You no longer have to be a super fast elite runner to hire a coach. Working with a coach has become quite popular among everyday regular runners who want better results but seem to fall short when they go at it alone. And let’s face it, race entry fees have become quite an investment! Who wants to spend all that money on a race and have a poor performance or worse end up injured as a result of training mistakes and never make it to the starting line!
Besides having knowledge and credentials, here are five intangible benefits you should expect when working with a coach.
1. Realistic Goals: Your coach should be able to assess your current abilities and assist you in setting realistic goals. She should develop training plans that meet you where you are currently and not where you were 3 years ago or where you dream of being someday.
2. Flexibility with workouts: Your coach should understand that life happens and training plans must allow for flexibility when a project at work takes precedence over running or your kid’s team makes the playoffs and now you’ll be traveling across the state for the next game. She will help you pull it all together and make adjustments and tweak your schedule to help you get the most benefit from the time you have to devote to running.
3. Accountability: Working with a coach gives you accountability to someone other than yourself and your big goals. Not only do you have more skin in the game because you have paid someone to help you, she has invested her time in creating a plan and meeting with your help you implement it. You don’t want to show up to your next call not having run any of the workouts that she prescribed! And you’ll have to answer to her if you wimp out and do only half the workout.
4. Motivation: Your coach will listen closely and understand the areas you need extra motivation and an extra push to get through the tough workouts. You will be able to hear her voice in your head when you are trying to talk yourself out of doing all 10 repeats and you’ll be motivated to keep going! Your coach will not only motivate you, but will teach you to think like a winner too.
5. Connection: You and your coach should have a good connection. Not everyone will be a good personality fit even though they may have great credentials. If you are going to invest your time and money working with someone, she should be be someone you can relate to. A coach who listens and understands you will not only motivate you, but will encourage you to give yourself some grace in those times you are being too hard on yourself.
Are you looking for a coach? I currently have a few openings in my client schedule. You can click here to check out my coaching services. If you are interested in working together there is a link for you to contact me.
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!