eFAQ-5: "Why do I need a coach?"
This is usually followed up with:
“Can’t I just print a training plan that I found online?”
Yes, you could. And it may be just fine.
Or, you could be setting yourself up for failure. (sorry to be blunt, but … it’s true!)
The generic online training plans are a good starting point. It’s a good way to get someone moving who doesn’t have much background – like the “Couch to 5K” plans. Great!! Let’s get out and walk, run, and finish that 5K! I am all for that – for people partaking in exercise on their own free will and figuring out a way to make it work in their lives.
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
But if you really want to invest in your running – your improvement, your PRs, your Instagram-worthy workouts (if that’s your thing) – then it is probably in your best interest to research your options and consider hiring a coach.
Read on to learn about a few levels of coaching …
Find a plan online.
(I struggle to classify this as coaching, but I suppose someone did write this plan with some athlete in mind)
Pros: easily accessible, usually very cheap (or free!)
Cons: totally generic, making assumptions that you can handle the prescribed intensity/volume of the plan. no wiggle room!
Photo by Cookie the Pom on Unsplash
Hire a coach, pay for a plan.
Your coach puts together a training plans that is more or less customized, based off a recent race or time trial. That plan lands in your inbox, and your coach is essentially hands-off as you plug away.
Pros: it’s individualized from the start, and focused on your goal race/distance
Cons: initial contact only with your coach. again, no wiggle room!
Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash
Join a coached group.
Every week, you attend a group workout or two: everyone does the same workout but at different paces.
Pros: Working with a partner/group can be really exciting, motivating and helpful in improving your times and learning how to compete. You also have face-to-fact contact with a coach, who can at least explain why you’re the workout.
Cons: not every athlete is the same - why should we expect that every athlete is at the same physical & mental state of training, and can handle the same workout? scheduling can be a limitation here, too.
Hire a 1:1 coach, pay for the relationship.
Your coach puts together a training plan that is geared toward you, and you alone. He/she reviews your workouts and is in contact with you regularly (ranging from daily to bi-weekly, usually).
Pros: it’s customized to you, from start to finish. adjustments can be made for “on a whim” races during your training, illness or injury, or just one of those weeks that life gets crazy and you end up missing a workout or two (hey, it happens!)
Cons: this can be expensive - it is definitely an investment that takes consideration of your financial situation.
So where do I fall on this spectrum?
I am the last option – I am a 1:1 coach, offering completely individualized training plans to ALL of my athletes. Yes, ALL of them. It doesn’t matter if you can commit 3 days a week or 2 hours a day – I will make it work so you reach your goals, and I promise to you that I do not use any pre-made plans.
Added bonus #1:
I am also a physical therapist (which you probably already know, since you’re here!). How does that complement my coaching abilities? I understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body – I use it every day. When I analyze your movement and watch you run, I can tease out things that might be contributing to an injury, or ways we can take your performance even a bit farther. I can help you manage some little injuries pretty quickly, and you have quick access to me as a PT for the “big stuff”. I know when it’s okay to run through an injury, and what modifications we should make to your training to accommodate … and I know when it’s not okay to run through an injury.
Finishing my morning run, 40 weeks pregnant!
Added bonus #2:
I am a woman, and I understand the impact that our hormones and menstrual cycle have on our training and performance … and the unique challenges of pregnant & post-partum running! This is not to say that male coaches don’t understand this, but they certainly haven’t experienced it, and I think there’s something to be said for experience…
OK, did I convince you yet?
Individualized coaching is where it’s at if you truly want to get the most out of your training! But, it’s not for everyone. And really, I’m not here to try to convince you, but I think it is my responsibility as a coach and clinician to educate you on what’s available.
Overall, a coach’s work can only go so far. YOU have to be willing to make that commitment to yourself to make coaching worth your investment. (I like to say that I’m the brains behind the operation … but it’s my athletes who really do the work and make the magic happen!)
So next time you’re dreaming of that big PR, or considering tackling a longer distance race – know your options, do some research, and be honest with yourself about what would be best for you.
I’m always here to answer questions and help guide you … and I’d love to coach you when you’re ready!
