Now that races are starting to come back, many runners are considering how they want to train for their next race. Run for fun? Test the waters and just see where your fitness is? Or go all in for that new PR and work with a coach? There’s no right answer; you have to find what works best for you. But in case you are on the fence about if you should work with a running coach, here are a few reasons why a coach can help you get that PR and reach your running goals.
5 Reasons To Work With a Running Coach
Get another perspective on your training from a running coach
Have you been following the same running schedule week after week and you’re not seeing results? Or maybe you’ve been creating your own training plan for awhile now and it’s not working anymore. A coach can bring an outside perspective to maybe see some ways your training can be adjusted that you didn’t think of. Sometimes we are so involved in our own training that it’s hard to see the areas that can be improved, even as experienced runners.
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New workouts and training strategies From a coach
If you have worked with more than one running coach before, you have probably noticed that each coach may take a different approach to planning your training. Rather than providing cookie-cutter workouts, a personal running coach can plan workouts that meet your current needs and goals. They may also have seen a lot of success with certain kinds of workouts in other athletes and tend to use those workouts frequently. If you have been doing the same types of workouts without really knowing how to change it up, a running coach can adjust your workouts and training strategy to make sure you are progressing appropriately.
Ongoing support and collaboration
When you work with a running coach they can provide ongoing support as you train, whether or not you have a race coming up. Think of them like a partner in your training. The coach may be knowledgable about your training and workouts, but you know yourself the best, and need to provide feedback about how things are going. By working as a team you will have the best results.
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Coaches provide personalized training and support
The best part about working with an individual running coach is that it’s INDIVIDUAL. They are creating a plan specifically for you and providing ongoing feedback and support based on how your training is going. While training plans can help you work towards a race goal, it can be challenging to adjust them if training isn’t going as planned. Some coaches do offer training plans without the ongoing coaching, so if you go for this option check and see if they are willing to adjust your plan throughout your training.
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Coaches help with pacing and race strategies
I recently shared a post about how to find your training paces. While these tools are great, they are best used in conjunction with a coach who can help you look at the big picture. For example, my recent 5k time predicts a marathon time of 3:24. (my PR is 3:41.) There is a huge difference between a 5k and a marathon. In order to get a better prediction I should really use a longer race distance (preferably something recent) or do a time trial of a longer distance. Knowing that I have faster times in shorter distances, I would adjust my paces for a more reasonable marathon time right now, until my fitness in longer distances improves.
Running coaches can offer a range of services, from just creating an individualized training plan, to ongoing, intensive support with daily feedback. It’s important to find someone who is good match for you, both based on their training philosophy and personality. But working with a coach can really bring many great benefits to training and racing!
Many distance coaches are certified through RRCA and/or VDOT.
Have you ever worked with a running coach?
If you are planning to run any races this year, what goals do you have?
I can’t disagree with any if those reasons.
No I have never worked with a coach.
Two reasons.
1. My work schedule doesn’t allow me to put in the time to follow a plan or schedule
2. Money. We have bills and home improvement plans. It would be either a coach or races. I choose races.
I think you’d be a great coach for any runner.
Maybe someday?
It’s definitely something that has to fit into your budget and schedule! Although I do think most coaches will accommodate busy schedules. I think for some people there are better times than others to work with a coach.
I have been tempted to work with a coach (again), but my last experience was a bit of a fail. A lot of that was on me, because I went along with everything I was told to do even when my gut said it was too much. I’m also one of those who doesn’t really have any specific goals other than to stay in shape and maintain a solid base. I enjoy running for the simplicity of it, and don’t live and die by PR’s (though they are nice when they happen).
It’s too bad your last coaching experience didn’t work out too well! It could be something to consider if you decide to work towards a big race goal at some point.
Even though I am a running coach as well, it is nice to get another perspective from someone else who is objective. Definitely have to find the right fit!
Exactly! I’ve loved having coaches for myself when I was training for big races!
I have worked with a coach in the past, and I loved it! I loved having my own personal cheerleader — and not having to think too much about my workouts. And having someone to tweak those workouts for me!
Yes! I’ve loved not having to think about my workouts!
I agree with all of your reasons. One of the best decisions I made was to hire a coach. Yes, I can follow a plan that is online, but a coach will design it just for me with my goals in mind. Plus, he/she will adjust as needed.
Exactly! Its so much better to have something thats personalized.
I love working with a running coach! They definitely can help you reach your goals and I love that my training is specific to what I need. It’s a worthy investment!
Totally agree! Its so helpful to have another perspective on your training.
I recently started working with a coach after YEARS of debating it, and I am so happy that I went for it. On my own I was burning myself out, and after just a month with the coach I’m feeling a lot more energy from my workouts. If anyone is on the fence, I would say that coaching isn’t a lifetime commitment. It’s more like dating…you try it out and if it’s not what you want, you move on.
That’s such a good point! I’m so glad its working out for you so far!
I have worked with two different running coaches in the past and have absolutely loved the experience each time! Nothing beats having a different perspective and a personalized plan!
Exactly! Its so nice to have someone personalize your training and provide an outside perspective.
I was doing some tempo miles today- I haven’t done speedwork in a long time, obviously haven’t been racing, am coming back from plantar fasciitis… needless to say it was a challenge figuring out what my pace should be. I did have the thought, “this is where a coach would help!”
Haha very true! I have that thought sometimes too because it can be hard making your own decisions, not knowing if you’re being too easy or too hard on yourself!
I absolutely loved working with my running coach. As he is also a friend it made it really easy to talk to him about goals. He’s helped me a lot in the past and how I run now has a lot to do with what he taught me!
That’s so great! Being able to communicate with a coach is so important.
I can’t imagine having the success I did at the marathon without a coach. I think for some people it’s just hard to put aside their pride and accept help from someone else. That’s such a shame because having someone else plan your training is so freeing! It is important to find a coach that is a good fit and to be clear about your goals. Also, if the plan isn’t working, I think you should also feel comfortable talking to the coach about that.
That’s so true! I think so many runners have alot of experience and may feel like they don’t need a coach, but it really can be helpful for anyone! But communication and a positive relationship are key!
Even as a running coach myself, I still benefit from a separate coach. I worked with one man for several years and he got me to my BQ. But after my broken leg, I needed a change, so I switched to Esther through McKirdy Trained and she is the best.
That’s so great! I think all runners, even coaches, can benefit from a coach. And I also think it can be helpful to change coaches if things aren’t working great or if you stop making progress.
I have worked with a coach and it’s been a great experience. I don’t know that I would do it again in the near future, just because I don’t really have any big goals in mind, but it can be such a great and positive option.
Yes, the timing definitely has to be right! Some runners will benefit from working with a coach all the the time; others just use one when working towards a big race goal.