Becoming a coach is one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on. It’s about more than just guiding someone through a workout or helping them hit a personal record. It’s about growth, connection, and the unique way athletes show up for themselves and their sport.
But let’s be real—there are things no one warns you about when you take on the role of a coach. The lessons you’ll learn, the challenges you’ll face, and the personal growth you’ll experience might surprise you. Here are some truths no one tells you about becoming a coach and how to navigate them with authenticity and care.
You’ll Coach More Than Just the Sport
When people think of coaching, they often picture running drills, correcting form, or helping someone cross the finish line. But coaching goes way beyond that. You’ll end up being a therapist, life coach, and cheerleader, often at the same time. Athletes bring their whole selves into the sport, and as their coach, you become a trusted resource for much more than just technique.
You’ll help them through personal challenges, motivation struggles, and mental blocks that have nothing to do with the actual sport. Being there for them, listening when they need to talk, and offering support in times of uncertainty will make you not only a better coach but a person they truly trust.
Your Success Is Measured by the Growth You Can’t See
As a coach, you might be fixated on the obvious wins—PRs, race results, and accomplishments. But the most profound success is often invisible. It’s the mental breakthroughs that happen behind the scenes, the growing confidence, or the newfound love an athlete develops for their sport. These moments can’t be tracked with data or results, but they’re the kind of success that truly defines your impact.
So, when things aren’t going as planned, remember that your athletes are evolving in ways that go beyond numbers. Trust that the lessons they learn under your guidance will shape them in ways that will last far longer than any finish line.
You Will Constantly Question Yourself
As much as you’ve learned, there will be times when you feel like you don’t know enough or doubt your ability to guide your athletes. Self-doubt is inevitable—especially early on. You might wonder if you gave the right advice or if your feedback hit the mark. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s part of the process.
What matters is that you use that self-reflection to grow. Every coach, no matter how experienced, goes through this. What sets you apart is your ability to learn from it, adjust your approach, and continue evolving as a coach. The more you embrace these moments of uncertainty, the stronger and more effective you will become.
It’s More About Listening Than Instructing
Great coaching isn’t just about telling someone what to do. It’s about listening—really listening. Every athlete is different, and their needs, struggles, and goals aren’t always visible on the surface. The best coaches pay attention to both what athletes say and what they don’t. Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones that don’t happen aloud.
Taking the time to listen and understand what’s going on in your athlete’s head will allow you to personalize your coaching approach. The deeper you listen, the more you’ll be able to tailor your guidance to what they truly need.
You Can’t Want It More Than Your Athlete Does
One of the toughest truths in coaching is realizing that no matter how much you believe in your athlete’s potential, they have to want it for themselves. It’s hard when you see someone with so much promise but little motivation or commitment to their own goals. As a coach, you can offer support, strategies, and encouragement, but you can’t force someone to care as much as you do.
The key is balancing your passion for their success with their own drive. A coach’s role is to inspire, not to push harder than the athlete is willing to go. Your job is to help them tap into their inner motivation, not to carry the weight of their goals for them.
You Will Hurt Athletes’ Feelings on Accident
Here’s something they don’t tell you: You will accidentally hurt your athlete’s feelings. Coaching comes with the responsibility of delivering feedback, sometimes in difficult moments, and even the most well-meaning comments can be misinterpreted. A constructive critique might feel like criticism, or a push to go further might come across as pressure.
When this happens, it’s crucial to acknowledge it. Own up to any missteps, apologize if necessary, and open the door for a conversation. The best coaches don’t shy away from uncomfortable moments—they lean into them, creating a space for healing and deeper trust. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing your athletes that you’re human and care about their emotional well-being as much as their performance.
Ready to Get Started?
Coaching isn’t just about providing the right training plan; it’s about connecting with your athletes and helping them transform both physically and mentally. If you’re looking for a coach who gets the full picture—who listens, understands, and helps you grow as an athlete, I’m here for you.
Let’s work together to unlock your potential, push through mental barriers, and build strength in every aspect of your journey. Whether you're a runner or just looking to make a change in your fitness, I’m ready to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins along the way.
Reach out today to start the conversation, and let’s create a plan that works for you.