In the world of running and training, there’s often a fine line between taking ownership of your journey and recognizing the support that helped get you to where you are. I’ve seen athletes claim to be "self-coached" because they reuse a training plan and make adaptations along the way, but let’s dig into why that’s not truly self-coaching—and why giving credit to the coach who developed the plan matters.
What Is Self-Coaching?
Self-coaching means fully taking responsibility for your training, from designing the plan to adjusting it based on your needs. It’s not just about reusing a plan or making a few tweaks here and there. When you’re self-coached, you’re the one in charge of every decision: the structure, the type of workouts, the rest days, and how you adjust the intensity based on how you’re feeling or progressing.
Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t learn from others. Coaches often teach you principles that help guide your training. But self-coaching is about putting that knowledge into practice yourself and managing your journey from start to finish.
Why Might an Athlete Claim to Be Self-Coached?
Sometimes, athletes will say they’re self-coached after they’ve made adjustments to a plan. For example, they might reuse a plan that a coach originally gave them and modify it based on their progress or how they’re feeling. It’s a common misconception to think that this is self-coaching, but it’s not quite the full picture.
There are a few reasons why someone might do this:
- Feeling of Independence: They might feel like they’re taking more control over their training, so they believe that makes them self-coached.
- Misunderstanding of Coaching Dynamics: Maybe they don’t fully understand the difference between being coached and self-coaching, especially if they’re adapting someone else’s plan.
- Desire for Autonomy: Some athletes just want to be seen as fully independent, and acknowledging a coach can feel like admitting they still need support.
- Pride or Ego: There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with believing you did it on your own, and for some, giving credit to a coach can feel like diminishing their personal success.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel independent, it's essential to recognize the value of the support you’ve received. Coaches provide expertise, guidance, and structure that help athletes progress more effectively than they might on their own.
How Does This Hurt the Coach?
When an athlete claims to be self-coached and doesn't give credit to the coach who created the plan, it can have several negative effects:
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Loss of Recognition: Coaches invest time, effort, and expertise into designing a plan that suits an athlete’s needs. When an athlete doesn’t credit the coach, that hard work goes unrecognized, and the coach loses visibility for their contributions.
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Missed Opportunities for the Coach: Word-of-mouth and success stories are vital for coaches to build their reputation. When athletes fail to acknowledge their coach’s role, they miss out on potential referrals or connections that could help the coach grow their business.
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Credibility Issues: If an athlete claims they’re self-coached while following a plan developed by someone else, it can create a misleading perception that coaching isn’t necessary to succeed. This can hurt the coach’s credibility and make it seem like their services aren’t valuable, which isn't true.
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Strain on Relationships: Coaches and athletes work together to build trust and support each other. When credit isn’t given where it's due, it can create tension and potentially harm that relationship. Coaches thrive on seeing their athletes succeed, but the acknowledgment of their guidance helps keep that motivation alive.
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Damage to Reputation: The coaching world is built on trust, word-of-mouth, and clear relationships. Failing to be acknowledged can have a lasting impact on a coach's reputation, and it can limit future opportunities for both the coach and the athlete.
Why Working with a Coach Can Make a Difference
Now, I’m all for athletes who want to be proactive in their training. But if you’ve got a coach on your side, their expertise is helping shape your journey, even if you’re adapting the plan as you go. Coaches don’t just throw out a plan and walk away. They’re there to help you navigate challenges, offer feedback, and adjust when things aren’t working. There’s a lot of value in that.
Whether it’s a one-time consultation, a personalized plan, or ongoing coaching, working with a coach helps you maximize your potential and avoid unnecessary mistakes. It also provides you with someone to lean on when you need advice, encouragement, or help adjusting your training to meet your goals.
If you’re looking to take your running or fitness journey to the next level, it’s time to give yourself the support you deserve. Don’t be afraid to lean on a coach who has your best interests at heart. Let’s work together to build a plan that works for you, keep you on track, and help you achieve your goals—whether that’s hitting a new personal best, making your training more enjoyable, or reaching a long-term milestone.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your athletic journey, I’d love to help. Reach out to me and let’s discuss how we can tailor a training plan that works for you—because everyone deserves the chance to succeed, with the right support along the way.