If you've spent any time in the running world, you've probably come across some heated debates about form, training philosophy, and the so-called "right" way to run. One argument that never seems to die is whether running is "controlled falling" or whether you need to actively push off the ground to move forward. Some coaches will swear that pulling your foot up is a waste of energy, while others insist that pushing off the ground is the only way to create forward motion. The irony? The very people telling you to "run far away" from anyone who believes in pushing off the ground are, in fact, telling you to push off the ground.
This is just one example of the contradictions and absolutism that show up in running advice. The reality is, running form isn't about choosing between two rigid schools of thought. It's about efficiency, biomechanics, and what works best for you. But nuance doesn’t get as many clicks or start as many Twitter fights as bold, absolute statements.
And this same black-and-white thinking shows up when it comes to running coaches and the way we talk about our profession. There's a strange moral complex in the coaching world where selling your services is often viewed as inherently slimy. I recently saw a thread about how most coaches "sell false hopes," and it made me pause. Do things always go exactly as planned when chasing a goal? Of course not. But the idea that most coaches are out here intentionally misleading athletes is nonsense.
A good coach isn’t selling a guaranteed result. They're providing a roadmap, guidance, and the tools to help you succeed. If a coach isn’t confident in their ability to help someone, then why are they coaching in the first place? There's a big difference between marketing yourself as a coach and making empty promises. I don't believe in giving false hope, but I do believe in helping runners unlock their potential through smart training, biomechanics, and a sustainable approach to performance.
If you're looking for a coach who understands the science of running without getting lost in absolutes, I’d love to work with you. Whether you're training for a marathon, navigating menopause, or just trying to run pain-free, we’ll focus on what actually works—no gimmicks, no fear-mongering, just real progress.