4 Reasons Why You Need A Running Coach

If you are like most runners, you have big dreams this year. Maybe you are chasing a Boston Qualifier. Or maybe, you’re looking to run your first 5k. Whatever your goals this year, working with a running coach will help you achieve more than going it alone.

New Year, New You

Like most of us, you probably started 2025 by making resolutions. Runners are no different. Whether it’s running a specific race, setting a PR, or finally start doing injury prevention consistently, we all have things that we are looking to improve in 2025.

However, sticking to resolutions is difficult. New habits take a while to form and there are plenty of things that can derail us along the way. According to a 2016 study, 41% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions, but less than 10% feel successful at keeping them. A 2023 poll found that by the end of April each year, most people have already given up on their resolutions.

Why are resolutions so hard to keep?

Several things can lead to us not following through on our plans:

• Not having specific, actionable goals
• Unrealistic goals that lead to disappointment or being discouraged
• No accountability or support

Having a coach can be instrumental in setting realistic, specific goals and getting the support and accountability to follow through with those goals.

1. Personalized Training Plans

One of the greatest benefits of working with a running coach is the creation of a customized training plan tailored to your specific needs. Unlike generic training plans you might find online, a coach considers factors like your current fitness level, goals, schedule, and even life stressors.

Whether balancing a demanding job, recovering from an injury, or targeting a personal best, a coach will adjust your plan to optimize your performance. Studies show that athletes who work with coaches are more likely to improve their performance by up to 20-30% compared to training alone.

While technology has improved drastically, it is still no replacement for a coach. One of our athletes, Brett, ran the Louisiana Marathon on January 19th. Brett ran 2:51:10, a personal record by several minutes and a Boston-Qualifying time. However, when Brett uploaded his run after the race, this is what his Garmin watch showed him:

Technology is a very useful tool for runners but it is still a long way from being able to coach us successfully.

2. Accountability and Motivation

We’ve all had those days when the alarm goes off for a morning run, and the temptation to hit snooze feels overwhelming. A running coach can provide the accountability you need to stay consistent. Knowing someone is tracking your progress—and rooting for your success—can be incredibly motivating.

Coaches also serve as a support system. On tough days, they’ll remind you of your goals and adjust your training to fit your circumstances, ensuring you don’t burn out. Their encouragement can help you stay on track even when self-doubt creeps in.

3. Injury Prevention and Recovery

One of the most common reasons runners fall short of their goals is injury. Without proper guidance, it’s easy to overtrain or neglect critical recovery practices. A coach educates you on injury prevention strategies, including proper warm-ups, strength training, and recovery routines.

I’ve personally had numerous instances when I planned my own training and either ramped up mileage too quickly or didn’t give myself enough time to recover after a big race. In these instances, having a coach tell me no and suggest a safer plan would have left me injury-free and better off in the long run.

If you do get injured, a coach can guide you through a safe return to running, helping you avoid the cycle of re-injury. This personalized care is invaluable for keeping you healthy and progressing toward your goals.

4. Faster, Smarter Progress

There is no shortage of free running plans you can find online. You can even have AI create a running plan to follow. Honestly, you will likely see improvement with these plans. However, working with a running coach can help you improve more quickly.

With a running coach, you’ll make smarter training decisions that lead to faster progress. Coaches analyze your performance data, such as splits, heart rate, and perceived effort, to refine your training approach. They’ll help you identify areas for improvement, like pacing or running economy, and give you actionable feedback to enhance your results.

Additionally, coaches help you set realistic milestones that build momentum. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a lofty goal, you’ll celebrate small wins along the way, which keeps you motivated and engaged.

Ready to Join the Club?

Working with a running coach is an investment in your goals and your health. Whether you’re looking to achieve a personal best, conquer a new distance, or simply become a stronger, more confident runner, a coach can provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.

Don’t let another year pass without reaching your full potential. Find a coach, commit to your plan, and watch what you can achieve when you have the right tools and support.

Here’s to a year of achieving more—faster, smarter, and stronger!

Ready to take the next step? Fill out a coaching form today!