If you ever find yourself running through the Glens of Antrim, you might spot a determined group of runners moving together in the cool coastal air, chatting, laughing, and proving that community matters as much as pace. At the heart of that scene is Catherine McLaughlin, coach, speaker, and founder of CFIT Coaching, whose motto “Stronger for Life” has become something of a mission statement in her corner of the world.
Catherine has spent more than a decade helping people get stronger in every sense of the word. She first qualified as a personal trainer back in 2012, at a time when the Glens didn’t have a single gym. “It all started with outdoor boot camps, circuits, and spin classes,” she recalls. “Running wasn’t really a thing back then, you might see one person out on their own, but that was about it.”
That changed when Catherine decided to build something of her own. In early 2022, she launched CFIT Run Club, creating a space for people who didn’t necessarily see themselves as athletes. “It began with a sea of women who just wanted connection and conversation,” she says. “We live in a rural area, and a lot of people told me they felt lonely. So we took to the roads and it stuck. Now it’s all about community, not PBs.”
Community, Scenery and a Growing Movement
The results speak for themselves. What began as a small group run has grown into a vibrant local movement, rooted in the Glens’ breathtaking landscape. “When my American coaching partner came over to visit, he couldn’t get over the scenery,” Catherine says with a smile. “You’ve the sea on one side, the mountains on the other, and people waving at you from every car. We’re truly blessed.”
That American connection is a big part of Catherine’s story. Through social media, she linked up with a New York-based coach who shared her ethos, and before long, CFIT Coaching had gone international. “He asked me to join his team, and it’s been incredible,” she says. “It’s opened up a whole new world of clients in the US, people with totally different lifestyles and challenges. It’s made me appreciate how lucky we are at home.”
Stronger for Life
At home, her work continues to grow. From her small gym in the Glens, Catherine offers strength, conditioning, and nutrition coaching to clients of all ages and abilities. She’s also StrongFirst certified and Pilates qualified, blending functional training with flexibility and mobility work. “Everyone’s goal is different,” she says. “For one person, it’s being able to carry the shopping or play with the grandkids. For another, it’s performing at a high level in camogie or football. But the principle is the same, we train to be stronger for life.”
That philosophy has guided her through her own challenges. After undergoing surgery for an ectopic pregnancy earlier this year, she was forced to take twelve weeks off from training and running. “It was a long road back,” she says quietly. “When you work in fitness, being told you can’t lift or run is tough. But my run club kept going the whole summer without me. Seeing them out doing half marathons and the Lurig Run made me realise how powerful community really is.”
Her passion for helping others extends beyond physical strength. Mindset, she insists, is everything. “Control your mind and you control your mood,” she explains. “I always tell clients that the words you use about yourself become your reality. If you keep saying, ‘I can’t,’ you’re right, you won’t. But if you show up and surround yourself with people who lift you up, you’ll see what you’re capable of.”
Joining the NI Running Show
That belief in people’s potential is what makes Catherine such a perfect fit for the NI Running Show, where she joins the ambassador team ahead of the inaugural event at the Eikon Centre on the 7th & 8th of February. “When Oonagh reached out, I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “To be part of something that’s never been done in Northern Ireland before is incredible. There’s nothing like this here, it’s going to bring together runners, coaches, and brands all under one roof. I think it’s going to explode in 2026.”
Catherine will also be speaking at the event on the Saturday, with a talk focusing on strength training and nutrition for runners. “One of my girls just ran her best marathon yet in Dublin, her eighth and she swears it was all down to her nutrition,” she says. “That’s exactly what I want to share. How to fuel smarter, train stronger, and feel better doing it.”
Why You Should Go
So, for anyone still deciding whether to attend, Catherine has a simple message. “It’ll be a brilliant day out,” she says. “There’ll be something for everyone, speakers, vendors, coaches’ corner, everything. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been running for years, you’ll come away inspired. And sure, if it’s the first of its kind, why wouldn’t you go?”
Follow Catherine
For more from Catherine, visit www.cfitpt.com and follow @cfit14 on Instagram for training advice, community updates, and daily motivation.
Exclusive Run Republic Offer
Early-bird tickets are normally £13, but readers can use the Run Republic link here to grab a ticket for £10 (£11.55 including Eventbrite fee). You can find all the event details, full exhibitor list and the latest speaker updates on the NI Running Show website here