New to Running? Start Here

As a running coach, I get asked all types of questions by clients during our introductory call. I love talking about running, so I will answer any and all. I generally try to keep my answers on the simple side, and try not to overcomplicate things, unless the clients want to get into some of the science behind it. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions by prospective clients new to running, and some of my simple answers.

I Have A (insert race distance here), In 3 Weeks Can You Help Me?

Short answer, no. Long answer, I generally ask clients for at least 3 months prior to a race. There is nothing that we can put in place in less than 3 months that would result in a physiological change. The only thing I would be able to do is consult on race strategy, pacing, and race day nutrition. Also, 3 weeks out from a race is generally taper time, so there is nothing that you can do training wise to increase your physical fitness.

How Can I Get Faster?

The question I ask back when a client hits me with this one, is why do you want to get faster? Are they training for speed in terms of a specific distance (5K, ½ marathon), are they trying to avoid cut offs on a longer race, or just trying to increase their overall speed. I also ask what type of base mileage they are putting in already?

Each one would come with their own specific plan. Overall the strategy for increasing pace or speed is to have an efficient aerobic engine. An athlete can increase their speed over the short term with VO2 Max type workouts, like interval training and hill sprints. These would only be temporary gains, unless the athlete has an efficient aerobic engine built on conversational pace runs.

Can You Help Me With My Nutrition?

Nutrition is one of the hardest things to learn for even experienced runners, and is personal. I am not a registered dietitian, and I would not be able to develop a prescriptive diet, however I am a United Sports Endurance Coaching Academy (UESCA) Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach. So yes, I will be able to help with nutrition, but more geared to the types of foods for optimal performance during training, racing, and recovery. We would develop a plan to ensure the proper amount of macros for fueling during each of these segments. 

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How Often Can We Communicate?

With my programs, I do not limit the amount of communications with my athletes. I am here to help them reach their goals, and I leave it up to the athletes. Some clients will just ask for a plan, and talk to me if they have any questions. There are also those clients that ask me what color shoes they should wear that morning. I am perfectly fine with both and love interacting with both and love interacting as much as I can with my athletes.

I’ve Never Run Before, How Can You Help Me Get Started?

I love introducing this sport to athletes. It is rewarding seeing runners pass limits that they thought they had. I start wherever the athlete is and I don’t force anything. Run/walk intervals are a great strategy to have an athlete get comfortable with running. As the runner becomes more comfortable with their running, the run portion of the intervals becomes longer and eventually the athlete is able to drop the walk altogether.

These are just a few examples of questions that I field during my initial meeting with an athlete. I encourage all athletes to meet with their potential coaches, to see if there is compatibility in coaching styles and personality.

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