Running has grown into a popular sport in the past few decades. As a result, running coaches have also grown in popularity. But do you need a running coach? No, not necessarily. However, just like hiring a trainer for the gym, a running coach can help you master your technique, propel your growth, and better enjoy the run.
If you’re on the fence about hiring a running coach, here’s what you need to know.
First Things First
Before you seek out a professional trainer or coach, it’s crucial that you’ve done the work of self-reflection to determine what you really want. Have some goals in mind. This gives your coach a place to start and a direction to push you towards. These goals can be big or small — from planning to run your first marathon or to work out the one nagging pain that has bothered you (and sabotaged your runs) for years.
Training for a specific race? Find a coach who knows it and trains people for it.
Why Hire a Running Coach?
1) You lack consistency and accountability.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, getting out there is tough. We can be inconsistent. We make up excuses and come up with justifications as to why not to do something we know we should. One of the ways to overcome this is through accountability. A running coach is like that friend who asks you to come running with them — except you’re also paying them. Sometimes we just need a financial incentive (or peer pressure) to get the job done.
A running coach can help you transform a haphazard running schedule into a real, effective running routine.
2) You’re stuck on a plateau.
At some point or another, we’ve all hit plateaus in our exercise routines. You stop seeing results, stop being able to push your speed and your time. It can be an incredibly frustrating season — so much that many people throw in the towel! This lack of progress is no doubt discouraging. You feel like you have to be doing something wrong.
That’s where a running coach comes in. They can help push you to the next level while identifying areas of improvement. They will push you to do more than you would choose for yourself. This is often key in long-term, large-scale success.
3) You keep getting injured.
Running injuries are no joke. If you find yourself battling constant sprains, cramps, and stress-fractures, you could use a coach. They aren’t just about getting you to run harder and faster. No, a running coach will teach you the proper form and pre-race exercises that will shrink your chance of injury. While injuries happen to the best (and worst) of us, they shouldn’t be a chronic problem for any runner.
A coach will help you address the underlying problems and develop a form that doesn’t lend itself to repeat-injuries.
4) You set a solid foundation.
I say it all the time on the Memphis Invest blog — a solid foundation is key to success. While in real estate investment that solid foundation looks a little different to the foundation set for a successful run, the same is certainly true. One of the major benefits of hiring a running coach is that they set you on the right path from the very beginning. They’ll teach you correct form, warm-ups and cool-downs, and all of key details that runners take for granted. Ultimately, this will result in better times, fitness, and form.
5) You leave the creativity to the professionals.
Some days you just don’t want to do the same old routine. Coming up with something interesting and equally effective can be a chore. One of the major benefits of having a coach is that you don’t have to devote precious time and energy to figuring out how you’re going to train. That falls to your coach. They’ll help you develop a varied and enjoyable training plan that will push you to be the best athlete you can be.
Just as a reminder: not everyone needs a running coach. You may be doing just fine running solo or with friends. However, don’t overlook to benefits of hiring a professional when trying to meet specific fitness and running goals.
Have you utilized a running coach? Share how the coaches in your life helped you along the way.