How To Choose A Coach

I recently read The New Yorker piece entitled “Personal Best - Top athletes and singers have coaches: Should you?” The article's author, Atul Gawande, nicely describes the purpose and general characteristics of a coach and gives examples of where and how coaches are used. He experiments on using a coach in his work as a surgeon (I highly recommend reading the entire article). It immediately had me reflecting on my experiences on both sides of the athlete/coach relationship. The benefits of a running coach are tremendous, however, selecting the right coaching model or particular coach is not trivial.

Coaching Models

There are a number of different models on utilization of coaching services. One method that just about all athletes have experienced at one time or another is the Group Coaching dynamic. This consists of one coach who works with a team of athletes. This works well if you are looking for a group atmosphere, structured workouts that apply to all and are looking for occasional feedback. It is difficult for the coach to give individualized attention on a regular basis (this is dependent on the size of the group) so therefore the onus is on the athlete to ask for specific assistance. Group coaching is geared towards the self-sufficient athlete or the athlete needing minimal assistance.

On the other end of the spectrum, there is One-on-One Coaching. This is generally comprised of a personalized plan tailored to your goal race(s), regular feedback and adjustment to your plan as needed and allows for unlimited contact with the coach. Athletes that are looking to fine tune their training or are in need of basic skill development would benefit from a one-on-one coach.

For those not sure about the one-on-one coaching, there are a number of hybrid models which I’ll lump into a category called Tailored Plan Coaching. This type of coaching generally consists of a one time contact with a coach either live, phone, or email and results in a tailored plan for your goal race or a comprehensive season plan. This is geared for the self-sufficient athlete that is looking for a training plan without regular feedback or adjustments. This type of coaching is useful if you are ‘trying out’ a coach to see if it’s a good fit.

What to Look for in a Coach

The search for a running coach should not be taken lightly. Since you will most likely be paying for the services, it’s important to ensure you are getting exactly what you need. Here are some key points to consider when making your coaching selection:

• Check credentials. Check the background and ask for references. Experience is important and should have a bigger emphasis than performance in the sport. The fastest runner doesn’t always make the best coach.

• Ensure matching philosophies. Ask questions about your coach’s training style and be sure it meets your needs. Review a sample plan and understand how intensity, volume and recovery are addressed. Is heart rate, pace and/or mileage used? How is the training plan delivered – is it a web-based program? Inquire as to how the coach is informed of new training techniques.

• Set expectations. Bring both qualitative and quantitative goals to the coach so he/she knows what you are looking for. Find out how many other athletes are being coached to ensure your plan will get the focus it deserves.

• Match personalities. Interactions with your coach should be open, honest and clear. It’s important look for qualities that will allow you to build a trusting relationship with the person.

Regardless of the coaching model selected, once you have committed to a plan, follow the plan to the best of your ability. This sounds easy, but in fact, many deviate from the plan or second guess their coach and adjust the plan. If you have doubts, ask questions until you are satisfied. You are paying for expert advice, so make the best of it!

Resources For Selecting Coaches and Traning Plans

Organizations:

• NY Flyers Speedwork Classes
• NY Flyer's Marathon Training Program
• Road Runner's Club of America.  Including for a list of RRCA Certified Coaches in NYS.
• USA Track and Field.  Including Registry of Approved Coaches.

Articles:

• Meet the New Boss
• Should You Hire a Running Coach?
• I'm Keeping My Coach, but You May Not Need One

On-Line Training Plans:

• Runner's World Marathon Training Plan
• Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide

-Vicky T

Blogmaster's Note:  Vicky T is one of several NY Flyers who are RCRA Certified Coaches.  She also is a Registered Nurse, USATF Level 1 Certified Coach, USA Cycling Level 3 Certified Coach, Triathlete, Runner, and Health Consultant.  To contact Vicky, click here.  If you're a member of the NY Flyers who offers coaching services and you would like to identify yourself, please to do so in the Comments section of this post.