How to Choose the Right Running Coach

Kayleigh Webster
Aug 14
3 min read

(And Actually Enjoy Working With Them)

Why Finding the Right Coach Matters

Hiring a running coach isn’t just about getting a plan. It’s about finding someone who understands your goals, your lifestyle, and how you tick. The right coach can save you months (or years) of frustration, help you train smarter, and keep you healthy. The wrong one? They can leave you burnt out, injured, or simply uninspired.

1. Know What You Want (Before You Go Shopping)

Before you start Googling, get clear on your own needs:

Goal: Is it your first 5K? A marathon PB? 100 miles? Returning from injury?
Support Level: Do you want someone who checks in daily, weekly, or just gives you a plan?
Coaching Style: Do you thrive with encouragement, tough love, or quiet accountability?
Budget: Coaching ranges from £50/month to £250+/month. Decide what’s realistic.
Special Requirements: Menopause support, strength training integration, sports psychology, etc.

Tip: The more you know about what you want, the easier it is to spot the right fit.

2. Look for More Than a Qualification

A qualification proves knowledge — but not necessarily application. Ask yourself:

Do they have experience with your distance and terrain?
Have they coached athletes like you (age, pace, background, constraints)?
Do they blend science with real-world practicality?

Good coaches are constantly learning, referring out when needed, and adapting based on the latest evidence — not just trends.

3. Check Their Communication Style

This is huge. You need someone whose way of talking works for you.

Frequency: How often do they check in?
Format: Do they prefer calls, emails, WhatsApp, app messages?
Tone: Do you feel supported, understood, and respected?

If you find yourself dreading their feedback, they’re not the right coach for you.

4. Understand Their Coaching Process

Ask:

How do they assess new athletes?
Do they use a one-size-fits-all plan or tailor to you?
How do they adjust training if life gets in the way?
Do they build in recovery and adaptation weeks — and explain why?

A good coach will talk openly about how they make decisions, not just the sessions themselves.

5. Look for the Whole-Person Approach

Running isn’t just about the miles. Ask if they include:

Strength & mobility
Nutrition advice (within their scope)
Mindset coaching
Recovery education
Race strategy

If a coach ignores the bigger picture, they’re missing half the puzzle.

6. Check Testimonials and Talk to Athletes They’ve Coached

Look for real, specific success stories (not just “X is amazing!”).
If possible, speak to a current or former athlete — they’ll tell you what’s great and what’s challenging.
Pay attention to whether athletes are staying with them long-term — that’s a good sign of satisfaction and results.

Red Flags to Watch For 🚩

Never asks about your injury history or lifestyle
Ignores recovery or deload weeks
Pushes generic “cookie-cutter” plans without tailoring
Over-promises results (“I’ll get you a sub-3 marathon in 6 weeks!”)
Talks more about themselves than your needs

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off — even if they’re highly qualified — listen to that instinct. Coaching is a partnership. You should feel comfortable asking questions and being honest about how you’re feeling.

Remember: The Best Coach for You Might Not Be the Fastest Runner in the Room

Speed doesn’t automatically make someone a good coach. Empathy, adaptability, and the ability to explain why you’re doing something matter far more than their PBs.

Quick Checklist for Your Run Coach Search

✅ Do they understand my goals?

✅ Do they have relevant experience?

✅ Do I like their communication style?

✅ Do they explain the “why” behind training?

✅ Do they coach the whole athlete (not just the miles)?

✅ Do I feel comfortable being honest with them?

The right coach won’t just make you fitter — they’ll make you more confident, resilient, and in love with the process.

Curious to know how Run Smile Inspire Coaching works? Book yourself in for a free coaching discovery session with me - I'd love to hear more about your goals, what you're looking for and provide some further guidance on your coaching journey! 😁

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