Are you looking to take your running to the next level? Hiring a running coach might be the answer you’re looking for.
Running coaches are dedicated professionals who specialize in helping runners improve their performance and reach their goals. They provide personalized training plans and expert advice to ensure that runners stay injury-free and reach their full potential.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring a running coach and what you can expect from this investment.
I’ll also note that this post is NOT a push for any specific coach or running program. I mention the one I used, enjoyed, and suggest, but everyone has their own preferences. You’ll want to do further running coach research if you so choose to hire a coach.
I don’t have a coaching program to sell you. I just want you to succeed at your goals.
Before going into full detail on the benefits of hiring a coach, let’s answer some of the common questions.
As you read further through this post, we’ll build upon these simplified answers.
How much does it cost to have a running coach?
Cost of a coach varies, but the primary running coach cost range is from $100 to $200 per month. Yes, you can find coaches mores and less expensive, but this range is common for hiring a running coach.
Is hiring a running coach worth it?
Hiring a coach may be worth it if you want to improve your running performance and reach your goals without wasting a bunch of time, money, and effort trying to figure out what to do on your own. The accountability of a coach is also worth the cost.
How do I find a good running coach?
Try searching online, reaching out to local running clubs or gyms, or ask for referrals from friends who have used a coach. Here are a few that might be of help:
When should I get a running coach?
Consider getting a coach if you are either struggling to hit your running goals with what you’ve been implementing or you don’t want to wast time, money, and effort figuring it out on your own.
When should you not hire a coach?
If you’re satisfied with your current running performance or if you’re not committed to making changes, it may not be necessary to hire a coach. That’s okay too. You’ll want to be realistic with your running goals if you’re already happy with where you’re at.
So, let’s dive in!
My Experience Hiring a Running Coach
For 12+ years, I tried to coach myself to a BQ. Needless to say, it shouldn’t take 12 years to hit a BQ, so I blame the coach (me).
July 4th weekend 2019, my wife and I decided I should hire a coach if I truly wanted to hit my BQ goal.
I had been following this random guy named Patrick Cutter. He ran 2:35ish marathons so I knew he knew how to hit the BQ and I saw other athletes of his having success. Patrick is also an all around fit, muscular guy and not just some skinny 120 pound runner so I could somewhat relate.
Through McKirdy Trained, I signed up to have Cutter coach me. Immediately, I had success.
Within 5 months of hiring a coach, I hit my BQ goal. Over the next 3 years, we hit a sub 3, three BQ’s, and a successful Ironman triathlon block.
Beyond the success I had on race day, Coach Cutter helped me develop confidence in my ability, provided the wisdom to know how to train and race, and was a center of accountability.
Before hiring a running coach, I had my normal stubborn traits of thinking I could learn how to BQ on my own. That was such a joke. Every single one of the world’s greatest athletes have numerous coaches that help them get out of their own way.
Can I Achieve My Running Goals without a Coach?
I believe you can learn how to improve at running and hit your goals without a coach.
But a coach is worth every penny.
While it may be tempting to solely rely on online resources, self-motivation, and trial and error, a running coach offers personalized support and expert guidance that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
A running coach can develop a customized training plan that takes into account your individual strengths and weaknesses. This will help you avoid overuse injuries and reach your full potential.
Most importantly, a running coach offers accountability and motivation to keep you on track and focused on your goals, no matter what obstacles you may face.
If you can afford a running coach, I would do so even for a short 6-12 month training block.
So while it is possible to reach your running goals without a coach, the success you’ll find with a coach is much more likely and fulfilling.
Personalized Running Coaching is Invaluable
Hiring a running coach can provide numerous benefits to help you achieve your running goals. Here are two of the most significant benefits:
- Tailored workout plans to meet running goals | A coach will take the time to understand your specific needs and goals. Then they create a customized training plan that is tailored to your abilities and objectives. I went to Coach Cutter with a specific goal and he was able to customize direct to me versus a random online plan. For you, this plan will include a combination of different types of workouts that are designed to help you reach your goals. With a tailored workout plan, you can be confident that you are training effectively and efficiently, which can help you reach your running goals faster.
- Focuses on individual strengths and weaknesses | Every runner is different and has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. A coach will work with you to identify these areas and create a training plan that focuses on improving your weaknesses while also building on your strengths. This approach helps to ensure that you are training in a balanced way, which can lead to a more sustainable and injury-free running experience.
By hiring a coach, you’ll have access to a professional who is dedicated to helping you achieve your running goals. With their personalized support and expert guidance, you can reach new heights in your running and enjoy a more fulfilling and injury-free experience.
How Much Does a Running Coach Cost?
I know I sound like a broken record, but the value ROI of a running coach is worth it.
For anywhere from $100-$200/month, you can have a professional save you hundreds of hours of effort, lost time, and even more money from extended training in trying to save a few bucks.
“How much is a coach?,” is the wrong question. The question is, “How much additional time, money, and effort am I willing to spend to try and achieve my goals without a coach?”
Often, we think of the immediate cost of things. If we look ahead at how much a coach saves us, we will realize that value ten fold.
Can’t RunnerChecklists.com Help Me Achieve My Goals for Free?
Look, our goal at RunnerChecklists.com is to motivate, guide, and influence your running.
We dream of the day we can say we helped 100 people achieve their BQ. Nothing would fulfill our goals more than you achieving your running goals with our help.
Some great places to get your running going are to check out our Starting from Zero Series focusing on pace and distance.
Nothing can compare to the guidance of a 1-on-1 coach.
Above all, we will do everything we can to help you achieve your running goals. Between the information here and throughout the internet, you can achieve great running feats for free.
We want to shine a light on the benefits of running coaches and the value running coaches provide.
If you have the means to hire a coach, we cannot suggest enough that you do so. You can come to RunnerChecklists.com throughout your training to learn a supplement what your coach teaches you.
Just Hire a Coach Already
As note throughout this post, hiring a running coach can be a valuable investment for runners looking to improve their performance and reach their goals.
A coach offers personalized support and expert guidance tailored to the runner’s specific needs and goals, which can lead to a more efficient and injury-free training experience. The benefits of hiring a coach include tailored workout plans and a focus on individual strengths and weaknesses.
The cost of a running coach can range from $100 to $200 per month, and the value of this investment is well worth it in terms of time and money saved, and increased success and fulfillment.
