I’m going to let you in on a little-known secret: You don’t have to win races at elite levels to “qualify” for a running coach. Every runner, regardless of ability, can benefit from having one. In fact, those who are just dipping their toes into running often benefit the most. And with today’s technology (hello, Zoom!), it’s never been easier to work with one.
Here are three reasons why you should consider an online running coach.
Follow a training plan that fits your life
Your work and family obligations are unique to you. So are your body’s physiology, stress, and recovery needs. This is why standard 12–16 week training plans come up short and are difficult to follow.
An online running coach—i.e., a human being—understands the 23 hours a day you aren’t training is equally as important as the training itself. Your coach can account for your schedule, your physical capabilities, and your goals to create an easy-to-follow training plan just for you.
At Trail Transformation, for instance, we design a new training plan for our runners every two weeks. This allows us to adjust for schedule changes and incorporate feedback on a regular basis.
Clarify your goals and intentions
Having a goal is essential to any meaningful journey. In terms of running, it could be as simple as running for one mile without stopping or as nuanced as smashing your field’s record at a certain race. Even if you have the same goal as someone else, the way you think about it could be totally different.
Your online running coach can help you set attainable goals. More importantly, your coach can present you with new challenges—even ones you may not believe you can do. For example, what happens when you finish that marathon? With an objective, outside perspective, your coach can inspire you to further your journey. And that’s the fun of it, right?
Gain accountability
It can be easy to skip your training run in light of everything else you have going on. This is where having an online running coach is key. Your coach can keep you accountable to a consistent routine that fits your life demands.
It’s also easy to get caught up in going for the same easy run loop. Because, let’s be honest, taking the time to think about the purpose of the workout—and improving it for next week, month, or year—is a lot of work. An online running coach can do this for you. What’s more, your coach can motivate you to stick with your training program while also allowing you the mental space to recover when your body needs it.
How could an online running coach benefit you?
Anyone can benefit from having someone who will create the best training plan for your life and running goals—and then hold you to it. Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your entire life, there’s always something to improve.