Should I work with a running coach?
Whether you jump out of bed ready to roll, or you need that extra push, utilizing a running coach can make the difference between earning an average result or personal best.
There are several types of coaches and plans. Usually the more personalized communication correlates with higher cost. If you like to communicate frequently with a human, and enjoy a dynamic personalized plan, then personalized coaching is for you. When I first started training I loved working with a local coach who knew all the local trails and had experience with fueling and staying hydrated. He even knew where all the water collection spots were on any trail in my area. This helped me tremendously for my first two years. I had no clue what I was doing. On the other hand, if you have been training awhile and are self motivated, then you can get by with less communication (and less expense). There are many coaches that create personalized plans to help you reach your goals but they check in very infrequently. I like to purchase the personalized plans with short coaching check-ins every 6 weeks. This is a very affordable yet personalized option.
On the other hand, there’s chat GPT….the cheapest running coach around. I personally have not worked with AI for a running plan but I have friends that do. One friend got injured because she was doing too much speed work in her AI plan, it overestimated her ability, and my other friend does okay but still likes to talk to human runners for advice. I think the jury is still out for AI coaching. Some people love it, but personally I prefer a coach that knows what it’s like to go through the highs and lows of ultrarunning.
Here are some reasons why I continue to work with a coach:
1. A coach relieves me from having to think about what I need to do that day for exercise. I have enough to think about with a full time job.
2. I am motivated by checking off the workouts as done. Sometimes checking off the workout is the difference between running after a long day at work or not.
3. Working with a coach prevents overuse injury. Before I worked with a coach I only had one speed and it was Go Hard. My coach showed me a more sustainable way to train and prevents me from doing too much.
4. Coaches are excellent resources. My scheduled meetings allow me to gain insight from a competitive runner and prevents me from making mistakes.
There’s so much more to ultra running then just a training plan. A coach is a fantastic resource. Plus they are cool people!!
My current coach is Jesse Rich with Evoke Endurance. I have also worked with Yassine Diboun with Wy’east Wolfpack. I highly recommend both, but there are many awesome coaches out there. If you want to stay motivated and healthy, get a coach!
