Run Coaching

Back in my youth, in the simpler times after college when all I wanted to do was run fast and run big miles, I began working with my first professional running coach. He was an imposing figure with a thick New York accent and wild eyes, the type of character an author would describe with relish. After many practices we’d sit with him as he regaled us with stories of past athletes he coached, races he competed in, and endless training advice. To this day I’m convinced half of his “words of wisdom” were equally given to educate and confound his athletes, but many of his pearls have stuck with me to this day. One in particular was along the lines of, “when it comes to running, a good plan or a bad plan, is better than no plan at all.”

At the time,

I didn’t understand how a bad plan should ever be an option. Years later, after many moments of deliberation and coaching plans of my own, did I realize that he was absolutely right. A pursuit as rewarding and treacherous as running should never be seriously attempted without prior thought. An aspiring runner at any level should always know why they are running and to what end. The right path to this end requires a plan of action. A running coach can help make this process one with the least amount of resistance and highest chance of success.