Why Runners Need Online Coaching
There are so many ways to prepare for a race: training plans, running groups, coaching, all of the above, none of the above.
Some runners prefer to just wing it and see what happens on race day. I once met a runner who didn’t own a watch, and yet was still able to achieve PRs year after year!
Exactly how you prepare is an individual choice. If you’ve ever considered working with a personal running coach, this article will explain what to expect.
Remote (Online) Coaching with Sifuentes Coaching is:
Me at Work
100% Custom
Every training plan I write is designed from scratch based on your specific goals, current fitness, availability to train, schedule, training locations, and group runs (if you’re part of any).
There is no formula or outline. Your path to race day will be as unique as you are as a person.
I deliver training plans one week at at time in a shared online google spreadsheet, and this is the Training Log. Every week of training is built on your previous week and accumulation of training history.
100% Online (plus phone calls!)
I have worked with clients in the US, Canada, Scotland, Austria, and Tanzania. No matter where you live, we can connect through the miracle of the internet.
A Collaboration
Remote coaching is a collaboration between you the runner and me, the coach. I believe that good communication is the most important aspect of a successful coaching process so text and email correspondence is always unlimited. I love updates and feedback, in fact I depend on comments in the Training Log to do my job well.
Here are some examples of relevant feedback:
How hard or easy the workout was
What the weather was like and if it was a factor
General level of fatigue and/or motivation
Whether the style workout was enjoyable or not
Any notable tightness, pain or niggle
Any significant deviation from normal sleep or work or life schedule
Where you ran (roads, hilly route, dirt roads, a track, treadmill, etc)
Totally Flexible
Communication is so important because the plan often needs to be adjusted, for any number of reasons including:
A little pain or niggle
Illness, of You or a family member you care for
Change in work schedule
Vacation
Any unexpected event or appointment
Awful/inclement weather
A training plan is exactly that - a plan. But plans change all the time.
Learning to Self-Coach
As a coach I have two goals:
1) Successful Completion of Your Goal
Whether it’s simply getting to the finish line, achieving a new PR, getting that Boston Qualifier or anything in between, your goal becomes my goal.
I am constantly thinking about what you need to be successful. That includes your training plan but also mental preparation, self therapy, strength training, mobility work, proper fueling strategies, and more.
2) Teaching You how to Self-Coach
I know that every runner I work with will step away from remote coaching at some point, or at least need to take breaks from focused training. When that happens I want you to have confidence to be your own coach.
We will discuss all your questions, and questions you didn’t even know you had.
Through weeks and months of collaboration, you will learn:
How to measure your effort & finish strong
When to run easy and when to run hard
A ton of workouts you can do anytime
How to adjust those workouts, making them harder or easier
Confidence in your ability to keep improving
How to incorporate Strength Training in your training.
You will be equipped to customize a generic training plan to better suit your individual needs.
(See all Sifuentes Coaching google reviews here.)
Is it a Fit?
Ideally, a coach is someone you trust has your best interests in mind, who will be straightforward, encouraging, realistic and positive. Someone who knows what needs to be done in training to make progress and for a successful outcome.
If keeping a training log up-to-date with your feedback and training details sounds tedious, then Remote Coaching might not be the best fit for you.
With ongoing communication it’s important that you actually LIKE your coach! You should enjoy the collaborative process and feel comfortable giving positive and negative feedback.
This is why I start with a free phone consultation for every runner interested in coaching. I would love to speak with you about your goals and help you decide if remote coaching is the best path to your finish line.
Nicole Sifuentes is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.