next for your coaching journey?

“There are so many amazing races and events in the world and I get a kick out of helping my athletes chase their goals in these events. Each year, a new event comes along that inspires and excites me to continue on this amazing coaching journey”.

Dave also loves working with younger athletes and believes it would be exciting to help someone make that junior to senior transition at an elite level. 

Are you taking on new athletes?

Dave is taking on athletes, and has opportunities for 1:1 coaching, running technique coaching, physiotherapy, and online coaching.

The best way to contact Dave is via coach@davecoombs.com.au and through his website www.davecoombs.com.au.