4 reasons why a running coach is a good investment

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Here at Training Tilt, we know that many people are looking to follow a more structured training program. So many runners out there are going around with no idea how to improve their performance. Some even buy guides in an effort to overcome their plateau but don’t always get the results they want. There is, thankfully, another way. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, hiring a running coach can help you achieve huge gains in the sport. But if you need a little more convincing, here are four reasons why a running coach can be a worthwhile investment:

1. They can help you define and meet goals

A coach worth his or her salt will ask you to define your goals before you begin embarking on a program. Goal-setting is very important to success, according to Forbes, as it can change your entire mindset. Goals help you focus and sustain momentum for the long-term. Once you’ve set your sights on a target, a coach’s job is to come up with a plan to help you hit it.

2. They can teach you the ins and outs of running

A running coach is a good option if you’re just starting out as they will help you get to know the basic skills of running, but even experienced athletes still have plenty of room for improvement. With the help of a mindful coach, you can refine your form and technique and save yourself from a lifetime of injuries and pain. A good coach should also emphasize the importance of cross-training. So often, people overdo it with their training with little to no focus on increasing strength in other areas that are essential to boosting performance. In this regard, coaches can assess what type of supplementary activity is appropriate in order to create a more well-rounded runner in you — whether that is through swimming, biking, or even Pilates. Lastly, a coach can teach you how to properly fuel your body for training. Fitness nutrition specialist Christine Luff points out that the food you eat can either guide you or stand in your way of reaching peak performance. Standard nutrition guides will recommend eating a healthy amount of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, but of course, everyone’s dietary needs are different.

3. They can create programs just for you

There is no shortage of training programs available online, in books, or through other people’s success stories. A training plan can be a good investment and get a runner to a certain level of success. These, however, don’t take into account an individual’s needs and can, therefore, be quite general. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all program that can guide you towards being your best, and this is why there are technology platforms like Nurvv and the Training Tilt running coaching platform that highlight the importance of personalized insights and guidance to help meet your needs and schedule. Coaches don’t only teach you proper technique; they also provide the necessary feedback that you simply cannot get from an instruction manual. These insights can help you adjust your form, pace, and even mindset, which can be key to taking your performance to the next level.

4. They can keep you motivated and consistent

The beauty of running is that it is an individual sport. However, everyone reaches a point where they may find it difficult to boost internal motivation. A coach can help by being your accountability buddy, which Women’s Health explains is a good source of support and encouragement. Being challenged by an external factor — in this case, a coach — can help you be more consistent with following a program. A coach can help you refocus and finally hit the personal best you’ve been aiming for.