It’s Friday and time for another fun link up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia. Our theme this week? “Five things I love about…”
Lots of things came to mind for this theme, but then I started thinking about a conversation I’d had recently with my youngest son about why I was working with Coach Bennett. His exact words were – “Why don’t you just get out there and run?” Hmm…fair question. So I thought I’d share what I love about working with a running coach.
Customized training plan — A running coach will develop a personalized plan for you taking into account your current fitness level, running history and current goals. It takes all the guess work out of picking a training plan.
Progressing smartly — Closely tied with reason #1, is working with a coach will help you to progress at a pace that will hopefully minimize the risk of injury. Life happens and training runs are missed – I’ve found it very helpful to have someone to help figure out when and how to get the miles in (or, equally importantly, when to let them go!)
Move beyond comfort zone — While progressing smartly, I have also found it very beneficial to have someone to push nudge me out of my comfort zone. (Hill repeats and some of my more aggressive speedwork would never have happened without Coach Bennett!)
Sounding board —Â A good running coach is definitely part therapist. A coach can help you with the mental side of running – helping to keep you both motivated and focused.
Race strategy — Having someone who can help you objectively review your training, set realistic race goals and map out a strategy for getting there is a huge bonus!
Have you ever worked with a running coach? If not, would you want to?
Yes x 5! I’m on both sides of the coaching equation: I am a coach and I have a coach. Yes, they’re worth their weight in gold! As a coach, it’s really exciting to me to see people’s nature come out in the way they train.
Marcia recently posted…Let #TheFitnessGames Begin!
Thank you Michelle. As a coach, it’s a pleasure when a client is coachable; open to new trying new ideas and works hard as had as you to implement her training.
A sixth benefit: for runners who exhibit Type A behaviour — a good coach will tell you it’s Ok to listen to your body and take a much needed break, when you would not give yourself that permission.
Thanks Bennett 🙂 And yes that 6th benefit is an important one for sure!
Awesome post! I am trying to get certified as a running coach–it’s really a nice thing to have to help you reach goals. Now if only I can find a coach to coach me into signing up for a coaching course! 🙂
Alyson @ Disney Runs In The Family recently posted…Friday Five: Five Things I Love About Running Disney
Alyson that’s great that you’re going to be a running coach. Now go sign up for that course 😉
I have never worked with a running coach. I would love to but with my crazy work schedule I would not be able to commit to the workouts they would put together.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Creative Costume Ideas for Halloween and Beyond
Michelle, I would LOVE to work with a running coach or, at the very least, have access to a customizable training plan. I’d been looking into some options, but now I’m having some hamstring troubles and need to be pretty conservative for awhile. So…one of these days! Great post and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Five Favorite Movies
I would definitely like to work with a coach. It’s been a matter of cost for me. I like the thought of the objectivity and the accountability and for someone to push me and not let me underestimate my abilities!
I love training with a coach! Finding the right coach for you is key!
jill conyers recently posted…The Activia Challenge and a Variety of Flavors
Great point Jill! It is so important to find the “right” coach – personality fit is key!
I’ve always felt that I wasn’t serious enough about my running to need a coach, but these are great reasons for any runner.
Coco recently posted…My Five Favorite Things About Ragnar Relay DC
I’ve been working with the same personal trainer for years and I love having someone push me to do things I wouldn’t do on my own. He can tell me when I am being crazy or unrealistic, keep me from getting hurt and yes be my therapist. All for it!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Go Primal! Sport Mud Review & Giveaway
I haven’t worked with a running coach but would definitely be open to. Right now it is a matter of cost, but maybe in the future. It would be great to get personalized training plans.
Sharon recently posted…Beat the Blerch Virtual Run
I have never worked with a running coach but was always tempted. Maybe one day !
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Friday Five : Five favorite (easy) recipes
This year was all about conditioning and getting fit for me, which aided in my running (so I see a personal trainer). Next year I would love to consider getting a coach.
Jennifer recently posted…Friday FIve – Favorite Things at the Moment
i think these are all great reasons and it makes a lot of sense! having that sounding board is invaluable!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Run Less Run Faster Training Plan