In the dynamic world of marathon sports, Dawit Hiluf is coaching and training many successful athletes. He has been with Volare Sports for eight years now, and his dedication and expertise have helped our athletes achieve great successes: “I started with Volare in 2016. I was already a coach in Ethiopia, and I was looking for a management team to collaborate with. The organization has grown a lot since then,” says Dawit, reflecting on the beginning of his coaching career at Volare Sports.

Dawit’s coaching extends beyond the track, as he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Science — a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The combination of hands-on experience and his academic interest ensures that his coaching strategies are not only rooted in traditional coaching, but also supplemented by the latest scientific insights.

One of Dawit’s coaching success stories is that of Hiwot Gebremaryam, a marathon athlete of Volare Sports. “She started her half marathon PB with 68:00 in 2016, and now it is 66:28. Also, her marathon time improved to 2:17:59 from 2:34 in 2016.” Dawit emphasizes the importance of teamwork, acting not just as a coach but as a friend, guiding athletes through their journey to success. Furthermore, communication is the basis of Dawit’s approach: “Good communication is essential, and with athletes and coaches, our relationship is like family.”

Furthermore, technology plays a crucial role in Dawit’s coaching methodology. By using apps like Garmin and Adidas Running, along with experimenting with new technologies, he keeps an eye on athletes’ performance, ensuring they are on the right track. This technology integration aligns with Dawit’s commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in sports science.

Also, nutrition is a key component in his training programs, emphasizing proper food intake every two hours during training seasons. “Before training, during the early mornings, light food will help athletes to do morning training. When they come for group trainings, I advise them to bring food, so they can eat on the bus before they arrive home. They need food that will help them to rapidly recover their bodies in time for the afternoon training.” In his coaching approach, Dawit sees nutrition as more than just a sidekick to training — it’s a key element in helping athletes excel in marathon sports.

In Dawit’s training programs, periodization, mental coaching, and recovery strategies are carefully integrated. He recognizes the significance of mental fitness and emphasizes the need for athletes to give their 100% during races: “During long run trainings we advise athletes to give 80-88% of their effort; only during race days, athletes must give their 100%. In this way we can minimize injury.” Also after training, athletes must take appropriate rest. While injuries may be inevitable in marathon training, he employs techniques such as drills, exercises, and physiotherapy to minimize the risks of injuries.

Dawit’s personalized training programs consider the unique goals and ambitions of individual athletes: “We usually evaluate training periods and look forward to what the next goal is to achieve,” says Dawit. Moreover, teamwork and collaboration are celebrated within Volare Sports. “Training together makes everyone better. One’s success also motivates their training mates and team partners. So when one succeeds, we all succeed.”

In conclusion, Dawit Hiluf’s coaching philosophy is a holistic approach that combines expertise, technology, and a deep understanding of the athletes, fostering a culture of success within Volare Sports.