Marathon training requires workouts most days of the week. In an ideal world, I would run around 11am, but my full time job doesn’t allow for that kind of flexibility! While I’d love to consistently get up early and run before work, I sometimes find running later in the day works better for me. My workouts happen before or after work depending on the day’s schedule (or my mood!).
State House all lit up- running through Boston after dark isn’t the worst thing!
Still, I prioritize getting my runs in each day, so my post-work plans determine the timing of my workout. Last night I fit my coaches’ prescribed 7 miles/stride-outs in after work, whereas this morning, I woke up early and ran my 6 miles with speed work and strength routine before work. These were both great ways to end/start my days.
I mentioned in a previous post that I worked with a coach for the first time while training for Big Cottonwood marathon. My coach at the time helped me build up my speed and endurance to a place where I could run my fastest marathon- my ultimate goal. Since this experience, I have been hooked on the idea of having a coach, but decided to switch to another coaching program, Run Farther and Faster. My new coaches Julie and Lisa have been fantastic, and I am really looking forward to working with them as I train for my next couple of marathons, including my goal race: Phoenix.
Another night shot of this beautiful city where old & new seem to blend well together
A few reasons why I enjoy working with a coach:
- Coaches do the hard part by creating a training plan based on your level of fitness, using their expertise.
- Coaches push you to work harder and help you push to your potential, particularly because of the accountability factor. I find that when I self-report versus reporting to a coach, I tend to make more excuses for cutting corners, etc.
- This is an obvious reason, but coaches can be supportive, encouraging, and provide you with feedback to all of your questions and concerns- I enjoy receiving feedback from experts in the field!
These are just some of the reasons why I have chosen to work with a coach in my next training cycle. Have you worked with a coach?
What does your week look like in terms of workouts?
Jane Runs Wild 
I actually have the offer of working with a coach! He’s a physiotherapist that has offered to design me a marathon training plan which will incorporate injury recovery. To be honest I’m still going back and forth on the idea, mainly because my old injury has flared up again! :/
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Sorry to hear that you are injured! Recovery is key. What were you training for?
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I am about to start really training for my next marathon and loved your insight on getting a coach! Do you think you saw improvement in your running and not just in your accountability to it?
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That is great! I have definitely seen improvement in my running while using a coach, mostly in terms of speed. Coaches can help push you to your potential (without overdoing it). Mine have introduced workouts that I hadn’t ever run before, and mixing these workouts in with my normal running routine has resulted in faster times/feeling stronger overall. My coaches have also introduced certain stretches/strength routines which have helped as well. Let me know if you have any more questions! What marathon are you training for?
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Oh awesome!! Thank you SO much! I am trying to get my BQ at the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in April! Congrats on getting yours!! That’s amazing and you must be on cloud 9!!
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So exciting! I haven’t heard much about that race but sounds like a fun time! Good luck and looking forward to hearing how the training goes :)
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I think it sounds like a great idea to work with a coach so that you can have an expert to consult with and make sure you’re doing the right thing. Good luck with your training!
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I’ve thought about getting a coach, but never taken the plunge. There’s a new year coming up, maybe that’s a good time to take a leap.
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I am going to try to do my workouts before work. But sometimes I have to work at 5 am so I will do the workouts after that… great reasons why to get a coach. I will be looking at getting one this year or next year. happy training
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