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Luckily I work at Runner’s World so I have plenty of resources here but it might be good to have an objective person (who I don’t work with every day) as a coach instead. I’m nervous it might be too closing to the start of MCM training to get a coach now but maybe not. I’m also wondering about in-person coaching vs. online. I know plenty of people have had success with online coaching but the main reason I want a coach is to have someone push me, especially when I tend to sell myself short. I’m going to keep doing some research into it and see what I come up with.
Tell me, have you hired a running coach? Was it in-person or online and did you see improvements?
Fit Girl. Happy Girl. 
I never intended to get a coach but more like ended up with one and although there are some things I would change I 100% love having a coach. I feel more accountable and have pushed myself more than I would have on my own. The thing I like the most is how much I am learning. When I get a flareup in my IT band or am just exhausted he tells me what to do so I don’t blow up the rest of the season. I do think finding a coach that you would get along with in real life is key. Not every coach will be a good fit so make sure they know your goals and you know their training style. With that being said, I never would have tried running 6 days a week on my own and was almost pissed when I saw that on my schedule. In fact, I almost ditched my coach right then. But I actually loved running that often and improved so much. I guess just make sure they aren’t suggesting anything too crazy but be willing to try new things
I would want to push myself and keep trying to train solo until I hit a major plateau. Like, running a non-PR when I felt I was well-prepared 3+ times. Until then, I would want to see what I can achieve on my own. If every race has been a PR for you, sounds like you are the perfect coach already!
I’ve been mulling it over lately, too. I used a training plan to get ready for my first half and I try to find information online, but I feel like having someone help me figure out what works for me and who I can have a conversation with seems like it would be more helpful. I know I need to do some speed work on the track…but I have no idea what to do!
I agree with the advice to find someone who will help you hold yourself back as much as help push you- it’s so important to find the right balance and not just push for results at all costs. As a virtual coach, I think my athletes get the most out of it when they are self-motivated but just need some guidance determining proper pacing for them and # of speed/tempo workouts in a week, total overall mileage for them, etc. I also had a coach this past year and found myself hitting a lot of new prs because I was accountable to a schedule set by someone else! :)
I just started working with a running coach at the beginning of this month after going it alone for the past year. I wanted someone who could help push me past my comfort zone and help me achieve a certain pace goal for my first half marathon. So far I have had nothing but a great experience! My coach immediately set a goal for me that I thought I had no way of achieving at this time, but she said “I really think you’re ready to do this” and then I did it on my very next run. That’s the beauty of having a coach, at least for me!
Reblogged this on nzmultisports.
I won a race entry into the Berlin Marathon and the coaching. I have to say that I am really glad I have a coach to help me get to the starting line of my first marathon. It’s mostly online coaching, but I have met her in person (which I think is important) and she will also be in Berlin to support our group of newby marathoners in Berlin.
Sounds like you should. I would if I was racing more. Go for it!