Have you ever worked with a running coach? I’m sharing seven reasons you should use a running coach for your next training cycle.
Ever trained for a marathon without a running coach? I have. Ever trained for a half marathon without a running coach? Yep, me too. Both turned out all right. Well, not really the marathon. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.
Why haven’t you hired a coach? Maybe you’re a skeptic. Maybe you’re not a “real” runner. (Hint, all runners are real runners. You can’t really fake such a thing.) Perhaps you think using a generic, one-size-fits-all plan is the best way to go. I’m here to prove you wrong. Well maybe not wrong — but I’m going to give you some solid reasons that you should get yourself a running coach for your next training cycle.
7 Reasons You Should Hire a Running Coach
1. A running coach can provide support and encouragement throughout your training cycle.
Did you have a bad run? Call your coach. Are you nervous about your upcoming hill session? Email your coach. Reassurance, encouragement, and support are all part of the experience. An effective coach will calm your fears and push you in the right direction if (and when) you need it most.
2. A running coach is able to tell you you’re tired because you’re over-training or if you’re tired because you’re just, well, tired!
We all go through cycles of fatigue — perceived or real — and having a running coach as an outside observer is one way to ensure you’re not overtraining or doing too much, too fast.
3. A running coach knows when to push you and when to lay off.
A great running coach can read her clients like an open book. She knows which ones need to be pushed with tough love, and she knows which ones need a little more mothering, if you will. Without a coach, you could give up on yourself when you just needed a little extra nudge.
4. A running coach can help you train efficiently and effectively.
The phrase is: “Train smarter, not harder.” Hiring a running coach can take you to the next level by providing challenging workouts and monitoring your progress.
5. A running coach will help you achieve your goals.
Sometimes runners take on large tasks without properly planning. This can lead to unnecessary injuries. I’ve had plenty of friends who have run half marathons and full marathons without any training plan whatsoever. They’ve been fine, sure. But how much more could they have achieved with the help of a trained professional?
6. A running coach, while not a doctor, chiropractor, or nutritionist, can recommend specialists in these areas if the need arises.
A coach can steer you in a general direction throughout training in terms of injury prevention and nutrition, but when it comes down to specifics, most running coaches are armed with a rolodex of specialists equipped to handle a runner’s needs.
7. A running coach has been specifically trained to coach runners.
There are some runners out there purporting to be running coaches by way of writing plans and such. And sometimes it pans out and works out for everyone. But more often than not, a trained running coach is where you should go for the best results. Looking to start a regimen and not sure how to begin? A coach will help you. Hoping to PR for your next marathon? A coach will help you. Are you a busy professional trying to fit all of your workouts in? A coach will help you.
My point? You now have 7 reasons to (and zero excuses not to) hire a running coach.
xo
Let’s talk!
Have you used a running coach before? Why or why not?
