So, I decided that I wanted to try to find a running coach this summer to help with my marathon PR. I started by reaching out to a coach that reviews shoes on 2 websites that I go to. After a 30 minute discussion, I wasn't totally sold. He was nice enough, but he lives in CA (so no one-on-ones), and wanted some level of commitment to his plan/schedule (i.e., his workouts would trump other training, like my Striders' marathon training). His costs were $325 per 3 months.
I then reached out to a coach on another website. Most of the coaches had significant running experience. I had a free consultation with the recommended one for me. It was a nice conversation and he was more flexible than the 1st individual. Cost was $60 for a plan, $39 for a consultation or $189 per month for more one-on-one work. He lived in OR, so it was video conferencing one a week. I was ready to try him out for a month, but I sent some final questions to him, for which he didn't respond.
The last coach was local. I went to the coachup.com site and located an individual that had good ratings. I set up an initial meeting, which cost me $50 for the session and $20 finders fee. It was an one hour session. The last 10-15 minutes were most useful (the rest of the time was talking about expectations and experiences). My key issue seems to be running form. There are several things that he believes he can correct to increase efficiency. Most made sense to me. I am going to stick with him for a month to see where it goes.
I have already started to change my arm swing to reduce crossing over my chest. I am slowly adjusting my landing and follow-through. I need to verify next week if I am doing the right changes.
In hind-sight, I believe it would have been useful to find the local coach last year. It would have enabled me to fix several issues in running form sooner. I guess the initial thought was the Strider's training was good enough. I think it enabled me to get the base-mileage in, but the coaches really don't address running form.
I then reached out to a coach on another website. Most of the coaches had significant running experience. I had a free consultation with the recommended one for me. It was a nice conversation and he was more flexible than the 1st individual. Cost was $60 for a plan, $39 for a consultation or $189 per month for more one-on-one work. He lived in OR, so it was video conferencing one a week. I was ready to try him out for a month, but I sent some final questions to him, for which he didn't respond.
The last coach was local. I went to the coachup.com site and located an individual that had good ratings. I set up an initial meeting, which cost me $50 for the session and $20 finders fee. It was an one hour session. The last 10-15 minutes were most useful (the rest of the time was talking about expectations and experiences). My key issue seems to be running form. There are several things that he believes he can correct to increase efficiency. Most made sense to me. I am going to stick with him for a month to see where it goes.
I have already started to change my arm swing to reduce crossing over my chest. I am slowly adjusting my landing and follow-through. I need to verify next week if I am doing the right changes.
In hind-sight, I believe it would have been useful to find the local coach last year. It would have enabled me to fix several issues in running form sooner. I guess the initial thought was the Strider's training was good enough. I think it enabled me to get the base-mileage in, but the coaches really don't address running form.
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