About JDS Run Coaching®

Discover the JDS Run Coaching® story and the small team of running nuts that are 100% committed to help you love running!

Why we started it Who’s behind it Ambassador Team

Why we started JDS Run Coaching®

From our experience, we know that your running journey is easier when you’re supported by coaches with substantial experience and have achieved the result you are after yourself.

Helping others achieve personal bests is so unique, especially their first marathon!

When people hear that I ran 50 marathons in 50 days as a 21-year-old, I regularly get asked, “How did it feel to finish on day 50?”

I answer “Day 50 was special, but day 49 was unbelievable. On Day 49, 3 of my friends, Sarah, Dean, and Chris ran their first-ever marathon. To be by their side the whole way and give them a big hug at the end was a moment that I’ll never forget. It was fulfilling knowing that through what I was doing in running the 50 marathons in 50 days, I had helped them believe that they too could run further than they ever have before and ultimately achieve their first marathon!”

We want to help you love running just as much as we do.

In my first marathon, the Melbourne Marathon, I experienced the power of humanity when a man put his hand on my back and started pushing me up the hill at the 38km mark.

I had hit “the wall”.

My left quad was cramping and I didn’t know if I would be able to finish it… I was starting to fear that I wouldn’t.

The next minute the man gave me a “Zooper Dooper”, a popular iced lolly treat here in Australia, that he had picked up from an amazing mother and her children who were there on the sidelines handing out to competitors as they ran past them. I smashed it down, and I instantly felt a little better. She then so kindly gave me a second one, which helped me get to the finish line!

I never learned the names of the runner or the mother handing out the Zooper Doopers,  nor did I get the opportunity to thank them, but their generosity ensured I finished my first marathon. I thought, it’s time to stop winging it and invest in some coaches to support me with my running.

So how did First42K actually start?

Long story short – Jase and DJ changed my life. They transformed me into an amazing runner and running made me healthier, happier, and more confident. Other people could also see this and wanted the same for their own lives, so it was only natural that one of the most common questions I would get asked is, “Who is your run coach? And can they coach me as well because I’d love to run marathons like you do?” So I went to Jase and DJ with the idea of First42K® and they loved it! The rest is history.

We launched First42k® in April 2021, with the mission of supporting people to run their first marathon. And in November 2024, we re-branded to JDS Run Coaching.® 

Where we are today: JDS Run Coaching® 

We have evolved from a business dedicated to helping you run your first marathon, to a broader business dedicated to helping you love running and achieve your running goals (whether that be your first 5K through to a PB marathon, or 100K race).

We have members who are still with us today who ran their first marathon with us in 2021, and now have several marathon PBs since their first marathon, and even ultra marathons under their belt.

Sean Bell
Co-Founder JDS Run Coaching®

Who’s behind JDS Run Coaching®?

With a wealth of experience in endurance running, coaching, sports nutrition, and building online learning platforms, our team has the technical skills and the real-world knowledge to help you fall in love with running, no matter your current level of ability.

Sean Bell

As the head coach of JDS Run Coaching®, Sean is dedicated to help you achieve your running goals. As a world-record holder endurance athlete, long distance running coach, and Keynote Speaker,  Sean uses his passion for running together with supporting charities close to his heart, to help and inspire others to chase their own personal and professional dreams.

Sean completed his first marathon, The Melbourne Marathon, in October 2017 and from the moment he crossed the finish line, he knew that it was just the beginning of his running journey.

A year prior, Sean’s friend and football team-mate passed away to an unexplained death at 18 years old. His passing taught Sean how precious life is, and the importance of chasing his dreams and living life to the fullest.

Running initially helped Sean cope with his grief, but it soon evolved into a passion that he could use to inspire and help others.

In 2018, Sean began to connect his running to charities close to his heart. Not only to draw greater inspiration with his own running, but to make a big difference for the people and families who need it most.

In 2019, at 21 years old, Sean ran 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days, raising $30,000 for The Compassionate Friends Victoria, a charity that supports grieving families after the death of a child.

In 2022, Sean ran 4,001km run from Cairns to Melbourne in just 60 days (averaging 66.68km per day) to raise over $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia.

In 2024, Sean broke a world record, becoming the fastest person to circumnavigate Australia on foot. Sean broke the record previously held by his friend Dave Alley by 11 days and 39 minutes. He ran the required 13,383km in 158 days, 14 hours and, 52 minutes, averaging 84km (2 marathons) per day. Sean ran around Australia to chase his dream and to help sick children achieve their number 1 wish, raising another $163,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia.

Jase Cronshaw Head Coach at First42k

Jase “Coach” Cronshaw

As the original head coach of First42K® Jase was passionate about fitness coaching and racing in ultra-endurance events.

As an accomplished endurance athlete in his own right, Jase ran thousands of kilometres in endurance events since completing his first ultra-marathon in 2012. He raced in numerous countries including New Zealand, Australia and Bali.

