Chase your PB. Every Saturday.
If Saturday mornings mean Eltham, Greenwich, Bexley, Hilly Fields or Beckenham Place parkrun, we build the strength work that gets your 5k time moving in the right direction — sharper stride power, better economy, and legs that hold pace on the second lap.
Why 5k times respond so well to strength training
A 5k is short enough that power and running economy make a real difference to your finishing time. Strength training — heavy compound lifts plus plyometric and reactive work — builds exactly the stride power and force production that parkrun pace demands, often producing PBs faster than extra mileage alone.
Training around your local parkrun
We work with runners across South East London who regularly line up at Eltham, Greenwich, Bexley, Hilly Fields and Beckenham Place parkruns. Your strength sessions are built around your weekly parkrun and any midweek running, so you arrive at Saturday morning fresh rather than fatigued from the gym. Typical work includes heavy squat and hinge patterns, plyometrics for stride power, single-leg strength for pacing control, and core work to hold form when the effort bites in the closing minutes.
Why clients choose us
- Improved stride power for a faster 5k
- Better running economy at parkrun pace
- Sessions scheduled to keep Saturdays fresh
- Reduced injury risk as you push for a PB
- A coach based locally in South East London
- Progress tracked alongside your parkrun times
What's included
- Free consultation and movement screen
- Strength plan built around your weekly parkrun
- 2 sessions per week, in-person or online
- Plyometric and power work for stride speed
- Ongoing adjustments as your times improve
- Advice on pacing strategy alongside your S&C plan
Frequently asked questions
Can strength training really help my parkrun time?
Yes. At 5k, running economy and stride power matter a lot, and both respond well to a focused strength programme — many club runners see PBs come from improved economy rather than extra mileage.
Do you coach the parkrun itself or the running?
We don't run-coach the parkrun session — our focus is the strength and conditioning work that makes you faster and more durable across your 5k training and beyond.
Which parkruns do your clients run?
We work with runners based across South East London who regularly run Eltham, Greenwich, Bexley, Hilly Fields and Beckenham Place parkruns, among others.
How quickly could I expect to see a difference?
Strength adaptations that support running economy typically build over 6-8 weeks of consistent training, alongside your usual running.
What clients say
"When I started training with Pearton Performance, I initially thought I would do just four sessions and be on my way! Well, ten months later I'm still going weekly to our 1:1 sessions and I also attend the fantastic bootcamps. I now have more strength, energy and stamina than I t…"
"Charlie has been extremely helpful in reaching my fitness goals. I wanted to lose weight and so far I have lost 19% of my body weight in fat. He always makes sure to tailor the training to my needs and schedule and helps motivate and keep me on target. He has been an absolute ple…"
"I began attending bootcamp and, later, doing PT sessions with Charlie in order to help improve my running times. I feel the time with him has enhanced my existing training and Charlie's past experience as a competitive runner himself has been invaluable. He has given me lots of t…"
Train with a coach who actually listens.
Apply for coaching and we'll book a free consultation to map out your next 12 weeks.