Today I will be talking about whether you need a coach, and if you decide that you do, how will you choose one.

Having a running coach is not a privilege reserved for professional runners whose livelihoods depend on them completing the correct training in the correct manner at the correct time. Hiring a running coach can seem like an extravagance for the everyday runner. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Recreational athletes actually benefit MORE from the attention, knowledge and guidance of a coach than elite athletes. They are the ones who do not have the time or resources available to them to focus purely on training as an elite runner may.

But what can a running coach give you that a free online running plan can’t, you ask? A lot, I say!

A coach is part exercise physiologist, psychologist, motivator, calming influence, accountability partner, instructor and educator.

Firstly, accountability. Your coach will be overseeing your program and checking in to see how you are doing. For myself, I use an app that I send out the personalised programs on and that I can see what they are doing. As you are paying a coach, you will feel more inclined to complete your training as you know someone is watching on. You’ll be less inclined to skip that run when you know the coach will be checking in. If you’re the kind of person who has trouble sticking to a plan, then a coach is definitely for you.

Apart from the accountability factor, the coach is there to motivate you through the tough times, and to calm you down and stop you overtraining through the good times. They are there for you to bounce race ideas off of and to chat all things running (and who doesn’t love that!!!)

Because training for specific distances is much more than running every day, a coach will build you an individualised training plan suited specifically to your needs, time constraints and so on. Running is very scientific, building different biological systems in your body so you can optimally train. A coach won’t increase your mileage too quickly or have you run too hard too soon. A coach will keep you in check to ensure you have enough recovery to turn around and nail the next quality session. A coach will ensure your plan progresses in such a way that you should reach your a-race in prime condition.

Coaches will be honest with you and help you with your strengths and weaknesses. Too often, runners are very hard on themselves. Your coach should and will see your strengths and capabilities and remind you of them when you are feeling less confident (like just before a big race!!).

A coach should be there to help you choose your race goal. If you are having trouble figuring out your next race, a coach will help you to go over your options, helping you to clarify the best race for you.

Basically, if you feel that aren’t fast enough or accomplished enough to need a coach, that is a sure sign that you do in fact need one.

Now that we have established that you need a coach, how do you choose one??

Firstly, there are a few things you need to look for. Firstly, you coach should have some sort of running certifications. For myself, I have an Athletics Australia Recreational Runner certification, a Running Revolution certification and a UESCA ultra running certification. It is not enough that your coach has experience running and racing. They need actual official certifications that show they have studied this topic. As every runner is so different, it is not possible to just swap the program they used over to their athletes. Understanding the physiology and biology of what they are programming is a must. By the same token, you cannot expect your coach to be winning every race they enter. They too are only human. A coach does not need to have ever won races to be a good coach. As I alluded to, it is possible for coaches to have won races but not be good coaches. So this should not be seen as a prerequisite. Of course, I do believe an ultra-running coach should have done some ultras so they know from a personal view what you will be dealing with.

Next, does everyone on their books get the same program or is it personalised just for you? Now I’m sure you know the type I recommend. Not one of my athletes’ programs look the same. They have similarities but none are the Same. And that is the way it should be.

Next, how is the coach with communication? Can you message and get a reply fairly quickly? Or is that not included in your program? Personally, I do not provide any programs where there is only 1 text message a week or something like that. For me to coach my clients properly, I need open communication with them. We chat through the app and through text message. And I do this 7 days a week. You need to feel that you can message your coach with a question or to change the plan and not have to pay extra for this.

Lastly, do you click with your potential coach? This is so important it could have gone second to certifications. Or maybe first, I don’t know!! Basically, it will be  hard to work with a coach if you have no rapport. You will probably at some point need to talk with your coach about personal things (as these impact your training and your running) and you need to feel comfortable doing this.

So, due your research and check out the coaches in your area, or online and find out if they are right for you. They should be open to a chat on the phone before you commit.
 

And remember, cheaper is not always better. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!! Many runners are happy spend a fortune on shoes, watches and other running gear then don't want to pay for coaching. And coaching is the one thing that will make the biggest difference to your race!!

Let me know your thoughts xx