Why You Need a Running Coach

I know what you’re thinking, a running coach writing a post talking about why you need a running coach is going to be filled with all of the wonderful things that I can do for you to help you improve as a runner.

As Lee Corso would say:

Don’t Think You Need a Running Coach?

I came across this article on RunnersWorld.com this morning, and I’m going to share several excerpts with you where the author (a runner who is NOT a running coach) talks about some of the benefits of her experience working with a running coach.

(I’d highly recommend you taking a few minutes to read the post in its entirety, because it’s very well done, but it’s simply too long to share the entire thing on this post.)

Working with a coach might seem like a privilege reserved for professional runners, whose livelihoods depend on performance, and an extravagance for “everyday” runners like me—one that can cost $50 to $200 per month. Yet recreational athletes arguably benefit even more from the attention, knowledge, and guidance of a coach.

I hear this a lot from runners, that they aren’t good/fast enough to work with a coach. In the article, there are several examples how how a good running/coach relationship can pay huge dividends for many recreational runners.

Why shell out the cash to hire a coach (I paid $130 per month to work with Shay) if a perfect race isn’t guaranteed? Because—in spite of my Wineglass experience—the right coach will improve your training experience, enable you to become fitter than you’ve ever been, and teach you important lessons about the marathon.

LESSON 1

Aches and pains must end before training can begin.

LESSON 2

A strong foundation is key.

LESSON 3

Power isn’t just for sprinters.

LESSON 4

Never do the same workout twice.

LESSON 5

If you have a time goal, not all long runs should be slow.

LESSON 6

Treat your guts with respect—and not just on race day. 

LESSON 7

Don’t hang your happiness on your finishing time.

These lessons that the author learned from working with a running coach are really important, and in my mind at least, help to explain why you need a running coach.

None of the lessons are Earth shattering.

None of the lessons are hard to understand or wrap your head around.

Yet for some reason, when you’re in the midst of training for a race (or whatever your running goals are), it’s easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees.

And that is where having a good coach is worth his or her weight in gold.

You need a running coach to help you stay on track towards your long term goals.

You need a running coach to push you outside of your comfort zone.

You need a running coach to eliminate the guess work from your life.

You need a running coach to remind you that a missed goal isn’t the end of the world.

Do You Need a Running Coach?

If you need a running coach, we need to talk.

And if you think, no matter how much you might like to have a coach to work with, there’s no way you can afford one, then we really need to talk.

I have a handful of spots currently available for one on one coaching. (Click here to schedule a free call to discuss specifics.)

I’m also in the early stages of putting together something brand new, that will combine a lot of the benefits of one on one coaching with the benefits and savings of working within a group dynamic.

It’s going to be different from almost any other group program that is out there, and if you would be interested in hearing more about that program, let me know and I’ll pass along some more info to you.

What is the One Thing That is Holding You Back From Working with a Running Coach?