Running Coaches- How did you find them and what were the fees?

McVick,

I gave myself some personal benchmarks to make sure I was committed & it was worth the money (not missing runs, running after overnight shifts & that sort of stuff).

Once I hit those I knew I didn't need a motivator , I needed someone who knew the science and logic behind long term programming.

I also wanted someone to teach me since I'm fascinated behind the "why".

I found a bunch of coaches around me and started eliminating by their website, price, and other items.

Dialed it down to three and had phone consultations.

Fyi, posted my email to one of your runs, I'll forward you a much longer explanation I shared with another runner.

Not sure what you’re training for, but I joined a Team in Training group that was really cool. Check that out and see if there’s one near you. You get coaches, but also a group to train with and offer support.

Where do you live?

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Where do you live?

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Central New York. There's a strong running community about an hour both the south and west directions, but not really where I live. I'd rather run locally if I can.

It seems like a doable marathon is Buffalo at the end of May, and if not there many other options up to three hours away.

@Burt I know I'm a stronger runner compared to last year, but I'm unsure I can drop my marathon time by about 50 minutes without help. I have made up almost everything about running since I started, which I realize many runners like myself probably do. Besides one half marathon training team I've been in the wilderness when it comes to form, nutrition, strategies, training, etc. I think I'm getting better but I haven't really pushed my limits to see what I can accomplish. So far my injuries have been minimal and isolated to my feet (bone spur, plantar warts); no knee, ankle, hip, or back pain. And since my goal isn't a BQ I think I can avoid being talked into extra fancy technology beyond my Garmin watch.

I'm envisioning less of a personal motivator and more of someone to analyze data, provide feedback, and alter accordingly. I'll listen and do what someone tells me to do once, whether the outcome is a success or failure, but as I gain more knowledge I start to ask more questions until I'm satisfied with the explanation. I can follow a plan no problem, and as long as I have a visual reminder to do something I'll do it.

I'm probably looking for a needle in a haystack.

Agree, Burt. Unless you are at either end of the spectrum (no clue, too lazy to research, no motivation, etc.) or elite, just follow a book. My opinion at least. Personally, I'm not going to spring for a coach that knows way less about my body than I do. Not like I'm going to qualify for the trials or something. All said, I'll never fault someone for trying to do better if that involves getting coached.

if you think you need a coach, i say get one. worst case scenario you waste a few hundred bucks.

The best and easiest to digest book I've run across yet is by Jay Johnson's "Simple Marathon Training". It's catered to "busy adults" and includes specific warm ups (Lunge Matrix/Leg Swings) and cool downs (Strength and Mobility (SAM)) to build strength, so as not to have to do extra strength work. I feel the strongest and fittest as I've ever been, on my highest mileage ever. I don't think I'll ever use another plan, unless I can free up alot more time somehow, then I'll look at doing Advanced Marathoning (book), by Pete Pfitz.

McVick - maybe my memory is mistaken, but don’t you also lift weights?

I’d recommend Patrick Cutter. He’s in Rochester but offers online coaching. He’s a 2:30 marathoner with muscles.

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McVick - maybe my memory is mistaken, but don’t you also lift weights?

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Nope, not me. Still haven't hit that desire to lift yet. I've gone to the gym in the past but it's been 2+ years now and I mainly stuck to the machines with the stacked weights.

I think I figured out a plan for next year. I have two races already on the calendar, a 10 miler with hills in early May and a 15k in July. I'm going to try out the Garmin Coach thing for the 10 miler & treat it like a half marathon with a goal pace in the 7:00-7:10 range. That should get me through the winter months, and then after the May race I'll reassess my desire for a personal coach or specialized plan.

My goal then is to jump into a marathon plan at the end of May for a race in late September or October.