1. Individualized Training Plans
Every runner is unique, and so should be their training plan. Whether you are an elite athlete, an experienced runner looking to set a personal record (PR), an older runner returning after a break, or a new runner, plans need to be tailored, based on your goals, current health and fitness, prior running experience, and lifestyle. A coach will explain each type of workout so that you understand the rationale and importance of each, how they fit into a training cycle of base training, strength work, speedwork, tapering and rest, plus how they combine to improve your performance as you prepare for your race.
Your individualized plan will provide an achievable, balanced work/life/training schedule that is enjoyable and gets you to your goal avoiding under training, over training, and injury.
2. Regular communication and plan updates
When you have a plan (generic or personalised) what do you do if you get sick or injured, or when family obligations impact your training? Do you add extra miles to your remaining workouts to make up? What do you do as your fitness improves? With a coach there is no guesswork. As your fitness and life situations change they will update and develop your plan. For example, easy days may be switched with harder ones, extra rest days added, or changes made to pace, distance, or workout type.
3. Motivation, Accountability, and Support
Consistency is the key when you are working towards a fitness goal or training for a race. There will be times when you might struggle to keep getting up before dawn breaks or feel disheartened when your training or races don’t go as you’d hoped. A coach will be there to help motivate and support you during these times, sometimes pushing you forward, other times reining you back, adjusting your training if needed (see point 2 above). They will keep you accountable, looking at your training log and making sure you’re not pushing too hard on easy days, taking it too easy on effort days or skipping training sessions without good reason. Very importantly a coach will be there with you as you celebrate your victories both big and small.
4. Race preparation
As race day approaches your coach will help you plan your strategy (based on course terrain, projected weather, and how your training has gone), review your pace (and how that might change during the race), race nutrition, and gear. They will also help with mental preparation and support you through tapering and pre-race jitters.
5. Resources
Training programs incorporate more than just running. Nutrition, cross training and strength training also play an important role. Your coach will have resources, and a network of local professionals that they can refer you to (if they do not have additional qualifications themselves). Especially important for runners who may have an injury ( or are returning to running after injury, your coach will know when you need to see a medical professional.