Tis the season for fall race training! Runners will soon begin preparing for 5ks, half marathons, full marathons, or longer races scheduled for early fall. There are so many ways to train, from online programs, apps, and even programs on our smartwatches. However, some runners may need more motivation and guidance to reach their goals. In some cases, a running coach may be just the answer. How do you know if you should invest in one and when is the right time?
Investing in a running coach is a personal decision based on your needs and financial ability. Runners hire coaches for a variety of reasons, but mainly to get a personalized plan tailored to their goals. That could be increasing speed or endurance, or even stepping into a longer distance, such as moving from a 5k to a half marathon.
Running coaches are not just for those new to the sport. Seasoned runners can also find coaching beneficial. For those runners whose training has plateaued or whose performance is stagnant, a coach may provide a much-needed boost or expertise to answer questions or discuss new race strategies.
Coaching can be done in private or group sessions. The cost of training plans varies by coach, but there are alternatives if cost is a factor. Angela Stateler, Run Wichita (RW) board member and a certified running coach, serves as the lead for RW’s Tuesday Track Nights and group runs on Thursday and Saturday. She says that although these are group workouts, many aspects are tailored to meet the various levels of the participants.
“Specifically for track night, we have two tailored programs. One for individuals who may be just getting into running or getting back into running. Then there’s a program for those who are more advanced or seasoned,” Angela said. “Sometimes the workouts are similar, and other times the speed is different for the seasoned runner versus the beginner. But it is still a form of coaching because it provides them with what the workouts look like.”
Things to consider:
If you’re thinking about hiring a running coach, here are some things to think about:
- Determine your WHY. Do you want to train for your first race or a new distance? Perhaps you want to improve on a previous time?
- Think about WHAT. Is there a specific area or two you want to focus on? For example, maybe you are comfortable with your mileage but need assistance with speed workouts.
- Figure out HOW. How often do you want to have check-ins with your coach? Do you expect to connect weekly, monthly, or as needed?
If you are interested in hiring a coach, visit the About Us section on RunWichita.org for a list of some coaches in our area. More information about Tuesday Track Night and group runs are also available on our website or on Run Wichita’s Facebook page.
Est. 1976 