Jase had a huge passion for helping people fall in love with running, and regularly volunteered at trail running events with his best mate DJ as a sweeper.

Sadly, Jase passed away suddenly in his sleep on Friday April 15, 2022. We thank Jase for his incredible contributions to First42K and the wider running community. A loved friend and coach, Jase will always be a Co-Founder of First42K.

David "DJ" Jones

David “DJ” Jones

As a passionate running coach, ultra marathon runner, long-distance cyclist, soft sand running specialist, and many other things… DJ co-founded First42K® alongside Jase and Sean. DJ is coaching many of our JDS athletes today, helping them smash their running goals!

DJ is passionate about using his love of endurance running and cycling events to help others achieve things they may have (like himself) previously thought impossible. He has raced in numerous countries including Australia, Bali, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Switzerland, and as a dedicated philanthropist DJ has personally donated and fundraised thousands of dollars for causes and charities close to his heart.

Learn more about DJ by listening to his episode on the First42K podcast. 

Chloe McLeod

Chloe is the Managing Director of the Verde Nutrition Co and as a passionate Sports Dietitian, Chloe is stoked to be part of the JDS Run Coaching® team – to help people  love running!

Chloe is an Advanced Sports Dietitian, Accredited Practicing Dietitian and an expert in gut health, food intolerances and sports nutrition.

Among her many achievements, including the First42K nutrition program, Chloe created a world-class online course, The FODMAP Challenge, helping individuals identify gut intolerance symptoms, and is the lead author of the book ‘Anti-Inflammatory Eating’.

Kate Running Yoga Guru at First 42k

Kate Hall

Kate is the founder and owner of the Pure Hot Yoga and is the JDS Run Coaching® resident Yogi. She teaches, practices and learns, and loves to share and create! Yoga is her path, Kate is all about balance on and off the mat.

Kate stumbled by yoga some 18 years ago, it was love at first sight.

When she’s not spending time teaching she enjoys a glass of wine, loves chocolate and anything sweet, a chef by trade she doesn’t mind playing in the kitchen but now days prefers to be cooked for!

She encourages her students to enjoy the journey of yoga rather than focus on the destination. She believes, as a teacher we learn as much from our students as our students learn from us!

Alyssa Ford

Blyss Therapies founder and Sports Therapist Alyssa is an enthusiastic young woman, driven to help others achieve holistic health and wellbeing. Alyssa is the head of our JDS Run Coaching® Recovery Module.

Lys is passionate about teaching others the importance of Activation, Mobility and Myofascial Release methods using a Spikey Ball and Foam Roller.

She’s also a HUGE fan of running and has completed several half marathons, a marathon, and even a 66km ultra marathon!

In addition to succeeding in her own business Blyss Therapies for a decade, she has worked as a Massage Therapist for the Richmond Football Club and Melbourne Storm.

Ambassador Team

From young to young-at-heart, beginners to professionals, the JDS Run Coaching Ambassador Team is a diverse community of runners united by their passion for running and their belief that running benefits the mind and the body.

First42k Ambassador Kailyn Brazier

Kailyn Brazier

Melbourne, AUS

Running to me is freedom, connecting back to myself and doing what feels natural and easy, while also challenging me. It is being able to run in beautiful places, and it’s the ability to push my mind and body.

Favourite Distance

10km

Favourite Event

Wings For Life

Road or Trail?

Road

What’s one thing running has taught you?

Running has taught me I can do more than I think I can!

What motivates you?

I strive to be the best version of myself every day; I love helping others achieve what they are passionate about.

What are some of your achievements?

I am a Personal Trainer. I’ve been training people now for five years and loved every minute of it! I’ve run five half-marathons, and I’m excited to take on my first marathon with First42K.

Tips for anyone joining First42k

Now is the time to invest in yourself! Just start because the sooner you do, the sooner you will get stronger. Be kind to yourself and your body, and rest when you need. Take the pressure off yourself by following the program and trust that the experts have your back to help you achieve your running goals!

Jen Dugard

Sydney, AUS

Running gives me confidence in my body and mind. One of the reasons I run is to push myself. I can then bring this experience and confidence into all other areas of life – especially when it’s hard!

Favourite Distance

I feel most comfortable around the 8-12K mark but I love getting out and pushing beyond my most comfortable or favourite distance

Favourite Event?

UTA would have to be the most stunning event I have done so far being out in the trails of the Blue Mountains  though I do love running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the Blackmores Bridge Run

Road or Trail?

Definitely trail!

What does running mean to you?

Running to me is freedom and adventure.  Running allows me to see places that you don’t get to see otherwise. I absolutely love being in a new place, looking up the highest point, a landmark or the ocean and running there early morning before anyone gets up. Running also gives me confidence in my body and mind

What’s one thing running has taught you?

One of the reasons I run is to push myself.  I like to push myself in all life areas and I feel that when I push myself in a running environment I know that my mind and body can do amazing things.  I can then bring this experience and confidence into all other areas of life – especially when its hard!

What motivates you?

