Do I really need to hire a running coach?
Most runners have probably asked themselves this at some point. For some, it is an obvious yes, for others, a quick no. But there is also a group of people for whom it is a question that they will keep coming back to. The answer to this question is as varied as the runners who ask it! The right coach will without a doubt help you, but it’s up to you to decide whether or not you are interested in that help, and also to find the coach who will be the right fit for you. There is more to coaching than just writing a training plan after all. Your coach should be someone you can talk to about anything, and someone who truly has your best interests at heart. There are a variety of different coaching styles out there, and you may see little success from one coach, and leaps and bounds of success from another. This is why I always meet with clients before asking for payment, and I charge for plans one month at a time, so a runner never has any obligation to continue past each plan.
One consideration when hiring a coach, is whether or not you want to be able to schedule weekly runs with them, or if you just want to run on your own and then touch base with them to discuss progress.
1) A coach has done the research for you. Running is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. There are so many different training styles and theories out there. It is your coach’s job to weed through all of the options and find the one that will help YOU to be successful.
2) A coach will take the guesswork out of training for you. How many miles should you run? How fast or slow should they be? How many rest days and strength training days should you have? What should you do about this ache or that pain? A coach has been trained to help you answer all of those questions. S/he will provide you with answers based on evidence and research.
3) What about all those training plans I’ve seen on the internet? Internet training plans are based off of a one-size-fits-all approach. Wouldn’t you rather have a plan that is tailored to your specific goals, lifestyle, and schedule? A coach is especially beneficial if something happens and you get behind. A generic plan can’t help you get back on track as well as a person can!
4) A coach will be your biggest cheerleader. Other people in your life see your big successes or failures, but do they see all the little wins or losses along the way? A coach is with you every step of the way, to celebrate every single little win with you, and help you find the positives from the negatives.
5) A coach will help you stay accountable. Some people are great about holding themselves accountable, but many people need someone to help them stay on track. A coach will make an attainable plan for you, and will be there every step of the way to help you stick to it. You can come to an agreement of how often you need to check in to stay on track, and if you start to slip your coach can help you create strategies to make it easier.
Still on the fence? Message me to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your habits and goals and we will work together to determine whether or not you would benefit from my coaching.
