Hiring an online running coach is becoming more and more common if you want to boost your running performance. A remote coach can help you build a personalized training plan, guide you on endurance nutrition, and keep you motivated as you chase your race goals. But how do you pick the right online coach for you? And can a running coaching app really match that level of quality? Here are our tips.
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Choosing an online running coach
Check their experience and qualifications
Start by looking at the coach’s experience. Have they coached runners at your level before? If so, have they helped their athletes hit their targets? From a training standpoint, do they tend to prioritize volume or quality workouts?
Also check whether they have the required certification to coach. That could be a Sport Science degree, a state-recognized coaching qualification, or a professional certification specifically for running coaching.
Don’t hesitate to ask an online running coach questions about their background and their real-world experience in endurance training.
Look at how you’ll communicate with the coach
Some runners need daily check-ins with their coach, others are more independent. Maybe you want a very close coach-athlete relationship, or maybe you prefer occasional touchpoints and more freedom.
You can ask for references or read reviews from other runners who have trained with this online running coach. Take time to talk with them so you’re sure you’re both on the same page.
Factor in your budget
Most online coaches for road running or trail running charge between €60 and €150 per month. You can’t expect the same level of involvement from an online coach at €60 per month, where you’ll be one athlete among many, as you would at €150 per month. In one case you’ll spend roughly €700 over the year, in the other around €1,800 per year.
Define your race goals
Define your running goals before choosing an online running coach. Are you looking for short-term or mid-term coaching? Do you want to set a new marathon PR, line up for a trail race, or simply run more consistently?
Clarifying your goals also makes it easier to track whether you’re actually achieving what you set out to do.
Compare different online coaching options
There are plenty of online coaches with different services and pricing. Take the time to compare options to find the one that fits your needs, your training style, and your schedule.
Choosing a running coaching app instead of an online running coach?
There are several reasons why a runner or trail runner might prefer a mobile running coaching app over an online running coach.
The flexibility of a coaching app
A mobile running coaching app is available 24/7. That’s ideal if you have a packed schedule or one that changes all the time. You can update your app at the last minute if you need to adjust your workout, whereas with an online running coach you might not get an instant reply by phone or text.
The quality of the training plan
Paradoxically, coaching apps are often more personalized than the training plans from many online coaches or running clubs. In a club, the training plan is usually designed for the whole group, with a few small tweaks, but only to a limited extent. An online coach can’t always spend lots of time fine-tuning your program or messaging back and forth, because they often only have 1 to 2 hours per month per athlete if they want the business model to work.
Coaching apps have automated the process of building training programs, using AI to varying degrees depending on the app, backed by feedback from thousands of users and data analysis from runners’ GPS watches.
Some apps rely on fixed plans, others offer adaptive training plans, which is the case with RunMotion Coach.
Also look at who’s behind the coaching apps. Running enthusiasts? Engineers? Coaches? If all three profiles are involved, there’s a good chance it’s the real deal.
The price of a running coaching app
Most coaching apps use a freemium model. You get access to a free training plan, and if you want more features you can upgrade to a premium version (with RunMotion Coach: nutrition tips, strength training, mental training, the option to add cycling to your plan, etc.). On average, that’s between €80 and €150 for one year, basically the price of just one month with an online running coach.
If you have specific questions about your training, most coaching apps let you contact customer support directly.
Choose the solution that fits you best
There’s no single perfect option for every runner between joining a running club, working with an online running coach, or using a running coaching app, because everyone is different.
In the end, the best choice is the one that matches your current needs and your lifestyle. What you need and what you want can shift over time.
If you think long-term and plan to run for decades, you’ll see many runners move between phases, sometimes they prefer club training, sometimes an online running coach, and sometimes a mobile running coaching app.
Want to try RunMotion Coach? Download is free, then you can choose between the free or premium version (7-day trial). We’d love to support you on your next races.
RunMotion Coach is also the official coach or a partner of many races, including 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 more.
Happy training!