Why I Chose a Running Coach
There comes a point when this doesn’t cut it anymore:
I love to go, but I also want to go FAST.
Unfortunately, training on the back country roads is not as motivating as it should be for my tempo and interval workouts. I had taken a break from training with a group after graduating, but as fall approached, I felt the itch returning. After quite a bit of deliberation, I began training with a group and found a running coach.
I am not saying that it is for everyone, but I have some big goals and dreams for myself in the next couple decades of life and like many things, I cannot get there alone.
Here are a few reasons why I chose a running coach:
1. Faster Training Speed – I am running with super fast people and not only is a humbling experience, but it is going to make ME faster. It is science – you train faster when others push you! It also is extra motivation when the coach is standing at the top of a hill with a stop watch, insisting you break your last PR.
2. Form Improvement – Not surprisingly, I cannot watch myself run. So until I have a mirror in front of me while I run, I am going to stick with having someone else tell me I need to straighten my shoulders! Not only that, but I am learning a bunch of tricks on how to improve form, counting techniques for my stride and barefoot running for speed.
3. Support – It is like a miracle. I show up to one place and there are dozens of other running addicts folks like myself to talk about normal life things while we do strides. It is also heartening to hear encouragement for upcoming races and training.
4. Injury Prevention – When there is something feeling off, I have an expert to ask who can help suggest stretches, exercises and the proper course for recovery. If nothing else, it is nice to have the knowledge that the help is there.
5. Running Plan – I have always struggled to know when to take an off season, when to ramp it up and how to plan my year to get maximum power and ability for specific races. Part of this is lack of experience and the other piece is lack of knowledge. For me, it is worth paying for someone to do the planning for me, especially as they know more than me!
What are your thoughts? Are you a solo sporter or a coach enthusiast!
Ok, maybe I just haven’t been very attentive, but I had no idea you started working with a coach! This is awesome! I have played with the idea in the past, but my biggest problem is that I hate being told what to do when I work out (I blame the fitness instructor in me!) so I’m not sure I’d like it very much. Having said that, all of your reasons are totally valid and I agree. Like you, I’ve got a couple of pretty specific running goals so I haven’t totally ruled it out. Can’t wait to hear what your experience is like!
Ha! I don’t think I have been talking about it that much. I am starting on a regular basis in November. Right now it is a bit more on and off. I have always liked having someone telling me where I should be in my training or else I overthink it and stress! We should definitely chat about this the next time I see you!
For the last 56 weeks I’ve been with a coach and it was the best training decision I’ve ever made. Period.
Kyle @ SKORA
Kyle, I love that you have broken it down by weeks. Congratulations. I tend to agree with you on the best decision part. I will gladly pay someone to do the thinking for me on this one!
Ya, I think I will just enjoy listening to your running stories and not try any of the pain myself.
Because falling out of trees isn’t painful…