How To Find a Good Running Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid!

Selecting the correct running coach is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment of the sport.

A good running coach does more than plan your workouts; they inspire, motivate, and strategise your path to personal bests and beyond.

Whether you’re aiming to start running, improve your race times, or tackle longer distances, the guidance of a skilled coach can be invaluable.

However, finding the right coach is not without its challenges.

Many runners face common obstacles and hold misconceptions about the coaching process.

For instance, some may prioritize cost over quality or choose a coach based solely on their athletic achievements without considering their coaching credentials and interpersonal skills.

Others might underestimate the importance of a coach’s specialization aligning with their specific goals, such as marathon training, sprinting, or trail running.

Moreover, the vast array of coaching styles—from highly analytical and data-driven approaches to more intuitive and motivational techniques—can complicate selection.

Understanding these dynamics and setting clear, informed expectations are crucial steps in forming a successful athlete-running coach partnership.

In this article, I will address the five mistakes to avoid when hiring your first or next running coach.

Mistake #1: Not Setting Clear Running Goals

The Importance of Specific Goals

Setting clear, measurable, and time-bound goals is foundational in your journey with a running coach.

These types of goals, often known as SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), are crucial because they provide a concrete target to aim for and a way to measure progress.

This clarity benefits the runner and the coach, allowing for tailored training plans that address the runner’s needs and aspirations.

When searching for a coach, having well-defined goals can help you find someone who specializes in the areas you aim to improve, whether it’s increasing distance, improving speed, or preparing for a specific race.

Tips for Defining Your Running Objectives

When setting your running goals, balancing ambition and realism is essential.

Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Assess Your Current Level: Understanding where you are now can help you set challenging yet achievable goals. Consider your current running pace, distance capabilities, and overall fitness level.
2. Think Long-Term and Short-Term: Set long-term goals for where you want to be in a year or more, as well as short-term goals that will help you get there. For instance, a long-term goal might be to run a marathon, while short-term goals could be to increase your weekly mileage incrementally.
3. Be Specific: Rather than vague goals like “get better,” define what “better” means. Does it mean running a 5k without stopping or finishing a half marathon in under two hours?
4. Make It Measurable: Ensure that you can track your progress. This might mean setting a goal to shave a minute off your mile time or to run a certain number of miles each week.
5. Set a Deadline: Deadlines create urgency and can spur motivation. Set a reasonable time frame for achieving your goals to keep yourself accountable.

Defining your running goals lays a strong foundation for a productive coaching relationship.

This clarity helps ensure that your chosen coach can effectively plan and execute training programs that align directly with your aspirations, making every step count towards achieving your running objectives.

Mistake #2: Choosing Based Solely on Price

Understanding the Value Over Cost

One common mistake when hiring a running coach is prioritizing cost above all other factors.

This is the biggest mistake, often frustrating runners and infuriating them when they don’t get results.

While looking for affordable options is understandable, the cheapest coach may not always provide the best value for your money.

Value in coaching goes beyond the price—it includes the quality of the training programs, the coach’s experience and specialised knowledge, and the level of personalized attention you receive.

Opting for the lowest-priced coach could mean compromising on the quality or specificity of your training.

A less expensive coach may have larger client loads, potentially leading to less personalized guidance, or they might lack the specific expertise needed to help you meet your goals.

In contrast, a coach who charges more typically offers more tailored programs, possibly based on more extensive training, certifications, and a track record of success with previous athletes.

How to Assess What You’re Paying For

When evaluating potential running coaches, look beyond the sticker price and consider what is included in their services.

Here are some tips to help you assess the actual value of a coaching service:

1. Review the Scope of Services: Understand exactly what the coaching fee includes. Does it cover daily or weekly training plans, nutrition advice, regular check-ins, and feedback sessions? Make sure you know what you are paying for.
2. Check for Specializations and Certifications: Higher fees often correlate with a coach’s specialized skills and certifications. These can be particularly valuable if you have specific goals, such as running a marathon or improving sprint times.
3. Consider the Level of Customization: More expensive coaches often provide more customized training plans that can adapt to your progress and specific challenges. This level of personalization can be crucial for your growth and development as a runner.
4. Evaluate the Communication and Support Offered: Does the coach offer unlimited communication, or are there set times for discussions and feedback? Your coach’s availability for queries and moral support can significantly influence your training experience.
5. Look at Past Success Stories: Investigate the coach’s history with other athletes. Success stories and testimonials can give you an idea of the results the coach has achieved, providing more context for the fees they charge.

