Why I want to be a running coach

“The speed workouts you have me doing are making me stronger/faster I am noticing. Just ran 8 miles and could have kept going. So thank you!!”

The text from Cameran, a friend/co-worker/runner, brought a smile to my face. I had been giving her training tips on and off for a year as she returned to running after a long layoff and the birth of her son. More recently, I wrote a training plan for her with her goal of setting a PR at a half marathon this fall.

Her text had been the linchpin I needed to take the idea of coaching into reality. She and other runner friends have asked me for advice and I enjoyed hearing how it’s been helpful to them. Currently, I am mentoring three friends with goals races this fall, Cameran — and her training plan — represent the first real client relationship I have had, at least on the coaching side.

For the past four years, my running has blossomed thanks to coach Angie Spencer of Marathon Training Academy (MTA). Since starting under Angie’s tutelage, my marathon PR has gone from a 3:51 to a 3:23, with two Boston Marathon qualifiers. I have set PRs in all distances and completed five ultra marathons.

Best of all, Angie has saved me from myself — no injuries due to overtraining since we started.

Throughout this time, I have soaked in Angie’s knowledge, as well as tips and tricks from various other digital and print resources. That is a good foundation to provide coaching guidance. However, as I work toward launching my own coaching network, I wanted it to be authentic. So I am signed up to be certified by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

To become RRCA certified, a coach is required to attend a two-day class, pass an online test and have current First Aid/CPR training. I plan to take care of all of those requirements within the next six weeks, then hang my proverbial shingle in the digital landscape.

Wanted: Runners of all experience levels

As I complete my certification, I will be looking to extend my current network of proteges. My stable of athletes will receive customized coaching plans, one-on-one feedback and as many positive vibes as they can handle.

This approach is among the valuable lessons I have learned from Angie. It’s incredibly important for me to be able to customize training plans for the individual, rather than regurgitating what can be found in an online chart. Cameran’s training plan looks vastly different from another friend who I have been working with, who is male, about 10 years older and focused on a 5K goal.

Whether you are motivated to run a half-marathon PR, complete your first 5K or qualify for Boston and interested in this style of coaching, please check out my upcoming coaching page on my website www.RunSpirited.com and feel free to email me directly.

Best wishes on your running or other athletic journey. You can and you will accomplish what was once impossible.

Just ask Cameran.