Deciding whether to hire a running coach can feel like a big step. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth the investment, or if you’re “good enough” to work with a coach. Let me clear that up right away: coaching isn’t just for elites. It’s for anyone who wants to train smarter, improve their performance, or just enjoy running more. But coaching isn’t for everyone all the time. Let’s talk about when hiring a coach makes sense—and when you might be fine on your own.
When a Running Coach is Worth It
You’re training for a big goal
Whether it’s your first 5K or a Boston Qualifier attempt, structured training makes a difference. A coach can create a plan that fits your life and fitness level, helping you show up prepared, confident, and ready to perform.
You’re constantly injured or burned out
If you keep getting hurt or feel stuck in a cycle of fatigue, a coach can help pinpoint what’s going wrong. Maybe you’re running too hard on easy days, skipping strength work, or missing recovery time. Whatever the issue, a fresh perspective can make a huge difference.
You’re not sure how to structure your training
If you’re guessing your way through workouts or cobbling together random training plans from the internet, you’re probably leaving progress on the table. A coach provides personalized structure so you’re training effectively without overdoing it.
You struggle with motivation or accountability
Some runners thrive with self-coaching, but others need a plan that’s tailored to them—and someone to check in and make adjustments along the way. If you’ve ever talked yourself out of a speed workout or felt lost after missing a few runs, having a coach in your corner can help you stay consistent.
You want to maximize your potential
Maybe you’re already a strong runner, but you know you could be better with the right guidance. A coach fine-tunes your training, helping you build speed, endurance, and confidence so you can hit your next level.
When You Might Not Need a Coach
You’re running purely for fun
If you love running for the sake of it and have no real goals beyond enjoying the movement, you might not need structured coaching. That said, even casual runners can benefit from guidance on injury prevention and efficiency.
You thrive on doing your own research
Some runners enjoy digging into the science of training and experimenting on their own. If you’re confident in your ability to build a plan, listen to your body, and adjust when needed, you might not need a coach—at least not yet.
You’re not ready to commit to a plan
Coaching is a partnership. A coach provides guidance, but you have to put in the work. If you’re not in a place where you can commit to training consistently, it might not be the right time.
Is Coaching Right for You?
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself this: Could I be training smarter? Am I getting the results I want? Would I benefit from expert guidance and support?
If the answer is yes, working with a coach could be the next best step. I help runners of all levels train more effectively, avoid burnout, and reach their goals—whether that’s setting a PR, running strong through menopause, or simply feeling better on the run.
Ready to see what coaching can do for you? Let’s talk. Reach out here and let’s get started.
