Fitness

Should You Get A Running Coach? How To Decide.

Should I Get A Running Coach

I’ve been a running coach for over twenty-three years and I didn’t fully comprehend the value of a coach until I recently hired one to learn how to ride a dirt bike. Although I knew how to ride a motorcycle, I had no idea how to ride off the beaten path.
I turned to an expert to avoid making mistakes upfront and wanted to maximize my time invested and learn the right way to ride. He started me off with riding in small circles to learn the fundamentals of body position, speed control, and cornering. I spent a solid eight weeks riding that small circle and it paid off down the path.

Do I Need A Running Coach?

You don’t have to be superstar athlete to need a running coach.

In fact, if you’re just getting started, it’s even more important to learn from a coach. You’ll save time, progress more rapidly, and avoid some possible aches and pains along the way. And for those that are somewhere in the middle of getting started and winning races, a coach can modify your training plan optimize your foundation of training and experience.
It’s amazing how a few little tweaks to your plan can improve your performance. A coach will maximize your time by customizing your plan based on how your body is feeling in the moment, performing on the run, and how it adapts along the way. Then they’ll be there for you to answer questions, provide tips, and guide you to success.

Where To Find A Running Coach.

One of the best places to find a coach is at your local running store, race, club or gym. You can also do a search online for a running coach in your area. When you find a coach, it’s wise to have a list of questions to ask them to see if they are a good fit for you. A few key questions include, what is their education and do they have a coaching certification, how long have they been coaching, what are the demographics (age, speed, experience) of their clients, what is their process and philosophy, and how they would help you achieve your goals.
It’s best to find a coach that has a base of education or certification, and one that has experience coaching runners in your category. If you feel at ease and inspired, you’ve likely found a great resource. If you’re having a hard time understanding what they’re telling you, it might be best to keep looking.

What To Expect When You Work With A Running Coach.

The first thing on the agenda should be a complete health and exercise history evaluation via a form or personal interview. This is how the coach learns who you are, where you are fitness wise, so they can develop a customized plan to help you reach your target goals safely and efficiently. From there, they should start you off with a gradual plan that works with your life schedule, interests and goals and progress gradually. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it pays to practice patience as your coach learns how your body adapts to the plan.
Sometimes I start with pulling back the reigns on a runner’s schedule, while other times I progress their plan. You can expect your coach to communicate with you regularly with notes on your tips, your progress and the plan ahead.
Hiring a running coach can change your life one mile at a time. It can make the difference in finishing a run feeling strong or defeated and is a fast-track avenue to learning how to run your best life.
 

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Coach Jenny Hadfield is a published author, writer, coach, public speaker and endurance athlete. To find out more, visit our Meet Our Writers page or visit Coach Jenny’s website.

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