What Makes a Great Running Coach?
Whether you’ve been running for years, or just getting started, the power of a great coach helping you on that journey can be immense.
As well as being a coach for many years, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with many coaches across lots of different areas. Some have been incredible, taken me to great results and have made long lasting impacts. Others have been less impactful.
In this article, I want to ask ‘what makes a great coach?’ Afterall, with so many to choose from these, how do you find one that is right for you?
**Note – This discussion is in the context of real coaches here, and not plans or AI generated methods which is a different conversation.
Why Would Someone Get a Coach?
There are many reasons why someone might seek out a coach, but at the core, it’s usually because they want to improve and achieve more than they could on their own. Coaching is the ultimate form of leverage: you’re not just hiring someone for their time; you’re gaining access to their years of experience, their mistakes, their learnings, and the successes they’ve seen with other runners.
Benefitting from this leverage, coaches should save you significant time and energy. Instead of struggling to figure things out on your own, you can focus your effort on the ‘doing.’ This is particularly valuable if you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start or how to get to the next level. For the more experienced, a coach helps avoid common pitfalls like overcomplicating things or procrastinating.
Accountability is another huge benefit of having a coach. It’s easy to fall back into your comfort zone, especially when the going gets tough. A coach keeps you on track, pushing you when you need it and pulling back when necessary. They help you maintain the consistency needed to achieve your goals.
What Makes a Good Coach?
A good coach does more than just create a training plan; they connect with you on a personal level, establishing a foundation of know, like, and trust.
1. Knowledgeable: A good coach knows their subject matter inside and out. Whether it’s through their own direct experience or via what they have done with others, their expertise should instill confidence. You should feel that your coach knows exactly how to help you.
2. Communication Skills: Communication is at the heart of any successful relationship with a coach. A good coach listens to your concerns, adjusts things when needed, and explains their approach clearly. They know when to be firm and when to be flexible, always keeping your best interests in mind.
3. Holistic Approach: Success in running isn’t just about physical training. A good coach understands that outside factors—like stress, work, and personal life—impact performance. They take a holistic approach, integrating these factors into their coaching and recognizing that performance in one area often affects others.
4. Adaptability: Things rarely go perfectly, and good coaches shine when things don’t go according to plan. Maybe you’re struggling with an injury, or life has thrown you a curveball? A great coach adapts, finds solutions, and keeps you moving forward.
5. Trustworthiness and Support: Trust is earned, not given. A coach who is trustworthy builds a positive environment where you feel supported and respected. They create a safe space where you can be open about your challenges and setbacks without fear of judgment.
What Makes a Great Coach?
While good coaches meet the basic requirements, great coaches stand out a mile away. They are the ones who genuinely believe in you, sometimes even more than you believe in yourself. They inspire you to push beyond your perceived limits and achieve things you never thought possible. Great coaches don’t just guide; they uplift and empower.
Of the many coaches I have worked with, only a few fall into this category. These are the ones I’ve been able to ‘run through walls’ for, and I’ve felt like I’m running as much for them as I am for me.
Overcoming Self-Doubt About Coaching
Many runners feel that they aren’t “good enough” or don’t deserve to have a coach. But if your goals matter to you, you are absolutely worthy of support. Your current ability doesn’t determine your right to have guidance. Often, those who doubt themselves the most have the most to gain from coaching. Breaking through this mindset can open doors to tremendous growth and progress.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a coach is an investment in yourself. Whether you’re trying to run faster, stay injury-free, or simply enjoy the sport more, the right coach can be your greatest asset. By understanding what makes a coach great, you can find someone who not only has the expertise but also knows how to bring out the best in you.