Five things to consider when hiring a coach

If you have a specific running goal in mind, a coach can be a big benefitĀ  to helping you achieve it. But, how do you find the right one for you?Ā 

It can take time to find a running coach who is a good fit. But if you can be patient, the results may just be a new personal best!

 

Here are some things to consider when you want to hire a coach:

1. Think about time commitment and flexibility. Whatā€™s your schedule like, and how much time are you willing to dedicate to your training and your goals? Is your coach ok with shuffling your workouts around during the week to suit your schedule, or are workouts set in stone? Is your prospective coach understanding if you have other commitments (family, work etc.) and willing to be flexible with your training? This could be a deciding factor for you.

2. Is your prospective coach’s style going to mesh well with your running style? Do you enjoy hitting the trails and prefer doing the minimum when it comes to cross training? Then you probably donā€™t want a coach who likes to see you at the track and wants you to up your cross training. Make sure to set realistic intentions with your new coach.Ā Ā 

3. The cost of a coach can vary quite a bit, and that may be a deciding factor for you. Coaching fees can depend on qualifications, experience and demand. There are some people that coach full-time and others that coach on the side, or as a hobby. Those factors have an impact on the fee you will be paying.

4. Ask around in your circle of running friends, your running community and even local running stores. Not only can they recommend coaches to you, but they can tell you about their experiences with the coaches they are recommending to you firsthand. Word of mouth recommendations can be great things.

5. Meet up (or chat over the phone, zoom etc.) with your potential coach. It may help you get a feel for if they are the right coach for you. Youā€™ll be able to ask them questions and get an idea of their personality. This is one of, if not the biggest thing to consider when hiring a coach. How do you feel when youā€™re chatting with them? Does something feel off, or do you mesh really well? Your intuition should really be a key deciding factor.

 

Take your time when looking for a coach. Put in the work, be patient and youā€™ll know when youā€™ve found the right coach to help you reach your goals. Good luck!