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Savvy Runner

Let your fitness take flight

The SAVVY Runner Run Programs offer you the opportunity to train for and successfully run a marathon, a half marathon, 10k or 5k. Our programs will get you running consistently, teach you how to train effectively and significantly improve your running performance!

Become a SAVVY runner member today

Meet your run coaches

Being a SAVVY Runner is about improving your performance as a recreational runner through a balanced approach to training, nutrition, recovery and injury prevention. We have trained hundreds of runners with great success.

We are passionate about running and helping people achieve their running goals because we know that finding freedom in running helps people live an authentically fulfilled and happy life. Our team consists of passionate and qualified runners and coaches.

We recognise that not all people find it easy to run and by training smarter, running can be more accessible to more people. With expert input from our Programming Manager, we have created the most balanced, holistic program for the recreational runner to not only be able to run but to run faster, further and for longer.

James Tunbridge

Programming Manager

Meet James

MITCH NIELSEN

Strength Programming Manager

Meet Mitch

ISAAC COLLINS

Exercise Physiologist

Meet Isaac

ANGELA SAVILLE

Run Coach

Meet Angela

NIKKI MCCARTHY HICKS

Run Coach

Meet Nikki

KRISTOPHER PAMBID

Run Coach

Meet Kris

BRIDIE CUTIFANI

Run Coach

Meet Bridie

MARK MCCARTHY

Run Coach

Meet Mark

Start your run membership

Our three run-a-week formula will take your running to a whole new level whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner.

These programs focus on 5km, 10km, half marathon and marathon and have been designed to give you maximum benefit from your investment in training time due to a quality over quantity approach. We also offer a Learn to Run program which takes place throughout the year which is perfect for beginner runners hoping to hit their stride. 

Our Run Membership is created specifically for runners that join us seasonally for our Run Programs and train for an event. This membership includes access to the current Run Program on offer, all Run (Tempo) and Fly (Speed) classes plus Saturday Run Club (Long run). This membership also allows access to one Run Strength session per week as well as 2 Run Strength Assessments with our exercise physiologists per year.

The SAVVY runner
Non members

$ 49 per week
  • Achieve your running goals. Created specifically for runners that join us seasonally for our Run Programs and train for an event.
Get started

The SAVVY runner
members

$ 15 per week
  • Achieve your running goals. Created for our current members who wish to add the Run Program to their active membership.
Get started

Why choose The Savvy runner?

Run Faster

Perfect you pace

Sticking to your prescribed training paces and assessing throughout the program will help you achieve a best performance. A combination of speed tempo and long runs work together to ensure you gain the greatest benefit from your training.

Run Further

Go the distance

Working at your prescribed paces and getting your long run done each week will build your fitness and endurance. Each week you build on your distance and reach your goal of the half or full marathon for race day.

Just Run

Hit your stride

Running consistently each week will make sure you have the fitness, strength and endurance to just run. Whilst you will still have prescribed paces to train at, your main goal is to complete your three runs each week through to race day.

Quality Over Quantity

Get yourself over the line

Three run sessions a week, comprising speed, tempo and long runs. These are to be run at prescribed paces in accordance with your initial time trial and specific race goals. With a quality over quantity approach we have seen amazing results each year.

Minimise Injury

Supplement your training

Through the addition of supplementary programs you can minimise the risk of running related injury. We offer Strength and Conditioning sessions as well as a range of Mobility and Active Recovery sessions.

Maximise Performance

Finish strong

By including specific supplementary sessions and sticking to our quality over quantity formula, we know you will absolutely maximise your performance!

Our Services

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NDIS Service Agreement

Download NDIS Service Agreement here

Participant Handbook

Download Participant Handbook here
Acknowledgement of Country

SAVVY acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, past, present, and future, of the land on which we come together, Dharawal Country. We recognise and appreciate their deep connection to this land, waters and the greater community.

James Tunbridge

Programming Manager, Movement Therapist

James considers his work with SAVVY to be the “ideal job for me!” A lifelong lover of sport, he also uses his previous experience as a primary school teacher and background in Exercise Science and Rehab to help SAVVY members achieve their running goals.

His multifaceted experience allows him to incorporate other aspects such as performance, nutrition and injury prevention into his running programs and training sessions.

James has also enjoyed a lot of success on the running track – having taken 7th place at the City2Surf, 2nd at the Queenstown Half Marathon and 1st at the Canberra Half Marathon. Results are only one part of running for James though, as one of his core philosophies is “always train within yourself, this will help you to stay consistent with your training, which will ultimately lead to progress!”

Outside of SAVVY, James loves being active in and around the ocean, as well as relaxing with family and friends.

Mitch Nielsen

Head of Operations

Mitch has had a long association with SAVVY both as a trainer and as a participant in classes. It is safe to say he is fully subscribed to the “SAVVY way of life”!

