So, you want to be a running coach? It’s a great career choice! Here’s what you need to know!
Serving as a running instructor is an excellent method of imparting your understanding and aiding others in accomplishing their running aspirations. In order to become a coach, there are a few things you must do, but the most critical component is having an enthusiasm for running and being able to pass that enthusiasm on to others.
There are a few things you should do first. This article will provide an overview of the steps necessary to become a running coach.
1. Finding your niche
Identifying the area of expertise or the demographic you are aiming to reach is the initial step in achieving success as a running mentor.
In order to give services and guidance that are tailored to the objectives and current level of your runners, you must figure out what kind of runners you are looking to coach.
Once you have identified who you are aiming to reach, it is essential to create a coaching program that is tailored to their individual requirements. In order to reach your objectives, you will require locating educational and training materials to assist you.
In conclusion, it is critical to create a network of customers and form ties with those that are enthusiastic about running.
It is essential to consider this from the viewpoint of your possible customers initially and after that go in reverse from that point.
Consider what objectives, aspirations, and struggles the target market you’re considering has, and make sure it aligns with your skillset and the aims you have as a coach.
Let us examine some diverse niches that could be explored. It is essential to bear in mind that these are merely broad observations to assist you in deciding what kind of coaching you would like to provide and the kinds of athletes you would like to assist.
Not all runners will align with one of these types and there is no requirement to pick only a single niche. Completing this task will aid in determining the kind of runners that you are most qualified to coach.
As you gain more expertise in coaching, you can look into training a wider selection of athletes as you refine your abilities.
It is essential to begin by being very precise and alter your approach as you gain further knowledge about yourself as a coach and the runners that you work with.
Recreational runners
Anyone who finds pleasure in running and desires to become fitter, but not necessarily with the aim of competing or doing well in their performance, is considered a recreational runner.
The primary objective of a leisurely running instructor is to aid their players in preserving their health and keeping them inspired. This is accomplished by giving instruction on proper running technique, establishing attainable objectives, and giving out motivation and backing.
Recreational coaches don’t prioritize competing, so they don’t need their athletes to have any history of running or adhere to any fitness criteria.
You might find coaching recreational runners to be a perfect fit if you have the enthusiasm to assist others in having fun while running and advancing their physical condition without the stress of intense competition. If you don’t have the time or inclination to work with faster runners, it’s a great option.
Performance runners
Someone who is striving to run faster and compete at a more advanced level is a performance runner. Typically, these are runners who have a good amount of experience and are hoping to beat their previous times or make it into marathons like the Boston Marathon.
The primary purpose of a coach working with competitive runners is to aid them in improving their speed and attaining their objectives. This is done through creating personalized fitness plans, offering instruction on running style, exercise, and nourishment, and giving motivation and encouragement.
Performance coaches tend to prioritize assisting runners in getting faster, and so they often require that their athletes have some background in running and meet particular fitness criteria.
If you have a strong desire to assist runners in realizing their highest abilities and accomplishing their objectives, then you may want to consider becoming a coach for performance athletes. It is a beneficial choice if you have the opportunity and enthusiasm to collaborate with more ambitious athletes to encourage them to surpass their boundaries.
Elite runners
A top-tier athlete who participates in running events at the most advanced level is an elite runner. These athletes are usually seasoned joggers who desire to participate in contests at both the national and global level.
The primary purpose of coaching elite runners is to help them increase their speed, keep them safe from harm, stay steady and reach their long term objectives.
Coaches may create customized exercise routines, teach running form, practice, rest, and diet, and give encouragement and backing.
Only the most experienced and committed runners are taken on by top-level coaches. Athletes who compete in these events usually need to have had plenty of running experience before and must have achieved a certain level of success in running in the past.
Only contemplate becoming an elite coach if you desire to collaborate with the most committed and experienced joggers. This selection is only suitable for trainers who are willing and able to devote their time and energy to aiding competitive runners to achieve their peak performance.
Beginner runners
A novice runner is someone who has just started participating in the activity of running. These people are usually those who have never gone for a jog before or only gone a short way, and their primary objectives are to have a good time, socialize with new individuals and remain healthy.
The purpose of coaching novices is to make running enjoyable for them and to steadily enhance their physical condition without any threat of harm.
They support runners by teaching them about form, exercise, and setting realistic targets, while cheering them on and standing by them.
Novice coaches usually do not necessitate that their athletes have had any prior running background or satisfy any definite physical fitness criteria.
If you have a passion for helping other people experience the satisfaction of running and beginning a fitness program, then perhaps you should consider becoming a coach for beginners. This is a great choice if you are only interested in coaching part-time or if you do not have the necessary resources to work with more experienced athletes.
2. Obtain advanced training in the sport of running
In order to be a successful runner, it is not enough to simply put on a pair of shoes and start running on a treadmill, on the street, or on a designated running track. It requires proper form. It also requires training at the appropriate fitness level. Gaining more expertise teaches you how to handle these essential components.
