Coaching
Our Coaching Philosophy
“Sharing the science, art and love of movement for a lifetime of sustainable and optimal performance.”
Our coaching philosophy at Mountain Abandon is a multi-faceted approach to training. Firstly, we aim to bring you the latest but most relevant and accurate science of sport. This applies to all areas of training because the way you eat, sleep and think is just as important as the way you move! Our coaches are continuously self-educating to ensure that their athletes have access to the best science-based guidance available.
The second component to our philosophy is the art of coaching. All the science in the world cannot design a training plan that is congruent with each individual’s schedule, work-life balance or training history and goals. The emotional and psychological aspect of training also falls under the art of coaching. Whether you prefer the drill-sergeant or cheer-leader coach, it will always take a human to listen, understand and motivate you when training gets tough. Unfortunately no number of automated computer comments are ever going to replace the emotional support and accountability role of a good coach...
The third aspect of our coaching approach is based on the love of movement. Mountain Abandon originates from a desire to move freely in nature and we aim to share this passion with others. Basically, everything comes down to a single simple conclusion – if you do not enjoy your training journey then your energy and time could be better spent elsewhere. So above all else, our coaches promote a fun outlook and sustainable training process which prioritises each athlete's long-term physical well-being. To perform your sport at the highest possible level is an amazing achievement, but to move optimally and comfortably in your chosen discipline and environment until an old age is perhaps an even greater accomplishment!
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What We Offer
Trail & Mountain Running
Whether you're looking for short & fast or ultra endurance, trail and mountain running is our speciality. We work with athletes of all levels, from beginner to elite. Everyone has to start somewhere, and we love sharing our passion for nature and running with anyone wanting to hit the trails!
Through a training plan adapted to your personal strengths and weanesses, we'll help you become a stronger uphill athlete, a pro on the technical descents, competent at pole use, and confident with solo navigation in remote mountainous terrain. We'll also advise you on proper gear and nutrition - critical components of off-road and ultra events.
We've guided athletes to success in various local and international trail & mountain races, both single and multi-day. Our coaches currently have personal experience in distances up to 100 miles, and have been part of some truly amazing experiences around the world. If you're looking to dig deep to summit your own mountains, we can't wait to help you reach the top!
Road Running
Trail running is not for everyone, and we recognise the value of running in its simplest form. There's nothing better than pulling on lightweight sneakers and hitting the asphalt at any time of day - no gear, no stress, no fuss. Just you, your numbers, and the open road... We get it.
From sub-3 hour marathons to Comrades finishers, we've worked with athletes for most South African marathons and half-marathons, as well as the occasional international event. So whether you're just starting out or looking to complete the Ultimate Human Race, we can help you achieve your goals!
Cross Training
Strength
Strength training is crucial for runners because it enhances muscular endurance, improves running economy, and reduces injury risk. By building stronger glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles, runners gain better stability and power with each stride, especially on uneven terrain or during fatigue. It also helps correct imbalances and reinforces joint integrity, making the body more resilient to the repetitive impact of running. Ultimately, strength work complements endurance training, allowing runners to move more efficiently, recover faster, and perform at their peak.
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent cross-training activity for runners because it builds cardiovascular endurance while minimizing impact on joints and connective tissues. It targets complementary muscle groups—like the quads and hip flexors—that support running performance but are often underdeveloped in runners. Cycling also promotes active recovery by increasing blood flow without the stress of pounding, making it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Whether used for aerobic conditioning, hill simulation, or low-impact volume, cycling helps runners stay fit, balanced, and consistent in their training.​
​Triathlon
Pierre is a UESCA certified triathlon coach, and Nicolette an experience road, off-road and extreme triathlete. We are comfortable working with runners who would like to compete at age-group level triathlons. We offer specific swim, bike and run training sessions, but in-person coaching may be recommended for swim technique and bike handling.
​Mountain Abandon has two highly qualified coaches available to athletes – Nicolette Griffioen and Pierre Jordaan. Both are competent and experienced athletes with a passion for science and a love of teaching. Athletes interested in coaching with Mountain Abandon are free to contact us to arrange a phone call with either or both of our coaches before deciding with whom they would like to train. At Mountain Abandon we believe that a good personality match is an integral part of a successful coach-athlete relationship, so read more about our coaches, contact us to arrange a phone conservation, or fire us an email with questions and we’ll be happy to answer!
Our Coaches
Packages
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We offer three training packages, with the ENDURANCE being our athlete-specific option. The CONNECT option with Pierre offers additional value to the athlete looking for guidance beyond the scope of training, and includes a monthly virtual consultation akin to a life coaching session. The NUTRITION package with Nicolette is offered to those athletes experiencing challenges with in-run nutrition, having difficulty with weight management, or just interested in learning more about the daily approach to nutrition and supporting a healthy lifestyle. All packages include strength and optional cross-training to support your goals and aid with injury prevention.
Connect
Become the optimal version of yourself in all aspects of life...
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Endurance Package plus:
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Assistance with factors outside of training, such as:
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Day-to-day stressors
Work-life balance
Personal development
Mental training for race day
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Monthly virtual consult with Pierre, client or coach directed, depending on your personal needs.
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R2500
per month
Endurance
Become the athlete you never even dreamed of being!
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Personal coach
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Individualised training plan
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Unlimited communication via FinalSurge, WhatsApp & email
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Ongoing review & adaptation of your training plan
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Full access to FinalSurge
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Customised strength sessions
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Discount on training days & running camps​​​​
R1650
per month
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* To combine connect and nutrition packages chat to one of our coaches.
Nutrition
Become comfortable and confident with everything you put into your body.
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Endurance Package plus:
Assistance with ​all things diet, including but not limited to:
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Day-to-day nutrition
Nutritionally periodized training
Race day nutrition
Weight management
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Monthly virtual consultation with Nicolette (UESCA certified nutritionist) & sustainable nutrition recommendations.
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R2500
per month
Not sure which package is best for you?
Coaching Platform
FinalSurge is Mountain Abandon's choice of training platform. It is a logical and intuitive application that allows athletes of all digital abilities to view their training plan, understand their session data and provide feedback to their coach. FinalSurge is a sophisticated training platform, but without an intense reliance on algorithms. While we recognise the importance of certain technical parameters and the value of some "numbers," we encourage our athletes to understand their bodies and not rely too heavily on digitally derived data. FinalSurge provides the perfect ratio of informative statistics to real human feedback and emotions. It allows us to develop meaningful relationships with our athletes in order to optimise not only physical condition but mental and emotional as well.
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All packages offer athlete discounts with our partners:​​​