Mitch brings to his role as Head of Recreation an extensive expertise in strength and conditioning. Since obtaining a Masters of Exercise Science, his professional history includes working for renowned sporting teams and organisations such as St George Illawarra Dragons, Illawarra Hawks, Tottenham Hotspur/Crusaders Global Programs at UOW, and the NSW Institute of Sport.

At SAVVY, Mitch believes there is nothing more rewarding than helping people achieve their goals. His passion for physical performance shines through in the programs that he runs. Outside of SAVVY you can find him working on his own fitness, exploring the great outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Isaac Collins

Exercise Physiologist

Isaac is one of SAVVY’s Exercise Physiologists, and joined the team after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at UOW. He enjoys showing people through education and functional improvements just how beneficial strength and resistance training can be, and how it can be adapted to suit anyone’s needs.

On top of working with clients 1-on-1, Isaac also champions several group classes focused on balance, cardiac rehab, hydrotherapy, as well as leading SAVVY’s GLA:D Program (an education and exercise program for people with Osteoarthritis). A lover of all things sport and fitness, Issac is passionate about getting his clients back to doing what they enjoy, finding ways to replicate recreational activities in the gym during sessions.

Isaac prioritises building relationships with his clients, and firmly believes in what Albert Einstein remarked: “try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”.

Angela Saville

Health and Wellness Director

Angela, has a Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) and has worked within the education and fitness industry for over 20 years. 

Angela is responsible for improving the health and wellness of staff, clients and the wider community through strategic leadership and the implementation of innovative programs that make a positive difference in people’s lives. Angela’s passion for movement and community has created a unique team culture at SAVVY that inspires people to live actively and access all opportunities afforded to them. She advocates for the power of movement and the role it plays in changing lives for the better.

Nikki McCarthy Hicks

Movement Therapist

Nikki McCarthy Hicks has over 20 years experience in customer service, with a strong background in event planning and team management. In addition to this, Nikki brings a Certificate IV in Personal Training, a Diploma of Business Management, and over a decade of experience with SAVVY to her role as a Movement Therapist. 

Specialising as a Run Coach and Indoor Cycle instructor, Nikki has had a lot of success with transforming beginners into passionate runners as she believes that anyone who runs, is a runner. This philosophy comes from her passion for Parkrun, where she has volunteered over 100 times.  

Nikki creates a fun and lively group at SAVVY and truly cares about the friendships she’s fostered with the trainers and members. She is passionate about creating sustainable and lifelong fitness habits.

Kris Pambid

Movement Therapist

“Nothing is impossible, you just have to show up and do your best and have a blast while you’re doing it”

Kris’ fitness journey began as a participant in aerobics classes in the early 1990’s, and since then has gone on to complete numerous Triathlons, IRONMAN 70.3, Marathons and Open Water Ocean Swims. Kris completed his Certificate III and Certificate IV in fitness with the University of Wollongong College in 2020/21.

Kris is known for bringing a burst of energy to all his classes, like incorporating fun themes to his Cycle classes (think cycling to Elvis and Disco medlies). He brings the same vivacity to SAVVY Runner, using his wealth of knowledge as a competitor to help members achieve their goals.

Bridie Cutifani

Movement Therapist

Bridie Cutifani, a seasoned Movement Therapist, boasts over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds various certifications, including Certificates 3 & 4 in fitness, certificates in cycle, boxing, running, yoga, and Pilates. Her expertise extends from owning fitness clubs, to personal training and leading group fitness sessions. 

At SAVVY, Bridie thrives within the supportive, community-driven environment. She particularly enjoys the outdoor sunrise workouts that foster a strong sense of camaraderie among members.

Bridie’s mission revolves around helping clients establish sustainable habits for long-term health and fitness success. In her run classes, she empowers individuals to break their own boundaries and experience the freedom of running. Bridie’s cycle classes are renowned for their intensity, great soundtracks, and the satisfaction of a good sweat. Beyond her fitness career, she’s a dedicated mother of three who constantly trains for her next race, staying true to her motto: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Mark McCarthy

Movement Therapist

Mark is passionate about health and fitness and makes it a priority in his daily routine. Having served as an Infantryman in the Army, worked as a Professional Ocean Lifeguard and an Ambulance Paramedic, Mark could be described as a “jack-of-all-trades”.

Mark uses his life skills and passion to ensure you perform at your best and have fun while achieving your goals. He is the owner/manager of Wollongong First Aid, an associate business of SAVVY. Mark holds his Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and has been involved in education and training for over 15 years. He also has a Cert III and IV in Fitness, is an accredited athletics coach and yoga instructor.

Mark loves water sports, swimming, running and adventure. He has crossed the Simpson Desert on a “Postie Bike”, sailed on the tall ship Endeavour and regularly works with the RedBull Cliff Diving Team.

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