My name is Michael O'Connor — a qualified England Athletics coach with nearly 10 years experience working with athletes aged 6 to 18, including young people with additional needs. I specialise in endurance — from the 100m to cross country — and I know first hand what it takes to help people find their potential, whatever their starting point.
Away from coaching I've pushed my own boundaries competing in marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, Ironman, Half Ironman and swimming the 12 miles across Windermere. Along the way, the question I get asked more than any other is simple: "What trainers should I wear?"
It sounds straightforward. But I remember the confusion of starting out — standing in a shop, overwhelmed, with no idea what I actually needed. The wrong shoe can hold you back before you've even begun.
I work in IT, so I built Stride — an AI agent that asks the same questions I would ask as a coach, then uses your answers to recommend the perfect running shoe for you specifically. Not generic advice. Not sponsored suggestions. Just honest, personalised guidance based on your goals, your body and your running.
Because the right shoe isn't a luxury. It's the foundation of every great run.
Welcome to Stride. Let's find yours. 👟
