3 Things Bad Running Coach Do That Hold You Back From PR'ing Your Marathon

Dr Jack Daniels, "World's Best Running Coach"

As you prepare for your marathon, finding the right running coach can make a significant difference in your training experience and race outcome! A skilled coach can enhance your performance, provide crucial motivation and knowledge, and help you navigate the challenges of marathon preparation. In contrast, an unprofessional, uninformed coach may lead you astray, waste your time, and even increase your risk of injury. So, how do you find the right coach? Let’s explore what I deem to be essential qualities to look for and the warning signs to avoid when seeking the ideal running coach.

Interested in coaching? Fill out the form below for a free 30-min consultation!

What to Avoid in a Bad Running Coach

1. Rigid, One-Size-Fits-All Approach

A big sign of a not-so-great coach is when they stick to a one-size-fits-all training plan that doesn't take into account what makes you, well, you. If your coach hands you a generic program without considering your unique situation, that's definitely a red flag.

Things your coach should ask you BEFORE you pay them:

(If they don't ask these, you may want to ask for your $$ back)

1. Short Term & Long Term Goals

2. Injury History

3. Previous Attempts (wins, fails, and setbacks)

4. Current Running Milage (if applicable)

5. Snapshot of Current Nutrition/Diet

6. Sleep & Recovery Info

7. Schedule Flexibility/Rigidity

   
   

Every runner is different, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and lifestyles, and those things should totally shape your training plan. For instance, if you’ve got a jam-packed work schedule and can only train on certain days, a good coach should work with that instead of pushing you to stick to a rigid plan that just won't work for you.

2. Inadequate Support and Feedback

A solid coach is all about being involved in your growth, checking in on how you're doing on the regular. If your coach seems like they couldn't care less, never checks in on you or doesn't give you helpful feedback, that's a red flag.

My Level 2 coaching clients receive the following accountability from me:

1. Check-In Messages - 4x/Month

2. Progress Update Videos - 4x/Month

3. Performance Adjustments - Bi-Weekly

4. Video Check-Ins - Bi-Weekly

5. Texts To Me - Unlimited/Month

   
   

Thats 12 high quality, in-depth check-ins per month. You wont be able to get me out of your ear!

Great coaches are the ones who cheer you on for every little win and help you tackle any bumps in the road. If you’re feeling like just another face in the crowd, it might be time to rethink your coach. The best ones keep the convo going—whether that's through emails, phone calls, or face-to-face chats.

3. Lack of Focus on Recovery and Injury Prevention

A glaring issue with bad coaches is neglecting the importance of recovery. Proper recovery is not just an afterthought; it is crucial for any marathon training plan. If your coach prioritizes only mileage or intensity without addressing rest, cross-training, or injury prevention, you may be setting yourself up for failure.

For example, a good coach would incorporate rest days into your plan and recommend cross-training activities like swimming or cycling to enhance endurance without over-stressing running muscles. If you rarely hear terms like “strength training,” “stretching,” or “rehab exercises,” reconsider your coach's methods.

As a certified personal trainer, sports performance coach, and certified nutrition coach with 5 year of in-person training experience, I know the steps to help my clients feel their best on and off the road. I advise my clients on...

1. Strength Training (both exercises and full programs)

2. Corrective Exercises

3. Injury Diagnosis (to the best of my ability)

4. Daily Protein / Calorie Goals

5. Simple Calorie Tracking (via free app)

6. Sleep Diagnosis & Advice

What to Look For in a Great Running Coach

1. Strong Communication Skills

When it comes to coaching, good communication is key. Your running coach should be someone you can easily talk to and who encourages you to share your thoughts. If you're ever confused about your training plan or need a little extra info on a workout, don't hesitate to reach out!

One great way a coach can help is by setting up regular check-ins. This gives you a chance to chat about how things are going and voice any concerns. Plus, they should be there to give you constructive feedback to help you improve while keeping your spirits high. This kind of support makes you feel both challenged and backed up on your running journey!

2. Personalized Training Plans

A solid running coach gets that every runner is different. They should whip up a training plan that fits your current fitness level, goals, and any specific hurdles you might face.

For example, if you're just starting out and dreaming of competing in your first ultra, your plan might focus on slowly ramping up your mileage, mixing in some tempo runs, and including recovery sessions. On the flip side, if you're a seasoned marathoner looking to smash a PR, your plan could feature intense interval training and specific tempo runs to help you increase your VO2 max.

A good coach will take the time to get to know you and craft a training strategy that matches your unique needs and goals.

3. Proven Experience and Credentials

The best coaches come with a solid background in running, coaching, and sports science. Look for coaches who hold certifications from reputable organizations, demonstrating their understanding of effective training principles.

Consider their experience as well. Have they been coaching for several years? What are their previous achievements? If they have successfully guided athletes to achieve their marathon goals, that's a significant advantage. Having a coach who has completed marathons themselves can provide useful insights and tips that can enhance your training.

Sadly, many people online fall prey to hiring "coaches" who either 1) look attractive, 2) run fast, 3) have a big following, or all 3, while having no actual knowledge of the biomechanics, physical demands, or mental preparation needed in order to be a great coach. Be aware of why you are hiring this person.

My Coaching Approach

As a VDOT Certified Distance Running Coach, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to my coaching practice. My background as an experienced marathoner and ultramarathoner allows me to understand the unique challenges and demands that long-distance runners face. In the last two years alone, I have logged 4,000 miles and competed in over 15 different races, both on the road and trail . This extensive mileage not only enhances my personal understanding of the sport but also informs my coaching methods.

Principles of Success

My best runners understand the following principles of success:

• Inherent Ability: You may have tons of talent, you may have very little. It's all about improving from where you are at RIGHT NOW, not comparing to others.

• Intrinsic Motivation: To be a successful runner you must have the drive and desire. It's not something I can give you, but it is something I can help you find.

• Opportunity: This comes in the form of money, weather, facilities, etc. You need to use what you have, appreciate it, and be willing to be creative and flexible to meet the demands of training.

• Direction: Trust in me to point you in the right direction. Family, friends, and other coaches may have different strategies and valid opinions, but listening to every piece of advice will lead you to be distracted from the plan in front of you.

Coaching Philosophy

I pride myself in guiding clients in the direction they want, with programs that include:

• Openness & Availability: I am just as invested in your clients goals as you are, and I'm here to help 24/7/365. I'm here to be a guide, this story is written about YOU, not me.

• Tracking & Progression: How do we know we've improved if we don't know where you started? I tracking stats via objective and subjective data to ensure weekly, monthly, and yearly progress is being made.

• Personalization: Your program can't be same as the elites you see on Instagram. Personalized plans mean meeting you where you are at NOW in order to see results.

• Flexibility: Sometimes life happens and training takes a back seat. My coaching plans revolve around the idea of having a "loose plan and following it strictly."

Through my coaching, I aim to empower serious runners to reach their full potential and enjoy the journey of distance running.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right running coach can really amp up your marathon or ultra training. They’re there to give you personal support and expert advice to help you crush your goals. Look for someone who offers tailored plans, keeps the communication open, and knows their stuff. This way, you can build a coaching relationship that makes your running journey successful and enjoyable. Just keep an eye out for red flags, like rigid training plans, little support, or bad communication.

Your coach should do more than just tell you how to run; they should inspire you and help you tackle the ups and downs of training. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and find a coach that really clicks with you.

With the right coach in your corner, you’ll be all set to take on your marathon and have a blast while training. Happy running!

Interested in working with me? Fill out the form below for a free 30-min consultation!