What Does a Running Coach Do?

Fitness coaches can specialize in a certain type of workout or sport. Their advanced knowledge in this area helps provide a more enhanced and focused training section. One area of specialization involves coaching runners. 

What Does a Running Coach Do?

Understanding what a running coach does is important if you’re considering hiring one. It’s just as critical if you’re a fitness professional who is considering this specialization. So, what does a running coach do?

Helps Clients Set Their Running Goal

One of the most basic duties of a running coach is to help clients set a specific goal for their training program. Maybe the client wants to take up running because they’d like to lose weight. A more experienced runner may have a goal to reduce their marathon time. An athlete might want to use running to increase their speed on the field. As a running coach, you can help the client set a realistic goal. 

Creates a Safe and Effective Runner Training Program

With a goal in place, the next duty of a running coach is to develop a training schedule designed to meet that goal. This training plan takes into consideration the client’s fitness level to help prevent injury. It also considers other training aspects. For instance, a pro athlete might want to take up running to improve their speed. The plan devised for this must not conflict with the rest of their training protocol. 

Helps Clients Prepare for a Long Run Event

Some clients hire a running coach because they want to do a half marathon or marathon and aren’t sure how to prepare. A coach provides a structured regimen that gets them ready for the big event. This includes not just running advice, but also guidance they can use during the race itself. 

For instance, in an article published by Runners World, the author shares the importance of not focusing solely on finish time. Several factors can contribute to how quickly it takes to complete the event. Setting expectations that are too rigid can reduce a runner’s enjoyment.

Prescribes Varied Training Exercises

A basic personal training program includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Along the same lines, a running program doesn’t just involve hitting the treadmill or road. A complete training plan for runners includes multiple elements. 

Strength training helps build the muscles needed to support proper running form. Cross training helps the runner reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Corrective exercises can also help prevent and ease pain caused by running. A running coach incorporates all these in their clients’ training plan.

Helps the Runner Develop a Specific Race Strategy

A coach can also help clients prepare for a specific race. Maybe they want to compete in the Chicago Marathon or Boston Marathon. Knowing the qualifications for that specific event is critical to helping the client meet those standards. Understanding the nuances of the race also helps the runner set realistic expectations.

Provides the Runner Accountability and Motivation

Unless you have a true passion for running, staying motivated can be a challenge. A coach helps keep your motivation going, even on days when you want to give up. A coach also holds you accountable for sticking to your training program. Don’t want to do your workout today? That’s too bad. A great coach will make you do it anyway, reminding you that it will get you one step closer to your fitness goal. 

Qualities of a Good Running Coach

There are running coaches and there are good running coaches. If your goal is to be a good coach (if not a great coach), it helps to have these qualities:

• The ability to tailor a running program to a specific client based on their individual goals and needs

• A willingness to monitor client progress, adapting the training as needed to improve the results

• A desire to motivate and support the client, constantly pushing them to do their best and reminding them why they are running in the first place

• A big-picture approach, helping the client reach their running goal without sacrificing other areas of their life

It’s also helpful to have running experience. When clients know that you understand what they are going through, they feel more compelled to listen to your advice. You don’t need to be an elite runner to be a good running coach. But you should have at least spent some time engaged in this physical activity.

In-Person vs Online Running Coach: Which is Best?

A run coach can work with clients in-person or online. Some clients prefer face-to-face interaction with their coach. Others like the ability to work with a coach that isn’t in their geographical area, making an online running coach a better option.

Each type of running coach can help clients hit their goals. Both can also devise a safe and effective training program that motivates the client and holds them accountable. It’s more about client preference as to which is best. 

Reasons to Become a Certified Running Coach

If you are a personal trainer, you may want to consider earning your certification as a running coach. Doing so provides a few benefits:

• You get to work with all types of runners. Do you want to help a new runner find their stride while remaining injury-free? Maybe you’d like to work with an elite athlete who has a dream of competing in the Olympics. You can do either as a running coach. 

• Certification boosts your credibility. Think like a potential client. If you could choose between a certified running coach and a coach with no certification, which one would you pick? Having your certification tells potential clients that you know how to create an effective training plan.

• You can hit your own running goals. If you are an avid runner, a certification course can provide the information needed to hit your own goals. Learn the tricks that help you finish that marathon faster. You’ll also learn how to overcome some of your biggest running obstacles.

• It provides the qualifications needed for a head coach job. Do you dream of coaching some of the world's top athletes? Certification is often needed for a head coach role. So, if your big goal is to work in this type of position, getting certified enables you to fulfill this requirement.

How to Start Offering Running Coaching

If you’d like to get into running coaching, the first step is to decide your coaching philosophy and style. When runners look at you as a potential coach, they will consider these factors to help decide whether you are the right coach for them. Choosing the right running coach is critical for keeping them inspired and motivated. It also provides confidence that they will hit their goal and/or be ready for race day.

Next, consider the type of runner you want to work with. Are you more interested in helping a novice runner find passion in the sport? Maybe you’d rather work with a more experienced runner, helping them hit new speed or distance records. Decide this now so you know who you should tailor your message to when marketing your running coach services.

If you’ve never provided this fitness service, research other running coaches. Look at the types of programs they offer, what they charge, or who they work with. Use your research to help create your running coach program. Also, notice whether there may be a segment of the population not currently being served. Is there a demographic that needs a running coach but doesn’t have access to one? Make this your target market. 

Once you’re ready, start getting coaching experience. Reach out to a local road runners club and let them know about your services. You may even offer your athlete clients discounted access to your running coach programs. This could be beneficial to those who are interested in switching up their workout. You might also learn that they have a dream of finishing a marathon, making you the perfect person to help them achieve it.

If you plan on offering a comprehensive running workout program, learn other exercises that help promote a runner’s health. ISSA’s Personal Trainer Certification program provides this type of information. This is a great foundational course for people interested in a fitness coaching career of any type.

Earn Your Running Coach Certification

Ready for your running certification? Take on ISSA’s Running Coach program. You’ll learn the ins and outs of running, how to set up a training program, and how to help clients reach their running goals. Jump start your career today!

Resources

Kita, M. (2021). Yep, You Need a Running Coach. Runner's World. Retrieved 20 May 2022, from https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20806101/why-you-need-a-running-coach/.