During instruction, you discover what type of cross-training strategies are most suitable for marathon competitors. This helps prevent overuse injuries.
You also learn how to mentally motivate runners. This can entice the recreational runner to return. It aids the top runners in putting in the effort necessary to enhance their performance.
3. Earn your running coach certification
Earning your coach certification adds credibility. It conveys to a prospective customer that you have the knowledge to develop a secure and successful running regimen.
Obtaining your certification can give you an advantage over other applicants. If a customer is presented with the option, they are probably going to go with a coach who is certified rather than one who is not.
Some instruction courses give certification to be a mentor as a part of the program. This allows you to proceed seamlessly from the first step to the second. It guarantees that you possess the knowledge required to successfully complete the test for the running coach certification.
4. Develop a training program for runners
Once you have attained a higher level of understanding and have acquired your coach certification, the next step is to create your own coaching program. Give thought to the primary objectives you would like to aid your customers in achieving.
If the majority of your patrons have the goal of completing their first marathon, devise a marathon training regimen specifically tailored to novices. For a more experienced runner, your training program could be tailored to increase running speed or distance.
Perhaps you are interested in offering instruction for a particular occurrence. You could create a program for people who wish to run in the Boston Marathon, for example. Let clients know what time they need to qualify.
In your instruction, you might also talk about how not every runner who meets the Boston Marathon qualifying standard will be given permission to compete because of the limited number of entrants. This assists them in not feeling hurt if their contribution is rejected.
Exercising does not need to be focused exclusively on learning how to finish a marathon. This could also involve other activities that would be beneficial to your running customers.
You could create a central strength building program specifically tailored for runners. This would assist clients in improving their running abilities while reducing their chances of getting hurt.
5. Market your running coach services
Once you have created the training program, you can start promoting it. Spread the news that you are a running instructor.
Assist prospective customers visualize you as the mentor who can assist them in accomplishing their running objectives. Be sure to include your certification to demonstrate your qualifications.
One method for spreading the word is to provide your training program to existing personal training customers.
Since they already have faith in you, if they are contemplating running, you would be their go-to option. Even if they don’t want it, they could be aware of somebody who could be interested. Their referral would carry a lot of weight.
Connecting with a running group or a road runners club in your area is an alternative. Show them your training so they are aware of its existence. You could make the agreement more attractive by offering a reduction on your coaching services to the group’s members.
You can also discuss the advantages of running as a form of exercise in your online blog. A coach can help improve performance and reduce injury by the end of the post.
Then mention your training and coaching style. Show the reader how hiring you will help them become a stronger, more fit athlete.
6. Stay current with continuing education courses
It is not enough to simply obtain a certification as a running coach and consider the job finished. As with any other sport, our understanding of running is constantly growing. Making sure that you are up-to-date guarantees that your customers can get the best possible training program. This also sets you up as a coach who is creative and up to date.
To stay up to date with your education and training, taking continuing education courses is beneficial. You learn the latest coaching and training methods. You are kept up to date on what is effective and what is not based on the most recent studies.
If Your Goal is to Work with the Elite Athlete
Do you aspire to be a running coach for the foremost competitors in this discipline? Do you envision yourself coaching athletes in the USA Triathlon or collaborating with members of the USA Track & Field team?
It is absolutely doable, particularly with a licensed running instructor. Gaining your qualification will assist you in becoming ready to take on a more advanced head coach position. This will bring you closer to obtaining the athletics coach job you desire.
Qualities of a Good Running Coach
Particular characteristics can assist you in advancing your career as a running coach. Qualities of a good coach in the running space include:
Has running experience. Customers will be more likely to follow your recommendations if you have experience in managing. If you don’t do what is expected of you, it could be difficult for them to consider you with respect. It would be comparable to engaging a yoga teacher who has never attempted a posture. It wouldn’t make much sense.
Is motivational. Running isn’t easy. It is particularly difficult when the runs are intense or lengthy. A proficient coach can motivate a client to continue even on days when they feel like giving up. This coach has the perfect words to motivate them to continue moving forward.
Knows how to build mental toughness. A competent coach works to develop mental strength in addition to improving physical strength. They aid running customers to build the fortitude needed to persist. The client no longer uses the expression “I can’t.” Instead, it is replaced with “I will.”
Understand realistic running goals. A competent coach is aware of how to assist people in establishing practical objectives. This provides the client with a realistic chance of accomplishment rather than setting objectives that are impossible to accomplish, leading to disappointment and abandonment. Realistic goals allow for small wins. They motivate the client to remain committed to their coaching program.
Incorporate strength exercises and cross-training into the exercise program. If you aspire to be an excellent coach, your instruction should cover more than simply running.
It should also include other exercises beneficial to runners. Incorporate strength training to bolster the muscles used in running. Including cross training helps to maintain equilibrium in the body.
