What's in a coach?

I recently have had a few good conversations with fellow runners about coaching. One has a coach, one doesn't. Without going into detail about personal information, one is having some major issues with her coach and it got me thinking, what should you really look for in a coach? Why get one? Is it really worth spending the money when the wonderful world of Google can give me a free plan to train for (insert race distance here)? Let's talk about it. But first, it's time for 'a rundown of Britany's life right now'! We should really think of a clever title for that...

A year ago, around this time (obviously in September), I was in Michigan for a few weeks. I've really missed home lately, mostly because it's officially Fall and as much as I love living in Arizona, nothing beats running during the Fall season in Michigan. I can almost visualize going down the Macomb Orchard Trail, the tunnel of trees that are changing colors, stopping at every bathroom because I was ignorant about my dairy consumption. Too much? I told you I'm transparent. You know what I miss the most? Eating enough cider mill donuts to put you into diabetic coma. I actually found out Yates, my favorite place near my local town, ships donuts and cider. I thought I was saved but the $35 shipping fee made me close that browser window real quick. Needless to say I'll be filling my own donut pan this year. With the uncertainty of the world still and not knowing when I'll be able to go see my family again, it really puts a downer on your mood some days. Sure, some people will fly willingly right now but I am not one of those. Maybe I'm being too cautious but when you live with someone who is in the high-risk category whom you also love to the moon in back, you won't take the chance. I hate technology but in this case, I'm thankful for video chatting.

I believe we're finishing off week 5 of 5K training, if I remember correctly? Things are actually going really well. My knee *knocks on wood* is feeling fine. I haven't had to tape it this past week. My skin started to get a little irritated so I gave it a break but it seems to not be calling out for the extra support any way. The mornings are dark much later nowadays with the sun not giving any peak of light until almost 6am. My Noxgear vest has been getting a lot of action! Thankful that I have it, especially since I run along the road pretty often. I see a few other runners in my town wearing dark colors with no lights. I may look like a running rave party of weird but at least I'll be seen. I've also resorted to wearing a proper HR strap that I forgot we had stuffed in a drawer. I forgot how much more accurate it is than the wrist-based sensor. Some days, I'd be out on a easy run and my watch would read 180bpm. I definitely knew that was whack. Heart rate straps might not be the most comfortable, especially for us ladies who have to wear bras, but knowing I'm getting more accurate data makes me happy. What can I say, I'm a nerd. I like numbers. I've been peeping through the internet for some potential next races already. I may or may not have ultra on the brain again....

So, let's talk coaching. Obviously, this will all be my own general opinion. You do you. I've been on both sides of being on my own and working with one. I currently work with one and have for about three years now so maybe I'm biased. I decided to throw my 10 cents into the pot because I've had this conversation before and have seen multiple posts on my running team's app of people seeking advice on coaching. 

• Why should I get a coach? This is probably the one question I see the most. I usually offer advice on different spectrums. Do you have a specific goal in reach, maybe a personal record or trying for that Boston Qualifier? Maybe you want to build endurance or have more structured workouts. The biggest game changer for me? Coming off of injury. I've seen so many runners injury themselves, take time off (or run through it like an idiot) and then try to come back into it firing on all cylinders only to sustain an injury again. My coach has lifted me from three injuries, all of which I've successfully come back from and raced with healthy and happy results.
• I should probably get one of those pro runners to coach me, right? That's your prerogative. If you want to be coached by the great (insert athlete name here), go for it! I know some professional runners who love to coach. However, keep in mind, their resume isn't yours. Don't assume that you'll become Hercules on the marathon course because your coach just ran an insane time at Chicago. Your goals will be your goals and only yours. 
• What should I look for in a coach? First and foremost, credentials. Would you go to a doctor if they weren't board certified? I would hope not. Make sure they are indeed certified, typically through the RRCA. It doesn't hurt to skim through their accomplishments. Some may publish it, some may not. It does help to work with someone who may have ran the distance you are looking to run or a specific race. Aside from certification though, the biggest thing, at least to me, is being able to have transparent and open communication. If you aren't sure if you're ready to sign the imaginary contract line, see if you can have a call with them and talk about what your goals are. See if you two align well. Make sure you'll feel comfortable bringing up issues you have with a specific workout, what's working or what's not, and even share your personal victories! If they work with an application such as Final Surge or Training Peaks, they can see your data, but sometimes saying, "I can't believe I did that good!" is a great feedback line not just for yourself but also for them to know you're on the same page. Some coaches may require a higher fee to have more communication and, in my opinion, it's worth it.
• How much is TOO much to pay? I don't really have an answer to this question. It's all within your own budget. For myself, I stay within the $100/month range. I don't pay for a gym membership since I do all my cross training at home and most of my resources are free, so the expense works for me. Sometimes I tell people you can't put a price on your goals but at the same time, I see some coaches charging upwards of $300 with basically no options other than 'here's your plan, have fun'. I don't need the whole kitten caboodle but I also want to make sure I'm getting what I deserve to pay for.
• Are the free plans just as good? Sure! If that's the route you want to go, be sure to use legit sources. I trained for my first marathon using the Hansons Marathon Method. Hansons offers free plans on their website as well as in their book, which I highly recommend getting even if you don't use their plans. I used the 'Just Finish' plan. Honestly though, having someone do the work for you and take the guessing out of the numbers involved is wonderful. When you get sick or injured and have to take a break, it's nice to also have someone be able to adjust things at the drop of a hat. Again, my opinion.

At the end of the day, the ball is in your court. I'm not knocking the free route whatsoever! I think it's a great way to get going. I know not everyone can afford the expense of having coaching services. I hope some of that offers a little insight to whomever may be on the fence. I will always work with my coach as long as I'm running. She has become my sister from another mister and has been my foundation to building back from injury to becoming the strongest runner I've ever felt to be in probably forever. She's coached me through short runs to ultras and never hesitates to be there when I'm like "I don't know what the F I'm doing". 

On that note, happy spooky season though I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like we've been living in a horror film since the beginning of the year.