Running coaches are like secret weapons. Whether you’re new to running or gunning for a new race PR, running coaches can guide the process, avoid obstacles, and get on track from start to finish.
What a running coach does is, and if you can benefit from it, here’s it.
What does a running coach do?
The duties of a running coach vary depending on the level of service. Some coaches simply provide a basic training plan. Others provide more involved and customized services:
“A good running coach provides structure, motivation, accountability and tells you about running and training that you didn’t know about yet,” says Caleb Masland, USATF certified running coach and founder of Wicked Bonkproof Run Coaching.
Most running coaches will provide training and communication via email, phone, Zoom, or via online training platforms, but you can find an in-person running coach if you wish.
If you’re just starting to run and need a little motivation and guidance on training, train for your first 5K on a 30-day breakaway with Bodi. A quick and effective resistance workout is followed by interval run training to build strength and stamina towards short bursts.
Three benefits of working with a running coach
1. Remove guesswork from training
Running coaches will lay out exactly when and how long you will run, which type of running workout to do, and when to back off or ramp up. This is especially useful if you’ve just started running or if your training is stagnant.
And if you have a big goal you don’t know how to achieve – you can outline the best plans for your running coach to get you there, whether it’s finishing 10K, setting up PR in an Ultra Marathon, losing weight, improving cardiovascular function, and more.
2. Get motivation and support with human touch
Running a coaching app can be a great tool for some runners, but many runners may need to meet face-to-face to stay motivated. “We only get so many positive autotexts from the training app before we stop it being valuable,” says Masland.
3. Avoid overtraining and undertraining
Your training schedule says you need to do 5 miles today, but you don’t feel that. Should you go through it or take it easily? Even if you’re an experienced runner, it can be surprisingly difficult to retreat and see the big picture when you’re deep and deep in the training trench.
Running coaches can help you find ways to provide objective feedback and adjust your training as needed, says Masland.
How much does a good running coach cost?
Like personal trainers, there is no standard rate for running coaches. However, according to the International Association of Sports Sciences, a charge of between $25 and $100 per hour is expected.
According to Masland, prices range depending on the services offered and how much experience the coaches have. How much you spend on a running coach will ultimately depend on (and you can afford) the level of support you need.
How to Find the Right Running Coach
The best place to start your search for a running coach is to ask your local or online running friends for recommendations. Once you’ve got some names, reach out to those coaches and have a conversation about their background and training philosophy to see if you’re compatible.
“A good coach athlete relationship is a two-way street with mutual respect and a lot of support,” Musland points out. It’s important to find someone who feels like a good fit, as running coaches work closely together even online.
If you don’t have a network of running friends, or if your running friends have not previously worked with a running coach, there are some online resources you can try.
At the very least, running coaches must obtain coaching certification from one of these organizations. “This way, make sure the coaches you work with have good basic knowledge of training principles,” says Masland. Depending on your goals, you may need a coach with a professional background (but not everyone needs a coach with a professional running experience).
Like any trainer or workout, you may try a few times before finding a suitable fit, but when you do, you can take your fitness to the next level.
Are you still a beginner and not ready to fully commit to a running coach? A 30-day breakaway will help you start your running journey and motivate you to run and lift with a trainer-led workout.
