How to Find a Running Coach

Have you ever considered getting a running coach? Someone recently emailed me to ask how to find a running coach in her part of the country. Since I imagine that's a common question, I thought I'd share my answer here:

• Go to the RRCA (Road Runner Clubs of America) website RRCA.org, and click the ‘Find a Coach’ link. Then you can click your state to find a list of coaches according to city. Depending on the size of your city, you may not have any options, but you may have several. If there is no coach in your immediate area, then check surrounding areas. Even though those areas might be too far away, if you find a running coach there, that coach may know of a coach in your area. The coach wouldn’t be an RRCA coach if not listed on the RRCA site, but if there is no RRCA certified coach, then at least you can get a recommendation from an RRCA coach.
• Another way to find a running coach is to check with your local running specialty stores. They may have a coaching program that operates out of the store. My one caution here is to make sure their coach is prepared and experienced to coach people of your level of ability and experience. 
• If a running store doesn’t have a coaching program, they should be able to recommend a coach in the area.
• Another option is to check with the cross country or track coaches at local high schools.
• Check for an online running coach. It’s not the same as having a coach work with you in person, but it is an option. A good online coach will likely be of greater benefit than an ‘in–person’ coach who lacks experience or knowledge. 
• I can help. Sometimes, you can get along pretty well on your own, but you need to touch base with a coach on a regular basis to check-in and ask questions regarding your training. For that reason, I offer a coaching conference via phone. This actually works very well. We can begin with a 45 minute conference, and then we can schedule a 20 minute conference every couple of weeks, once a month or on an as needed basis.
• My Mojo for Running podcasts will provide you much of the information you need. The fact is that many coaches don’t ever explain the things I teach you in my podcasts; but the first several podcasts teach you the training principles that should guide you.
• Another option is to buy my book. Even if you’ve already completed several 5k’s, this book will teach you how to train to proceed. In fact, even people training for a half marathon will find much information that will help them train correctly and ensure success. 

In the next post, I’ll explain the benefit of having a running coach.

Comments

[Michael Richards]

Hi my name is Michael I live in Dublin, Ireland. I have recently taken up running, after a friend had completed a marathon. The thoughts of running any long distance scared the hell out of me. My friend was a casual runner and only ran to maintain a certain level of fitness. He entered and won a competition set out for inexperienced runners to win Professional Marathon Training in the build up to the Dublin Marathon. The training is based on Kenyan and Italian techniques and from Dr. Marius Bakken and can be adapted for any level of fitness....including mine. Right now I'm on day 53 of this 100 day training and I'm feeling great and actually running long distances. My longest run to date is 19miles which is amazing for me. I feel so inspired tell everyone this....Anyway, anyone who is interested in finding out more about this program go to http://71ccb3zmxe3ewxfkplmsgy7s0a.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=EMC003RUN
Best of luck with the training....Thanks Michael