Why Work with A Running Coach?
I try not to make these posts based on the season…but as we come into a beautiful spring and racing season, I wan’t to talk about why working with a running coach could be a great resource for you.
A running coach is an investment, and truthfully not everyone can make the financial or time commitment. That doesn't mean you won’t be successful or become a better runner. A coach is not the key to success, just an objective road map to it. If coaching’s something you’ve thought about; either with me or another great running coach near you, take a minute to assess why that might be a great investment.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A COACH OR PERSONAL TRAINER?
Many Reasons:
New Runner
First time racing a new distance and not sure where to start (5K, 5 miler, 10K, etc)
Looking to increase race distance or try a new sport (first half marathon, marathon, ultra, or tri)
Always getting injured during a training cycle
Looking to get faster
Starting a training cycle motivated but fades quickly with little progress
Want to build strength, muscle, and/or work on muscle imbalances that are holding you back
But also…It depends. Anyone of any level could use a coach depending on what they need their coach to be. Even the best runners have a coach (most do at least). Having an objective perspective on their athletes training progress and workouts can help differentiate an appropriate change in training from a bad one.
I STILL DON'T THINK I NEED A ONE, WHY SHOULD I HIRE A COACH?
Hiring a running coach or personal trainer can be a tough decision. The financial investment is something you will need to weigh with the benefits. There’s lots of free plans and literature available online (Coach D actually recommends Hal Higdon programming for those looking to free resources!) but these plans rarely take into account injury prevention, proper running form drills, accurate paces for runs, and guidance a long the way…bottom line, you miss out on personalization of your training.
Investing in a coach also keeps you accountable.
You’re more likely to achieve a running or race goal (finish a marathon, break 25 min in a 5k, or qualify for Boston) if you work with a coach because you have a financial and time commitment. This isn’t a guarantee, but you’re probably going to stick to something is you make that step to action.
A GREAT COACH WILL DO MORE THAN JUST WRITE A PLAN FOR YOU
They’ll create customized plan for you, laying out the road map for where you are now to where you want to be. They can also answer the questions to all the major and minor aspects of training. Most of us have tons of other responsibilities and commitments to our time, a coach can simply give you what you need to succeed with your running or race goals.
They’ll also provide great info on training and nutrition (just make sure they’e qualified)
Race day strategy, nutrition, and hydration
Keep you accountable and focused when you have a set back or fail
Celebrate you when you succeed
YOU’RE LESS LIKLEY TO GET INJURED (IF YOU DO, YOU’LL HAVE A BACK UP PLAN)
80% of Running Injuries are from overuse (Too fast, too many miles, not enough build up). A running coach knows how much to give and when to increase time, intensity, or frequency of your training. You’re not guaranteed to stay injury free, but you’re less likely to experience a set back when a coach is making decisions based on your weekly performance.
I’M TOO SLOW TO NEED A COACH
WRONG! I’ve coached athletes of all experience levels, from beginners to a Boston Qualifier. There is no threshold for needed a coach. Just a commitment to yourself and to your goals(s). Don’t be afraid to commit to a goal because you feel inexperienced or incapable, we all are. If a coach can help you strive for something bigger, then why not make that investment in yourself.
