1. Why do you need a running
coach?
One of the best things about running is that it's an individual sport. In
general, you don't have to rely on anyone else to participate. You just
lace up your shoes and go. But, really, is anything in life that simple?
Unfortunately, no. Even the most experienced runners could use a
little help. Sometimes, you get injured. Sometimes, you lose focus
and motivation. Sometimes, you want to improve but you just don't
know how to get there. And searching the Internet just leaves you
confused with differing information from people that don't know much
more than you. So, now what?
This is where I come in. A common misconception people have
regarding running coaches is that they are reserved for elite or
professional athletes, or those very serious runners that only want to
be competitive. That is just not the case. You'd hire a personal
trainer to help you learn how to lift weights, or develop a better
strength training workout, right? Well, think of a running coach as
your personal running trainer. ANY runner can benefit from having a
coach. And here are the top ten reasons why you need a running
coach:
1. Personalized Training Programs - A training program really
doesn't have any value if it isn't designed specifically for the runner
using it. A coach is going to design a program based on YOUR current
fitness, which means it's going to take your health history, your injury
history and your running experience into consideration. The program
will also reflect your specific goals regarding training paces, race
times, how much time you have before your race, and your own
personal schedule. Plans that you find online are a good starting
point, but they often are either too advanced, not advanced enough,
too short, or just don't give you enough training. By having a
personalized plan, you increase your chances of having a great
training and racing experience while remaining healthy and injury free.
2. Constant Source of Motivation - A good coach isn't going to
make you run at a level that isn't right for you. This will only produce
a runner with low confidence because they can't get through their

2. training runs! Not to mention the possibility of injury. A good coach is
going to provide you with a plan that will challenge you to the point of
accomplishment, not failure. The workouts may be hard, but you will
always be able to do it. Besides, having to be accountable to someone
other than yourself is a great source of motivation.
3. Your Own Personal Cheerleader - A good coach will always
believe in their clients. If your coach doesn't tell you that you're doing
a good job, that you CAN get through your training and/or race, you
need to get a new coach.
4. Information Available - Having a personal running coach will help
answer your questions. Coaches go through extensive training to
become certified. Coaches will provide you with the practical
information that will keep you healthy and injury free.
5. Injury Prevention - A personal coach is going to design a plan
that will minimize your risk for injury. Believe it or not, but there are
actual reasons why you do specific mileage one week to the next. And
most training plans you find online don't take that into consideration.
6. Your Own Personal Sounding Board – Someone to listen to your
ideas, thoughts, fears, hopes, and musings regarding your training
program. If you want to try something new with your training
program, a coach will work with you to reach your goals.
7. Your Running Toolbox - A coach is going to give you the tools
necessary to improve your running. These could be physical tools,
such as a speed workout specific to only your fitness or a long run
based on your favorite running route. Or they could be mental tools,
such as giving you the confidence you need to get through race day.
8. They Do The Thinking For You - A coach is going to figure out
the who, what, where, when, and why you're running a particular
distance or training pace. A coach is going to take the guess work out
of when to do your 20-mile runs in your marathon training, or when to
introduce speed work.

3. 9. They Will Help You Discover New Things - These new things
can be a new and different way to stretch or different strength training
or cross training activities that will make you stronger. Or your coach
will help you discover that you always had it in you to set and reach
your goals. You just needed a push.
10. They Make Running Fun - Coaches often have little tricks and
workouts you'll never find online. Coaches find ways to make your
training program exciting, varied, and different from week to week.
They'll take the workouts that have been the most successful, and fun,
and put them together to make a plan that will keep you running!
That is the point, right?
Cathy Ahearn
RRCA Certified Running Coach
Certified Spinning Instructor
AFAA Primary Group Exercise