Hiring an online running coach to enhance your running performance is becoming increasingly popular. An online coach can assist you in creating a personalized training plan, provide nutrition guidance, and motivate you to reach your running objectives. However, how do you select the most suitable online coach for yourself? Is a coaching app equally beneficial? Here are our suggestions.
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Choosing an online running coach
Evaluating experience and qualifications
Begin by assessing the coach’s experience. Determine if they have previously trained runners at your level and whether they have successfully helped their athletes meet their goals. Consider their training philosophy: does the coach prioritize quantity or quality in their approach?
Additionally, verify their coaching credentials. Relevant qualifications may include a degree in Sports Science (STAPS), a state diploma, or a professional certification in running coaching.
Feel free to inquire about the coach’s professional history and their expertise in running coaching.
Assess the coach-runner interaction style
The frequency and style of communication vary among runners. Some may require daily contact with their coach, while others might be more self-reliant. Consider whether you need a close, intensive relationship with your coach or if occasional communication suits you better.
It’s beneficial to request references or read reviews from other runners who have trained with the online running coach. Engage in a conversation with the coach to confirm that your communication styles and expectations align.
Evaluate your budget
The cost of online road or trail running coaches typically ranges from $60 to $150 monthly. Understand that the level of personalized attention may vary based on the fee. A coach charging $60 per month might manage a larger group of athletes, while a $150 per month coach could offer more individualized coaching. Annually, this translates to approximately $700 at the lower end and about $1800 at the higher end.
Identify your running objectives
Before selecting an online running coach, clearly define your running goals. Consider whether you need short-term or medium-term coaching. Are you aiming to better your marathon time, compete in a trail race, or increase the frequency of your runs?
Establishing your goals upfront will assist in evaluating your progress and the effectiveness of the coaching in achieving your set objectives.
Assess various online coaching choices
With a wide array of online coaches available, each providing different services and at varying price points, it’s important to thoroughly compare your options. Finding the coach that aligns best with your needs and preferences requires careful consideration.
Opting for a running coaching app vs. an online running coach
Runners and trail runners might have various reasons for choosing a mobile running coaching app over a traditional online running coach.
The flexibility of a coaching app
A mobile running coaching app is accessible 24/7. This is convenient for those with busy or unpredictable schedules. You can update your training plan at the last minute in the app, whereas with an online running coach, you might not get an immediate response by phone or text.
Training plan quality
Ironically, coaching apps frequently offer more tailored training compared to many online or club coaches. In a club setting, a general training plan is typically distributed to the entire group, with minor adjustments. Online coaches may have limited time for program customization or regular communication, often allocating just 1 or 2 hours per month per athlete to manage their workload.
Coaching apps have automated the training program creation process, incorporating varying degrees of artificial intelligence. They draw insights from the experiences of thousands of users and analyze data from runners’ GPS watches.
While some apps provide fixed training plans, others, such as RunMotion Coach, offer dynamic and adaptive plans.
Consider the backgrounds of the individuals behind coaching apps. Are they passionate runners, engineers, or experienced coaches? An app developed by a combination of these profiles is likely to be reputable.
Pricing of a running coaching app
The majority of running coaching apps follow a freemium model. They provide a basic training plan for free, and for enhanced features, a premium version is available. For instance, RunMotion Coach offers supplementary functionalities including nutrition guidance, strength training, mental preparation, and the ability to incorporate cycling and swimming into your plan, usually priced between $80 and $150 annually. Interestingly, this annual cost aligns with the monthly expense of an online running coach!
In case you have specific inquiries regarding your training, most coaching apps typically offer customer service support for assistance.
Select the solution that best suits you
When it comes to choosing between a running club, an online running coach, or a running coaching app, there’s no universal solution that fits everyone’s needs. Each individual is unique, and what works best can vary.
Ultimately, the choice should align with your current requirements and lifestyle. Keep in mind that your needs and preferences may evolve over time.
Looking ahead, if you intend to continue running for many years, you may find that at different times, running in a club, working with an online running coach, or using a mobile running coaching app suits you best.
If you’re interested in trying RunMotion Coach, the app offers a free download, and you can opt for either the free version or the premium version (which includes a 7-day trial). We would be thrilled to support you in your upcoming races.
It’s worth noting that RunMotion Coach serves as the official coach or partner for numerous prestigious races such as UTMB Mont-Blanc, Festival des Templiers, MaXi-Race, Marathon du Mont-Blanc, Marathon du Lac d’Annecy, Marathon de Deauville, Marathon de La Rochelle, and many more.
Happy training!