Why Hire a Running Coach?

I mean really, why hire a running coach? There is so much information on the internet about how to train for every distance imaginable. Surely it can't be that hard, right? All you need to do is type into Google, training plan for 5k, 10k, etc. Google works its magic and voila! you have a slew of training plans at your fingertips. All you have to do is pick which one you'd like to follow. The general gist of the training plans have to be similiar, so what does it matter, pick one and let the training begin!

The first issue you'll run into is lack of accomodation. By this I mean, you're going to have to fit your life around the training plan rather than the training plan fitting around you life. There are keys sessions prescribed on certain days, with each week building upon the training you completed the week prior. I mean, you did complete all the prescribed sessions, right? No? Well, why not? Oh, you got sick... That's a bummer. How do you adjust? Do you repeat the week prior because you didn't complete it, or do you just soldier on? These constant adjustemnts can create heavy decision fatigue. You know what would be really helpful in this situation? A coach to help you navigate the obstacles that life throws at you. A coach will structure training to fit around your life and adjust it accordingly should you get sick or run into some other unforeseen circumstance.

Another issue you'll run into are cookie cutter training plans. What do I mean by this? These plans are one size fits all, so to speak. They don't take into consideration any variables in order to help optimize your training. Are you a veteran or new runner? What is your athletic background? How old are you? What's your injury history, if any? How much time do you have to train? A coach will take all of these variables into consideration when creating a training plan for you, in order to optimize your time and energy. You are an individual afterall and, as such, have specific needs. Your mom always said you were special. Why not hire a coach to treat you as such?

Beyond the Xs and Os of training there is the interpersonal relationship between the coach and athlete that affords one a slew of other advantages. For instance, accountability. Studies has shown that when a person has to answer to someone other than themselves they are more likely to complete a task. Another advantage is perspective. All runners are guilty of basing their self-worth upon their last workout or race. Having a coach on hand to help objectively unpack a poorly run race or workout is an invaluable asset. A coach will help the athlete rein in their emotions and see the bigger picture. Finally, there is the matter of confidence. One will not perform up to expectation if they do not believe in the training. Having years of experience training athletes and witnessing the fruits of their labor, coaches have a good handle of what an athlete is capable of and can relate those experiences to the athlete so that they may have realistic expectations.

So have I effectively convinced you to hire a coach? Yes? Alrighty then, let's get to work!