Ever since I ran the Philadelphia Marathon, I have had a huge urge to get as fast as possible, as quickly (and safely) as possible. While trying to figure out what was next after running Philly, I blogged about possibly getting a running coach. These were my
thoughts:
For getting a coach:
- All the cool kids are doing it
- All the cool kids are running awesome races with the help of their coaches.
- My times would probably (hopefully) drop faster than without a coach
- I love following a plan. Probably especially when it has been made just for me.
For not getting a coach:
- I have been getting faster on my own, and know I still have more to give. Part of me wants to see how much I can do on my own.
- Adding more speedwork/days per week/miles per week on my own will make me faster
- I don't know exactly who I'd want to coach me
- Costs money, that I don't really have (least of my concerns, but still a factor)
- All the cool kids are doing it
- All the cool kids are running awesome races with the help of their coaches.
- My times would probably (hopefully) drop faster than without a coach
- I love following a plan. Probably especially when it has been made just for me.
For not getting a coach:
- I have been getting faster on my own, and know I still have more to give. Part of me wants to see how much I can do on my own.
- Adding more speedwork/days per week/miles per week on my own will make me faster
- I don't know exactly who I'd want to coach me
- Costs money, that I don't really have (least of my concerns, but still a factor)
Until last night, they were still my thoughts. Over the last
few weeks, I researched coaches that were recommended on Twitter
and on blogs. I still wasn't 100% sure I wanted a coach, and really wasn't sure who I wanted...
Finally, yesterday I took the first step in getting a coach
(or two): I emailed Allison DeLancey. Allison (an Oiselle Elite team member!)
and her husband Derek coach together and are both insanely fast! Within a few
hours after I sent my email, Allison had written back a very nice email and attached a training
schedule of someone else they coach with the same goals as me. As soon as I
opened that plan, I knew they were the coaches for me. The detail, the variety
in the runs and the way a plan like that would push me were exactly what I
was looking for. I was giddy with runner-nerd excitement! By the end of the night, I made a complete switch from MAYBE
wanting a coach to absolutely wanting
them as my coaches!
I can’t wait to get started and work towards my goals for my
Spring races! I’m excited to have someone to report
back to, get advice from and work directly with me to help me reach my goals
and set new PRs! I plan to follow
the training schedule to a tee, push myself to the required paces, and take it
easy on easy days!
So, here's to an awesome 2013!
Dream Big 2013. Lucky '13.
Do you have a running coach? Have you ever thought of getting one? What's your favorite part of having a coach?
Exciting...even though you are already superfast!
ReplyDeleteAs for spring races (or, er, winter races), you should join the summer 5K group for the Al Gordon 4-Miler + brunch in Brooklyn in February!
Thanks, Carla! Yes, I heard people are doing that race! It's in the back of my mind....may sign up too!
DeleteTotally loving this! And very jealous. I know you are going to improve in leaps and bounds now. Can't wait to hear about your success now!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Emily! I'm so excited to get started and see results! Dream Big! :)
DeleteSo exciting, Abby!! I can't wait to see even more of what you can achieve in 2013!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen! And I can't wait to see you tomorrow! :) Hope you had a good trip home!!
DeleteCongrats, that's awesome! I got a coach (well, a friend who said he'd coach me) last marathon training cycle and it made such a difference! I like not having to do all of the figuring and thinking in terms of mileage and they definitely know more about workouts and buildups. Also it's nice to have someone to talk about your running with in detail that knows what they're talking about!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm so excited to have someone else do the thinking for me so I can just run! :) Glad to hear that your coach/friend helped you improve! Congrats!
DeleteWow that's awesome! I'm so glad you made a decision that will make you happy and better your running! I do not have a running coach because while I'm improving, I just don't think I'm quite good enough for that yet! Maybe one day :)
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to be fast, run certain paces or be winning races to get a coach! All you need is the desire to want to run better, faster, harder, farther! You should absolutely get a running coach if you want one and if it'll make you happy! Just in the last few days it has been great to have someone there giving me feedback, adjusting my schedule when sick (today), etc. It takes the thinking out of the running for you so you can just enjoy it! :)
DeleteI've been thinking the same thing you have about the pros/cons of a running coach. Injured at the moment but have big goals this year so am really considering doing it. I'm on the Oiselle team, too, so will give yours a look!
ReplyDeleteHope you're back from your injury soon so you're able to accomplish your goals!! And hope we get to meet sometime! :)
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