Hiring a running coach is a commitment and a big step in training for a long-distance run. This is especially true if you’re used to training on your own or following a generic plan. For some runners, contracting a coach may be the game-changer that unlocks performance gains and consistency. For others, it may be an unnecessary expense.
The critical element for assessing whether a running coach is need comes down to understanding what a coach can provide.
Moving along, this article explores positive and negative aspects of contracting a running coach, along with practical advice on when you truly need one, and when you probably don’t.
What Does a Running Coach Really Do?
A running coach will set a structure, command accountability, and provide expertise. The one-size-fits-all scheduling is not applied with a running coach; instead, you’ll get a personalized training approach.
Furthermore, a coach will design a training plan based on your:
- Fitness level – armature to pro
- Running history – minimal to extensive
- Goals – completing a 5K vs. improving race time
- Injury history – none to major
- Schedule and lifestyle – often impact the above items
Coaches may also offer feedback on form, pacing strategies, recovery, and even nutrition. These are all critical for running programs. Furthermore, some coaches work remotely through apps, while others provide in-person sessions.
Hiring a Running Coach Pros
We’ll start off with the pro aspects of hiring a running coach. Dropping a nice shinny nickel on some training is not always a negative, and sometimes it is necessary for a successful run training program.
Personalized Training Plans
The first notable advantage is training customization. Unlike generic programs, a running coach will design a plan that you can use at the overall level, and they will make needed adjustments at it progresses.
This is one pro point if:
- Plateauing is easily experienced.
- There’s lack of sureness on how to progress safely.
- Specific performance goals are desired.
This first point on the pro aspects of run coaching covers the significant planning element. They can often be the most prevalent considerations when hiring a coach.
Accountability and Consistency
One major issue with some people training on their own is either accountability, consistency, or even worse, both.
Having trained and certified coach is tracking your progress can be a powerful motivator. The presence of a running coach keeps you honest and helps you stick to your routine. This is even the case on days when motivation is low.
For many runners looking to bring in a running coach, this alone can make the investment worthwhile.
Injury Prevention and Recovery Guidance
Overtraining and improper progression are common causes of runner injuries. It may be that your long run training keeps getting upended with recurring injuries.
A running coach helps avoid injury pitfalls by:
- Structuring rest days properly and according to your specific needs
- Monitoring training load
- Adjusting workouts if pain or fatigue arises
- Establishing counter balancing strength workouts for runners
If you’ve dealt with recurring injuries, a coach’s guidance can make all the difference with overcoming injury setbacks.
Efficient Running Performance Progress
A coach helps you train smarter, harder when needed, and no so harder as they assess progress.
Instead of using trial and error to see what works, a coach will set you up with a plan to follow, and it’ll be designed to maximize results in the time you have for running.
This is particularly helpful for busy individuals who want to make every workout count, especially when training to run a marathon
Race Strategy and Performance Insights
Whether it’s pacing strategies to tapering before race day, a coach‘s guidance can aid a runner with achieving the best performance when needed.
These elements can make a noticeable difference in competitive settings. This particular “pro” element primarily applies to someone looking to become an elite runner.
The Cons of Hiring a Running Coach
We’ve covered the pros of a running coach. Now, we need to dive into the cons of a hiring a coach to do a long-distance run.
Overall Cost of a Running Coach
Coaching services can range from modest monthly fees to premium pricing depending on experience and level of support. The latter being one that can reach a rather high amount.
Most beginners or casual runners may not reap the benefits associated with the costs. This could not be truer when many free resources are available.
For example, there are plenty of couch-to-10K guides available online, even couch-to-marathon guides. Hiring a coach would most certainly be a waste of money for goals such as these.
Low Running Coach Flexibility
Some coaching plans require adherence to a structured schedule. Sometimes it can be strict, depending on the coach.
While this help’s instill discipline, it may feel restrictive if you prefer a more relaxed or spontaneous approach to running.
Take a marathon training schedule for instance, the strict guide will ensure a better outcome. On the other hand, a 10K with friends and family will be much less suited with a coach providing strict guidance.
Not Always Necessary for Beginners
If your goal is simply to complete a race like a 5K, as mentioned, you really don’t need a coach at all.
Many beginners succeed with a basic running plan and consistent effort.
Hiring a coach too early can be overkill. It would only be recommended if morale is so low that accountability needs to be enforced; otherwise, a coach can be skipped.
Running Coach Quality Varies
This is a tough pill to swallow, and an even tougher service to pay for when the quality is low. Coaches will approach the sport differently, and it will certainly impact your training.
It could be a tough running coach that turns you away from running, or the coach may lack the proper training and experience to offer quality services. These are just some of the risk factors.
Finding the right coach take time, careful research, and patience.
Potential Over-Reliance
Relying too heavily on a coach can prevent you from learning how to listen to your own body and make independent training decisions.
It will lead to a situation of overconfidence, especially if the coach is aggressive.
It should be noted that good coach should educate—not just instruct or push limits just because.
When You Should Consider Hiring a Running Coach
To keep this aspect direct, there are four clear scenarios where contracting a running coach is sensible. Here they are in a nutshell:
- Specific Performance Goals are desired
- Injuries are a Constant Issue
- Hitting an Unbreakable Plateau
- Accountability is Lacking or Non-existent
- Training for a Longer or More Complex Race
Now let’s break each scenario down.
If you’re aiming to hit a personal best, qualify for a competitive race (Boston), or significantly improve your pace, a running coach is a resource that can provide the structure needed to meet the goal.
Moreover, you might be pushing yourself so hard that recurring injuries keep rearing their ugly head. This is often signal a flawed training.
A running coach can identify and correct training issues before they become expensive, chronic problems.
Now there’s the dreaded plateau. If your progress stalled despite consistent effort, new strategies to break through can be brought about with a running coach.
Some runners that simply lack motivation without an external force. This is when a coach can be utilized.
Half marathons, marathons, and trail races often require dedicated preparation, so you may not be able to do it alone. A running coach can help you navigate the increased demands in a controlled and safe manner.
When You Probably Don’t Need a Running Coach
In many cases, you can achieve your goals without professional coaching. Here is a short list of some examples to help make that determination:
- A Beginner with Simple Goals
- Self-Guided Training Is an Easier Option
- Consistency and Injuries are No Factor
- Budget Is a Concern
When an objective is to complete a 5K or improve general fitness, a basic training plan is often enough, and a running coach is beyond need.
Additionally, some runners prefer the freedom of designing their own workouts. Learning through trial and error brings excitement into their lives. A coach will impede this process.
Also, a runner that can stay on the road without injury may not get much from a coach. It will be to late and to expensive once this is discovered.
There’s no need to stretch your finances for coaching when free or low-cost plans can still deliver results. If finishing is the primary goal, why even make the investment.
Final Thoughts
Making the decision of contracting a running coach can be an investment that pays off, but it’s not a requirement for success. The decision boils down to your goals, running experience, and personal preferences.
If you’re looking to be a performance driven runner, struggling with consistency, or dealing with injury setbacks, a running coach can provide clarity, direction and structure.
On the other hand, if you’re just starting out or running for enjoyment, a simple plan and steady effort are more than enough to meet simple goals for beginners.
The best approach is the one that keeps you running, improving fitness, and enjoying an established running cycle.