By assessing what you’re getting for your money, you can make a more informed decision that balances cost with the quality and depth of coaching you receive.

This approach ensures that you invest in a service that genuinely meets your needs and supports your development as a runner.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Coach Credentials and Experience

Why Credentials Matter

Choosing a running coach with the right credentials and experience ensures you receive professional, knowledgeable guidance tailored to your running goals.

Credentials in running coaching can range from certifications from reputable organizations to specialized training in sports science, nutrition, or even psychology.

These qualifications guarantee that the coach has undergone rigorous training and adheres to professional standards.

Experience is essential as it reflects coaching principles’ practical, real-world application.

An experienced coach has likely dealt with a wide range of athletes, each with unique needs and challenges, and has a proven strategy for helping runners achieve their personal bests.

Types of Credentials to Look For:

• Certification from Recognized Bodies: Look for coaches certified by organizations such as a VDOT, UK Athletics (UKA) qualification or other relevant bodies that offer coaching certifications.
• Educational Background in Related Fields: Degrees in sports science, kinesiology, or physical education can indicate a deep understanding of athletic training and human physiology.
• Specialized Training: Additional qualifications in areas like injury prevention, nutrition, or endurance training can be particularly beneficial depending on your specific goals.

Verifying Credentials and Success Stories

Verifying a coach’s credentials and reviewing their success stories are critical to selecting the right coach.

This helps confirm their qualifications and gives insight into their effectiveness and adaptability with different types of athletes.

How to Verify Credentials:

1. Ask for Documentation: A reputable coach will happily provide documentation of their certifications and qualifications.
2. Check with Issuing Organizations: Most certifying bodies have a database or a verification system online where you can check the status of a coach’s certification.

Importance of Reviewing Success Stories:

• Evidence of Effectiveness: Success stories and testimonials from previous athletes provide tangible evidence of a coach’s ability to achieve results.
• Compatibility Insights: These stories can also give you an idea of the coach’s style and approach, helping you determine if they fit your personality and training preferences.

How to Review Success Stories:

• Read Testimonials: Look for detailed testimonials on the coach’s website or third-party review sites like Google.
• Speak to Former Clients: Contact former athletes trained under the coach to discuss their experiences and outcomes.
• Assess Consistency: Evaluate the consistency of the coach’s success across different athletes with diverse backgrounds and objectives.

Taking the time to check a coach’s credentials and success stories thoroughly can prevent setbacks and ensure you partner with a coach capable of effectively guiding you toward your running goals.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Coaching Style and Personality Fit

Matching Coaching Styles to Your Needs

Choosing a running coach involves more than assessing qualifications and experiences—it’s also crucial to consider the coaching style.

Coaches have different training approaches, communication, and motivation, which should align with your personal training preferences to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience.

Types of Coaching Styles:

• Directive Coaching: This more authoritative style involves the coach providing specific instructions and closely monitoring progress. It’s suitable for runners who prefer a structured and clear-cut program.
• Collaborative Coaching: The coach partners in your training, involving you in planning and decision-making. It’s ideal for those who want a more hands-on approach to their training.
• Holistic Coaching: Focuses on the athlete’s overall well-being, not just their athletic performance. This style integrates mental health, nutrition, and life balance into the training plan, appealing to runners who view their athletic pursuits as part of a larger lifestyle.
• Analytical Coaching: Relies heavily on data and technology to drive training decisions. This style suits runners who love to see quantitative measures of their progress, like pace improvements, heart rate zones, and more.

Choosing a coach whose style matches your preferences is essential for maintaining motivation and ensuring that the guidance you receive resonates with you and effectively aids your progress.

The Importance of Personality Compatibility

Personality compatibility between a coach and an athlete is crucial for a successful coaching relationship.

A coach’s personality can significantly influence how training advice is received and implemented and how enjoyable the training process is for you.

Why Personality Matters:

• Communication: A coach’s personality affects their communication style—some might be more encouraging and supportive, while others might be straightforward and no-nonsense. Matching with a coach whose communication style makes you feel comfortable and understood can enhance the effectiveness of the training.
• Motivation: Different athletes are motivated in different ways; some may need an uplifting and enthusiastic coach, while others may prefer a calm and steady source of motivation. A coach who aligns with your motivation can inspire you to push harder and achieve more.
• Trust and Openness: You must feel comfortable sharing your concerns, struggles, and setbacks with your coach. A personality match can foster an environment of trust and openness, making it easier for you to discuss issues freely and receive adaptive feedback.

