Should You Hire a Running Coach?

Should you hire a running coach?

Running is a simple sport. You put on some shoes, have a snack, and head out the door. You put one foot in front of the other until you’ve gone as far as you want to go.

However, if you’re new to the sport you might need help figuring out how far those runs should take you. If you’re an experienced runner with big race dreams, you might need some assistance to reach your goals.

A running coach could be the tool you need in either situation. 

What does a running coach do?

Running coaches are certified professionals who provide guidance on running. A running coach helps you structure your training to meet your unique goals. How they do this depends on your experience level, comfort, and ability. A typical running coach will do the following:

●       Learn about your goals – The first thing a quality running coach does with each of their clients is get to know them. They might send you a questionnaire to gather information about your experience with running, goals for the future, and some other general details. Or perhaps they’ll schedule a call or Zoom chat to meet you and talk further about why you want a running coach.

●       Develop a custom plan for your needs – The information your give your coach about your running abilities and goals will help them develop a training plan for you. When you hire a running coach, you don’t want one who prescribes a so called “cookie-cutter plan”. You want a coach who designs a custom plan based on your needs and goals.

●       Review your runs – Running coaches often like to connect with their runners via apps like Strava or Garmin. This allows your coach to track your progress and see how well you’re responding to workouts. Your coach can use this information to determine if they need to adjust the pace or volume of your training.

●       Check in with you weekly – Once you get started on your running plan, a running coach should schedule weekly check-ins. These are generally via emails, video chats, phone calls, whatever you prefer. You’ll communicate with your coach about the previous week’s training and preview the upcoming week.

●       Keep you on track – It can be tough to get out the door when you’re tired or the weather isn’t ideal. Working with a running coach gives you someone to turn to for advice on when to push through and when to take an extra rest day.

●       Prepare you for your race – There’s more to running a goal race than simply getting out and doing the runs on your training plan. You also need to practice pace strategy, fueling, and even what to wear. A good running coach will make sure you have practiced everything you need for success. A quality running coach will also point you in the direction of an expert when you have a question that falls outside of their area of expertise.

●       Help you get over the hump – If you feel like you’ve been stuck in the same place in your training or you’re not getting faster, a coach can diagnose where your training is stalling and infuse it with new life. Remember, it takes time to get faster and stronger—often several training cycles.

What are the benefits of hiring a running coach?

Working with a coach is often the boost a runner needs to take their training to a higher level. Running coaches can be counted on to provide:

●       Accountability – A running coach will help keep you accountable. Knowing that someone is looking over your runs each day and expecting you to follow a plan adds some extra motivation to get out the door or to treat rest days seriously.

●       Motivation – Everyone struggles during a training cycle. Without a partner to keep you going when you’ve had a bad session or week, you might be tempted to throw in the towel. A running coach can help you understand why tough weeks happen and how to get back on track.

●       Flexibility – All training plans are written in pencil. A quality running coach understands that life happens, even in the middle of training for a marathon. Injuries can pop up or you might get sick and miss a few days. A coach can help you adjust your training plan to keep you on pace for your goals.

●       Individualized training plans – No two runners are exactly alike; therefore, no two training plans should be the same. Good running coaches customize training plans to meet each athlete’s unique situation.

●       Improvement –The key to success in running is consistency. This means showing up for your workouts and taking time off to recover. It means fueling the right way and strengthening your weak areas. A coach can guide you through training cycles and recovery periods. When you work hard, you’ll see improved performance over time.

●       Reduction of injury risk – Running coaches understand how to add mileage and harder work to a training plan the right way. They also know how to incorporate strength training to target weak areas, making you less susceptible to pesky injuries.

●       Experience – Coaches know what they’re talking about! They’ve run PRs and they’ve had horrible race days. They know what you need to do to prepare for that morning when you step up to the starting line. A coach can guide you through your race day strategy, nutrition, and more.

How much does a running coach cost?

Hiring a running coach is probably more affordable than you think. Most running coaches structure pricing to be competitive and reasonable. There are typically two ways to pay for run coaching:

●       Monthly coaching—Some runners prefer a month-to-month approach. Maybe you don’t have a goal race in mind and just want to stay in shape. Or you’re brand new to running and aren’t so sure if a coach is right for you. A monthly plan allows provides you with flexibility.

●       Plan packages—Many coaches also offer a wide range of plan packages that you can choose from. Have a race that’s 16 weeks away? You can purchase a 16-week package that will focus specifically on targeting your needs to meet your race goals.

Is hiring a running coach worth the cost?

It’s difficult to put a price on your goals but if you want to be the best runner you can be then a running coach is worth it. Think about the amount of time you invest in training for a race. If you don’t have the right tools at your disposal, you might end up disappointed on race day. While hiring a coach doesn’t guarantee race day success, it does help you put yourself in a strong position when the starting gun goes off.

What should you look for in a running coach?

Hiring a running coach is about finding a partner who will work with you to help you achieve your running goals. This means you want the best coach for you. Three things you should look for in a running coach include:

●       Experience – You should look for a coach that has experience running or coaching the distance you’re training for. While a coach doesn’t need fifty marathons under their belt to be a good marathon training coach, firsthand experience with the distance will enable them to better guide you.

●       Certification – Running coaches should have professional certification. Coaching certification demonstrates that your coach has undergone extensive training in the best practices of coaching runners. This ensures that your coach’s recommendations come from a solid foundation of running principles.

●       Compatibility – Every athlete needs something different from their coach. It’s important to find a coach who listens to what you want and can respond in the appropriate way. A good coach knows how to push you to be your best and pat you on the back when you need a little encouragement.

Where can you find a running coach?

If you want to hire a running coach, there are several places you can search:

·         Look up a list of certified coaches – Some popular run coaching certification programs include the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), USA Track and Field (USATF), the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA), and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). You can check each organization’s website for a list of certified coaches.

·         Visit a local running group – Join a running group in your city for a run and chat with other runners. You’ll likely get plenty of coach recommendations. You might even meet some coaches in the group.

·         Search social media – Many running coaches have large social media platforms. You can search for a coach who has values that align with your values and reach out to them. A word of warning – a large following doesn’t always mean that someone is an expert at what they claim. Always check a potential coach’s certification and reviews before working with them.

Conclusion

Hiring a running coach is an investment in yourself. A running coach can help you grow and improve as a runner. They can help you stay on track to meeting your running goals. If you want to run your first or fastest race, a running coach might be right for you.