If you've ever started working with a new coach and felt like everything was clicking, you're not alone. The early days of a coaching relationship can feel like magic. You're motivated. Your training feels fresh. You might even see some quick progress.
This is the honeymoon effect in action. It's that exciting phase when everything feels new and promising. But just like in relationships, honeymoons don't last forever. The real work begins when the initial excitement wears off.
What Is the Honeymoon Effect?
The honeymoon effect is that period when both coach and athlete are feeling extra optimistic. The athlete is excited about a new training plan and trusts the process. The coach is engaged and eager to help their athlete succeed. Everything feels smooth.
During this time, progress often feels easy. Maybe it's because the athlete is paying closer attention to their training. Maybe they're simply responding well to a new stimulus. Either way, things are going great.
But then, things start to change.
Why the Honeymoon Effect Fades
At some point, every athlete experiences a plateau. Progress slows down. Runs feel harder. Life gets in the way. Maybe an injury pops up.
This is where doubts can creep in. The athlete might start questioning whether the plan is working. They might lose motivation or feel frustrated that things aren't improving as quickly as before. If communication isn't strong, they might even wonder if their coach is the right fit.
On the other side, coaches also experience this shift. As the athlete settles into training, the initial excitement fades. Coaching becomes about the daily process, not just the big wins. If an athlete starts doubting the plan, the coach might feel the pressure to prove their worth.
What Athletes and Coaches Can Do About It
Understanding that the honeymoon effect is normal can help both coaches and athletes navigate it without frustration. Here’s how:
1. Expect It to Happen
No training journey is a straight line. The sooner an athlete accepts that progress has ups and downs, the easier it is to push through the tough moments.
2. Keep Communication Open
A coach isn’t a mind reader. If an athlete is struggling, they should speak up. And a coach should check in regularly, not just when things are going well.
3. Focus on the Process, Not Just Results
Training is about more than PRs and breakthroughs. The real goal is to build consistency, resilience, and long-term fitness. Progress happens in the work that isn’t always exciting.
4. Make Adjustments When Needed
If an athlete feels stuck, sometimes small changes can help—adjusting intensity, shifting focus for a few weeks, or adding variety to training. A good coach will recognize when an athlete needs a reset.
5. Trust the Plan, But Also Trust Yourself
Athletes should trust their coach, but they should also trust their own body and instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth having a conversation instead of silently struggling.
The Best Coaching Relationships Go Beyond the Honeymoon
The honeymoon phase is fun, but real growth happens in the work that comes after. When an athlete and coach build trust, communicate well, and stay focused on the long game, they create a partnership that lasts.
Training isn’t just about the highs. It’s about learning how to move through the tough parts without giving up. That’s where real progress happens.