How to Assess Personality Fit:

• Initial Consultations: Most coaches offer a first meeting or trial session, a valuable opportunity to gauge how well your personalities mesh.
• Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about how they handle training challenges and setbacks. Their responses can give you insight into their personality and coaching philosophy.
• Feedback from Other Runners: Reviews or testimonials can often reflect a coach’s personality through the experiences of others.

Ensuring that a coach’s style and personality align with your needs enhances the training process and helps build a lasting and effective coaching relationship.

Mistake #5: Not Checking References or Reviews

The Power of Social Proof

Reviews and testimonials are critical in the decision-making process when choosing a running coach.

They act as social proof, offering insights into the experiences of other athletes trained under the coach.

This information can provide a more realistic expectation of what the coach can offer and highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Reviews often touch on aspects such as the effectiveness of the coach’s methods, their ability to communicate and motivate, and their overall impact on an athlete’s performance and satisfaction.

How to Properly Check References

When verifying a potential coach’s references, it’s essential to approach this step methodically to gather valuable insights to guide your decision.

Here are some steps and questions to consider:

1. Request References: Start by asking the coach for a list of references. Ideally, these should include current or past athletes with similar goals.
2. Prepare Your Questions: Before contacting the references, prepare a list of questions that can help you gauge the coach’s effectiveness and suitability. Some questions might include:
   • How long did you work with the coach?
   • What specific goals did you achieve while working with this coach?
   • How did the coach handle communication and feedback?
   • Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge or setback and how the coach helped you handle it?
   • Would you recommend this coach, and why?
3. Contact the References: Contact the references provided by phone or email. Respect their time and express appreciation for any insights they can share.
4. Analyze the Feedback: Pay attention to what and how it is said. Enthusiasm and specifics in their praise can strongly indicate a coach’s positive impact. Conversely, vague or hesitant feedback might raise red flags.
5. Look for Patterns: If you’re checking multiple references, look for consistent themes in the feedback. Patterns in what athletes report about a coach’s training style, personality, and results can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

By thoroughly checking references and reviews, you validate the running coach’s credentials and claims and ensure a better fit for your running coaching needs, increasing the likelihood of a successful coaching relationship.

Conclusion: How to Find a Good Running Coach

Selecting the perfect running coach is more than a mere transaction; it’s a critical decision that shapes your running experience.

I’ve explored common pitfalls to avoid and emphasized the importance of making an informed choice that extends beyond superficial factors like cost and convenience.

A good running coach does far more than plan your sessions—they inspire, motivate, and help strategize your path to achieving personal bests and conquering new challenges.

Choosing a running coach should be meticulous and considered.

It should involve a thorough evaluation of potential coaches’ credentials, experience, coaching style, and compatibility with your personality and goals.

By sidestepping the five critical mistakes discussed—neglecting precise goal setting, making decisions based solely on price, overlooking credentials and experience, ignoring the match of coaching style and personality, and failing to check references or reviews—you will improve your chances of finding a running coach who can truly meet your needs and ultimately improve your running performance.

Remember, the right coach is out there for every runner, whether you’re just beginning your running journey or an experienced runner aiming for lofty goals and times.

By prioritising the right qualities and conducting due diligence, you can form a partnership that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Pete Simon: Devon and Cornwall’s Leading Running Coach

As a coach dedicated to optimizing your running performance, I’ve embraced an approach that combines online accessibility with a structured blend of running and strength training.

This method allows me to connect with you regardless of location and helps create a program that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and provides substantial results.

Integrated Running and Strength Training Plans

I believe in a holistic approach to running coaching. It’s not just about increasing mileage; it’s about building a body that’s balanced, strong, and capable of enduring more while reducing the risk of injury.

My programs include customized strength training routines that complement your running, enhancing your endurance and power.

This dual focus ensures you’re a runner and a well-rounded athlete.

My online coaching setup combines personalized running and strength training plans with innovative video technique analysis, providing runners with a comprehensive, adaptable, and cost-effective solution.

Whether you’re preparing for a race, looking to improve your fitness, or wanting to run your first ultra marathon, my approach is designed to meet your goals and fit your lifestyle.

But more importantly, get you results.

To learn more about how I can help transform your running, you can learn more about my services here.

You’ll find more details on my training programs and how you can start your journey to becoming a better runner.

Alternatively, book in for a FREE Strategy Call so we can discuss your running needs.

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