The Best Coaching Options for Your Running Training

Why follow a training plan?

Running is one of the easiest sports to take up. A pair of running shoes, some sportswear and you’re good to go. For some, running is a way to unwind, get some fresh air and stay active. For others, performance is the whole point: chasing a faster time, covering a long distance or pushing themselves all the way to the finish line. Whatever their motivation or level, training plans offer plenty of benefits.

Committing to a running plan or training programme forces you to be disciplined. That’s no bad thing when motivation is in short supply and getting out for a run feels like a chore. Training programmes help runners make progress without skipping the gradual build-up. Some runners struggle to take recovery days, but a proper plan builds rest into the schedule, helping to reduce the risk of injury. A training plan is a genuine roadmap to your goal, whether you’re chasing a time or simply aiming to finish. A good training plan includes a mix of workouts that will help you build endurance, while also developing your VMA (maximum aerobic speed) and speed endurance. In short, following a training plan is an excellent way to improve while continuing to enjoy your running.

The different running coaching options

Let’s get straight to the point. There are plenty of ways to follow a running training plan. That’s great news when it comes to meeting every runner’s needs and expectations. It’s slightly less helpful when you’re not sure what you want or which option suits you best. In the rest of this article, we break down the different options to help you find the right coach for you.

An in-person coach or running club

If you’re looking for a local setup and a group to keep you motivated, an in-person coach or running club could be the perfect solution. Joining a running or athletics club gives you access to a qualified coach at club sessions. The two biggest advantages are the coach’s presence during sessions and the group effect that keeps you motivated and pushes you to improve. To work with an in-person coach, you’ll need to join an athletics club, which means factoring in the membership fee and, if you want to race, the cost of a competition licence.

A private running coach

If you can’t or don’t want to join a running club but would still like support from a coach, either online or in person, a private coach could be the answer. With this option, you get a fully personalised training plan built around your goals. A private coach creates a tailored programme with sessions adapted to your profile. Coaches will usually give you access to a training platform where you can follow your preparation, share feedback after sessions and have your plan adjusted to reflect your feedback and constraints. That’s the private coach’s biggest advantage. Some coaches offer different packages, which directly affects the subscription price.

Coaching apps

This may be the option attracting more and more runners. Coaching apps are becoming increasingly common in the running market, and it’s easy to see why when you look at the advantages. As algorithms improve and artificial intelligence becomes part of the picture, coaching apps are getting more sophisticated. They offer increasingly personalised programmes tailored to runners’ goals. AI can provide more precise, immediate guidance, taking injuries, everyday constraints and even your usual training terrain into account. Coaching apps offer a great deal of flexibility, undoubtedly one of their biggest strengths. No fixed training times, no restrictions on where you train, and the ability to adjust the plan around your availability.

Specialist magazines

For runners who enjoy print and can’t get enough training advice, specialist magazines regularly publish multi-week programmes for a range of goals. A running magazine will offer advice on nutrition and recovery, as well as kit and product reviews. That’s the main strength of this coaching option. The training programmes featured in magazines are often laid out over several weeks and built around a specific goal, such as preparing for a marathon in 12 weeks or returning to running after a break. You’ll also find plenty of first-hand accounts from athletes and coaches sharing their best training tips.

You now have a clearer picture of the different coaching options for preparing for your next running goal. All that’s left is to choose the one that suits you best, get started with your training and find your next race.