do I need a coach?
1. Proper Running Technique: As children we all run effortlessly. It is second nature to us. Over time however, we run less and sit more. We lose our natural ability to run as our hip flexors shorten, our posture deteriorates, and running becomes a challenge. A good coach instructs you on proper running technique, teaches you strength training exercises, flexibility and mobility routines, and running drills. All of this will lead to a better, and a more efficient running form. When you are running more efficiently, you enjoy the sport more, and your performance improves dramatically.
2. Injury Prevention: The single biggest setback for runners is injury. Most running publications state nearly 80% of all runners experience at least one injury which will sideline them for several days each year. 80%! That number is ridiculous. What if we said out of everyone who drives a car, 80% of us would have at least one accident each year. We would all agree that is entirely too high, and we would call for laws to lower the accident rate. So why is an 80% injury rate OK with runners? At Resolute Running, our injury rate is between 10% and 12% across our team. Our coaches achieve this by providing all of our team members training programs designed to maximize results, while minimizing injuries.
3. Motivation / Support / Outside Perspective: There is an old legal saying which states, "A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client." :-) It is not meant to be derogatory, but it is stating you need an outside perspective to help you achieve your goals. At Resolute Running we believe in setting goals which are so big they scare you! In order to hit those goals, you need a coach to provide motivation, day in and day out, to get you through your training. They provide the support required when you are tired and not sure if you can reach your goal. Plus, they give an outside perspective to objectively review your training and let you know what is, and is not, working. Your coach will be both your biggest cheerleader, and the person who administers some tough love when it is needed.
4. Individualized Training: This is one of the biggest reasons you should hire a coach. Anyone can download a generic training plan online, or pull one out of a book, but those plans are all designed to be middle of the road. When a one-size-fits-all plan is created, it has to take into account the advanced runner and the beginning runner. To achieve relative success, it plots a course right down the middle.
A Resolute Running coach will never work off of a template. 100% of our training plans are built from scratch and customized to the individual team member. How many days a week of running, which days, the paces, the speedwork assignments, form drills, cross-training, and strength training are all plotted out for you, the individual. We understand that what works for one person does not work for another.
5. Improved Performance: This one is really simple. Time and time again, studies have shown that hiring a coach will lead to improved performance at a much faster rate than by training on your own. This applies to all things, golf, tennis, swimming, and of course, running. Whether you are interested in running your first race, from a 5k to an ultra-marathon, becoming faster at a given distance, maybe you want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, or have plateaued and want to become fitter to break through that plateau, a Resolute Running coach will help you do so.
2. Injury Prevention: The single biggest setback for runners is injury. Most running publications state nearly 80% of all runners experience at least one injury which will sideline them for several days each year. 80%! That number is ridiculous. What if we said out of everyone who drives a car, 80% of us would have at least one accident each year. We would all agree that is entirely too high, and we would call for laws to lower the accident rate. So why is an 80% injury rate OK with runners? At Resolute Running, our injury rate is between 10% and 12% across our team. Our coaches achieve this by providing all of our team members training programs designed to maximize results, while minimizing injuries.
3. Motivation / Support / Outside Perspective: There is an old legal saying which states, "A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client." :-) It is not meant to be derogatory, but it is stating you need an outside perspective to help you achieve your goals. At Resolute Running we believe in setting goals which are so big they scare you! In order to hit those goals, you need a coach to provide motivation, day in and day out, to get you through your training. They provide the support required when you are tired and not sure if you can reach your goal. Plus, they give an outside perspective to objectively review your training and let you know what is, and is not, working. Your coach will be both your biggest cheerleader, and the person who administers some tough love when it is needed.
4. Individualized Training: This is one of the biggest reasons you should hire a coach. Anyone can download a generic training plan online, or pull one out of a book, but those plans are all designed to be middle of the road. When a one-size-fits-all plan is created, it has to take into account the advanced runner and the beginning runner. To achieve relative success, it plots a course right down the middle.
A Resolute Running coach will never work off of a template. 100% of our training plans are built from scratch and customized to the individual team member. How many days a week of running, which days, the paces, the speedwork assignments, form drills, cross-training, and strength training are all plotted out for you, the individual. We understand that what works for one person does not work for another.
5. Improved Performance: This one is really simple. Time and time again, studies have shown that hiring a coach will lead to improved performance at a much faster rate than by training on your own. This applies to all things, golf, tennis, swimming, and of course, running. Whether you are interested in running your first race, from a 5k to an ultra-marathon, becoming faster at a given distance, maybe you want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, or have plateaued and want to become fitter to break through that plateau, a Resolute Running coach will help you do so.