I’m motivated to become the best I can be in all areas of life and to show others that they can do the same.

What are some of your achievements?

Running my first (and only) marathon felt like a pretty big achievement – I’m not comfortable road running so this was something I didn’t think I would ever do.  I also ran an obstacle race in Vermont back in 2013 – 21kms and 6hours worth of running and doing obstacles through the ski-fields – that was pretty cool!

What are your top tips for anyone joining First42K?

Following a program is a game changer and so is listening to your body.  Take each and every day as it comes and focus on what you want to achieve through First42K.  Some days will feel better than others and every step forward no matter how big counts. I can’t wait to watch you achieve your goals!

First 42K Ambassador - Nikki Langman

Nikki Langman

Melbourne, AUS

When I run regularly, I feel better equipped to handle everyday challenges. I started running at age 40 to support my mental and emotional wellbeing. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life and tried countless solutions to manage unproductive emotions. Running is amazing for me!

Favourite Distance

42.2km

Favourite Event

Los Angeles Marathon

Road or Trail?

Road. I’m a city girl. I love the concrete jungle. But in a perfect world, I’d love to do a bit of both.

What’s one thing running has taught you?

PATIENCE!!! Nuff said. Physical fitness is a great bonus and confidence booster, too.

What motivates you?

Running gives me a sense of empowerment, pride and mental fortitude. That feeling of, “Wow, if I can do THIS, what else can I do?”

I am motivated by two things:

  1. Measurable and tangible ways to track my progress.
  2. Creating personal trust – namely, that I can put myself in a challenging situation (like running a marathon) and trust myself to do the work to achieve that goal.

Run all 6 world majors. And, the Dopey Challenge at Disneyworld in Florida (The Dopey is 5, 10, 21, 42 on 4 consecutive days. Serious bling, too.)

What are some of your achievements?

In my relatively short time as a runner (less than four years), I have run 23 races of varying lengths – including three marathons and one ultra. Twice, I finished in the Top Ten for my category. And, I have learned great lessons from each and every one of them. Los Angeles Marathon 2019 has been my favourite event ever. LA is my home so the entire course was ripe with memories and experiences and good times. Starting at Dodgers Stadium, Running by the Hollywood Sign, down Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Kodak Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, Avenue of the Stars, and finishing at Santa Monica Pier. And the best part, my family (who all live in LA) cheering at the finish line. One of the best experiences of my entire life.

Tips for anyone joining First42k

What you will get from First42K is personalised attention and connection with an amazing online running community. I have tried several apps and ‘customised’ training programs, but I never felt like the big-name apps were speaking to me, my fitness level, or my life commitments that require me to adjust my training program from time to time. First42K is superb. The plans are fully customisable, but real support is the accessibility to expert coaches and the collective accountability of the group. If running a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or even ultra-marathon is on your bucket list, First42K will help you get there, every step of the way.

First42k Ambassador Pete Kavanagh

Pete Kavanagh

Melbourne, AUS

Running gives me an outlet to get fit, clear my head and is an excellent sport for setting goals and achieving them. Most importantly, it is allowing me to impact others lives in an amazingly positive way which was my motivator for getting serious about running in the first place.

Favourite Distance

42km

Favourite Event

Great Ocean Road Marathon

Road or Trail?

Road

What’s one thing running has taught you?

Since becoming a part of the First42k team, running has moved from a solo sport to a more team-focused pursuit where I get great satisfaction seeing or encouraging someone else to achieve their goals. Doing this in an encouraging and friendly environment within a fantastic framework and program with great coaches has made me a better runner. It also allows me to set my challenges beyond what I ever thought possible.

What motivates you?

To have a body and mind capable of helping others through doing something I love is enormously satisfying and makes me determined to pursue running for a cause. Being able to run with a friend coming back from injury and seeing them recover and fall in love with running all over again makes me smile too.

What are some of your achievements?

The obvious answer to this would be my first marathon at age 60. Incredibly satisfying and rewarding for plenty of hard work and an excellent coach and training program. I’ve recently completed a David Goggins’ 4x4x48 Challenge, which I conceived to do with a friend. It was tough, gruelling and mentally more challenging than the 42k. It wasn’t about me but impacting so many lives due to what became a tremendous team effort.

Tips for anyone joining First42k

Understand your goals and have a plan beyond that.

Be committed to the program, whether that be 5k, 10k, half marathon, or a marathon, as it’s a running program that you will receive back what you put in, and in my case, a whole lot more. If you are looking for a program that is both personal and team-focused, then First42k is ideal. You are not just a runner or a number but someone who has distinct goals and abilities, which the program and its coaches realise.

Become a member of the JDS Run Coaching® Ambassador Team

We welcome applications from people who love running as much as we do!

We offer our ambassadors a premium JDS Run Coaching membership in return for regularly sharing their JDS training experience on social media.

Applicants can apply at any time.

We’re on the lookout for people who are active run leaders in the community and want to share reels, posts and stories with #jdsruncoaching 

Apply Here