I’ve run off and on since 2011. Throughout that time I’ve run in college with a coach, out of college without a coach, as well as out of college with a coach.
During each time period, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I do believe personalized coaching is beneficial for many people. It takes finding the right coach, both someone who works well for your running style, as well as someone who you socially connect with it.
A few weeks ago, a reader asked me to write about self-coaching and how I liked that. Thinking out loud, all of my PRs have been set from self-coaching. Good or bad, it’s just a fact. I haven’t had a negative experience with any of my coaches. However, my schedule changes often, and I have found self-coaching to work well for me.
I’ve Learned a Few Things:
Self Coaching is Free:
First, I have a firm stance coaching should cost money. You are getting a service, that you don’t already have. To be honest, I’m less likely to even follow “free coaching” because I could do my own thing either way and not feel guilty.
You Know your Strengths and Weaknesses the Best:
First, running is a learning process. Your strengths and weaknesses change. When I lived in the Adirondacks, I was much better at running hills. Now living in a flatter area, hills are no longer my strength. If you ever are next to me in the last .1 of race, know that finishing kicks are also not my strength.
You are More Internally Motivated:
My goals, and wanting to run are for me. I don’t have to report to anyone, and I don’t have to “fear”, telling a bad workout, race, or anything else.
So How Do You Determine Workouts and Paces?
This is different for every single person.
Personally, I use a few different methods. In college, we used the McMillian calculator and could find appropriate paces for workouts from that.
When building mileage from a break (whether injury or just a break), I usually start with whatever feels good. My first run back is never more than a mile. From there, I add minutes to my run (not miles). It’s important not to stress the pace when increasing mileage but just the time on your feet.
I also think looking back at your history with the sport is essential. For me, I ran my fastest 5k and half marathon on “traditional training.” I went to the track and did workouts like 400s as well as tempo runs. That isn’t the case for everyone!
Many athletes run very low mileage with more core and strength. If that is how you thrive, that is how you thrive!
Running is different for each and every person. Many people thrive on a coach. Many people enjoyed more of a laid-back approach. As someone who spent years of high-intensity swimming, I no longer thrive on it both mentally and physically.
Related Running Posts:
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes (For You!)
How to Build Back Mental Confidence
Care Free Training
Who Cares Where You Run?
Questions for you:
Are you self-coached?
What are you currently training for?
I pretty much do my own thing. I once trained with a group (through a local gym) that had a coach. He and I are still good friends and I sometimes ask him for advice, because he’s a wise and experienced runner, has coached a lot of runners, and has known me for years (since that program in 2014). I don’t want to be accountable to someone else for my performances- or in my case, lack thereof. Maybe if I had serious running goals and extra money. For the price of the local coached group per month, I could get two more sports massages per month and I feel like that would benefit my body more. Also, I have a mortgage.
I always see the “success stories” that coaches post- and I’m glad for those who’ve had success. I know some people are very successful with it… but I know other runners who it hasn’t worked for. Those stories aren’t out there but people might tell you. Maybe a big portion of the “success” isn’t necessarily from the coaching itself, but because they were training consistently. If you go from not doing any speedwork, taking random days or weeks off, low mileage, and no accountability… to a consistent program where you run most days, do workouts, and have someone holding you accountable, I feel like your running is going to improve whether it is through a coach you are paying for or being self-coached.