What to Look For in a Coach
1. Certifications: Certifications are not the end-all, beat-all requirement when looking for a coach, but it is a good place to start. You should ask your coach what type of running certifications they have, and then do some research on what those certifications involve.
At Resolute Running, every coach has multiple certifications, and more importantly, all coaches are required to attend yearly training to stay abreast of the latest coaching techniques and philosophies. We believe we should continually learn about our craft so we can offer our team members the most advanced training programs and methods available.
2. Insurance: This may sound like an odd question to ask a coach, but it touches on one major issue, credibility. Knowing that your coach is fully insured lets you know that they are operating as a legitimate business entity and they have taken the necessary steps to protect you, the team member.
3. Full-Time or Part-Time Job: At Resolute Running, 100% of our coaches are full-time coaches. This means we do not treat your coaching as a hobby, a second job, or something we do for fun. Run coaching is our career, and we treat it as such. By having a full-time coach, your training is the only thing we focus on since it is our sole job. When you call your Resolute Running coach during the day, we pick up the phone and chat about your training. With a full-time coach comes full time service.
4. Full Service Training Center: There is so much more to running than just running. We referenced injury rates earlier, and one of the biggest reasons most runners have high injury rates is because they only run. When looking for a coach, you want one who has a full Training Center behind them to help you achieve your goals.
The Resolute Running Training Center is a full service training center, designed specifically for you, the runner. We offer personal training, group fitness classes, massage therapy, nutrition consultations, sports psychology consultations, and injury prevention seminars, all under one roof! Resolute Running is also a Certified TRX Premier Training Facility, so your running benefits dramatically from all of the other services your coach can provide to you.
5. Testimonials: When looking for a coach, this should be your biggest determining factor. Any coach can tell you how good they are, but the proof is in the pudding. Always ask for references, and a lot of them! Make sure your coach can give you a long list of team members they have trained and who you can contact to get their feedback. Make sure to ask what they liked about the training, were they successful in achieving their goals, and about the personality of the coach. If your personality does not mesh with your potential coach, odds are you will not have a successful training cycle.
To learn more about Resolute Running, or to chat with any of our team members about the services and programs we offer, please give the Founder and Head Coach of Resolute Running, Alex Morrow, a call at 205-492-3670, or you can email him at coachalex@resoluterunning.com
At Resolute Running, every coach has multiple certifications, and more importantly, all coaches are required to attend yearly training to stay abreast of the latest coaching techniques and philosophies. We believe we should continually learn about our craft so we can offer our team members the most advanced training programs and methods available.
2. Insurance: This may sound like an odd question to ask a coach, but it touches on one major issue, credibility. Knowing that your coach is fully insured lets you know that they are operating as a legitimate business entity and they have taken the necessary steps to protect you, the team member.
3. Full-Time or Part-Time Job: At Resolute Running, 100% of our coaches are full-time coaches. This means we do not treat your coaching as a hobby, a second job, or something we do for fun. Run coaching is our career, and we treat it as such. By having a full-time coach, your training is the only thing we focus on since it is our sole job. When you call your Resolute Running coach during the day, we pick up the phone and chat about your training. With a full-time coach comes full time service.
4. Full Service Training Center: There is so much more to running than just running. We referenced injury rates earlier, and one of the biggest reasons most runners have high injury rates is because they only run. When looking for a coach, you want one who has a full Training Center behind them to help you achieve your goals.
The Resolute Running Training Center is a full service training center, designed specifically for you, the runner. We offer personal training, group fitness classes, massage therapy, nutrition consultations, sports psychology consultations, and injury prevention seminars, all under one roof! Resolute Running is also a Certified TRX Premier Training Facility, so your running benefits dramatically from all of the other services your coach can provide to you.
5. Testimonials: When looking for a coach, this should be your biggest determining factor. Any coach can tell you how good they are, but the proof is in the pudding. Always ask for references, and a lot of them! Make sure your coach can give you a long list of team members they have trained and who you can contact to get their feedback. Make sure to ask what they liked about the training, were they successful in achieving their goals, and about the personality of the coach. If your personality does not mesh with your potential coach, odds are you will not have a successful training cycle.
To learn more about Resolute Running, or to chat with any of our team members about the services and programs we offer, please give the Founder and Head Coach of Resolute Running, Alex Morrow, a call at 205-492-3670, or you can email him at coachalex@resoluterunning.com
