Run coaching is a powerful tool that helps you get from where you are in your running journey to where you want to be.
Whether you’re just starting out, working to build a consistent running habit, or aiming to hit a new personal best, coaching provides the support and structure to reach your goals.
In coaching, the focus is on you and your unique journey. Together with your coach, you’ll explore where you are right now, what might be holding you back, and the steps you can take to progress. With a series of actions that you set, coaching helps you move forward with clarity, consistency, and accountability.
Different types of run coaching
Before we get into the specifics of what coaching is, let’s clarify the type of run coaching I offer. If you’ve researched running coaches, you’ve probably noticed a range of specialisations – some are personal trainers focused on running, others are ex-professional runners, and many are performance-focused coaches. Often, they specialise in specific distances, from marathons to ultramarathons. Coaches specifically focused on working with beginners or shorter distances, however, are less common, and that’s the gap I aim to fill.
So, what’s my approach? Well, I believe that no training plan will truly help if you’re struggling to commit the time, can’t consistently fit running into your routine, or look at a plan and feel uncertain about how it fits with your goals. That’s where I come in. Yes, I can help you find a training plan and improve your performance, but my main focus is on helping you make running a consistent, enjoyable part of your life. We’ll find a realistic training plan, break it down, and work together to follow it consistently. In short, I help you make running a habit.
I work with runners at various levels – from getting started with your first mile, preparing for your first Parkrun, aiming for a Parkrun PB, or stepping up from a 5K to a 10K. I also coach runners training for half-marathons and marathons, especially first-timers. While I can support your mindset for longer distances, I typically don’t coach distances beyond a marathon, as that’s outside my personal experience. If your goal is an ultra-distance with a coach who has firsthand experience, I may not be the best fit.
What coaching isn’t
A coach won’t tell you exactly what to do, solve your problems, or offer quick-fix solutions. Instead, they work with you to find solutions that fit with your own goals, strengths, and experiences. They won’t judge your progress or push you beyond what you’re comfortable with. But they will support you at every step.
Coaching isn’t therapy, counselling, mentoring, or consulting. Therapy and counseling look at past issues, while consulting provides specific advice or plans to follow. Coaching, in contrast, is led by you, forward-looking, and focused on helping you uncover your own answers and actions to move forward.
If you are looking for tips and to learn from my experience, we can incoporate mentoring into our coaching relationship. But, it is important to be clear that this is only done on your request, in keeping with coaching being led by you.
How do I know if coaching is right for me?
Conisider these questions to see if coaching could help you:
- Are you struggling to stay consistent or find the motivation to run regularly?
- Do you feel stuck with your running goals, unsure of how to progress?
- Is there a gap between where you are now and where you want to be with your running?
- Are you finding it difficult to push past mental blocks or setbacks?
- Are you struggling to fit running into your life and is this causing you to feel frustrated?
- Would you like help defining goals that are realistic and achievable?
- Are you ready to stay accountable to a consistent running habit or training plan?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, coaching can support you in building the habits, mindset, and confidence to enjoy your runs and reach your goals.
The Coach-Client relationship
In coaching, the relationship between you and your coach is essential. A coach believes you already have the potential to achieve your goals. Their role is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore what you want from your running and the path to get there. They ask questions to prompt reflection and help you find solutions that suit your life, goals, and running journey.
A typical coaching session involves these key steps:
- Review progress. Reflect on recent runs, habits, or any actions from previous sessions.
- Set goals. Revisit your running goals, whether it’s building consistency, completing a race, or improving your pace.
- Explore challenges. Discuss what’s going well and what’s holding you back, such as motivation dips, scheduling issues, or mindset blocks.
- Generate ideas. Consider possible solutions, whether it’s adjusting your schedule, revising your goals, or trying new strategies.
- Create an action plan. Together we decide on specific actions for the week, from planning your runs to creating a new pre-run ritual.
- Reflect and celebrate. Wrap up with reflections and celebrate small wins, building positive reinforcement for your new habits.
During the session I will challenge your current way of thinking in a way that you are comfortable with. We discuss this during our introductory call and I check-in with you at the start of each session to understand how you are feeling and what level of challenge you are comfortable with.
Finding the right coach
Coaching comes in various forms, so finding a coach who understands running is important. Look for a coach who specialises in the type of support you’re looking for, whether it’s building running habits, preparing for a race, or improving your consistency. A coach who’s followed a similar journey can bring a unique perspective and offer relatable insights.
While coaching isn’t regulated in the UK, coaches affiliated with professional organisations (like the International Coaching Federation) typically have undergone training and qualifications. This can give you confidence in their expertise and commitment to quality.
Curious about taking the next step?
If running coaching sounds like the right fit, consider booking an introductory session. This session will allow you to get to know me, discuss your goals, and explore how we will work together. At the end of the call, you will decide how you would like to proceed. I will follow up with a proposed schedule and cost for you to review before signing a contract and booking your first session.