A running coach assists runners in honing their skills, protecting their bodies from injury, and achieving their personal objectives. Coaches can provide individualized services or work with groups of runners, ranging from those training for marathons to Olympic athletes. The education and experience required for this job vary, but it usually includes athletic experience and a degree in athletic coaching, nutrition, or a related field.
Individualized coaches work with runners one-on-one. They begin with a meeting in which a runner’s overall fitness is assessed and goals are discussed. People take up running for a variety of reasons, and an effective coach will tailor a program to the runner’s specific needs. Someone who simply wants to get in shape by running, for example, will need a different program than someone who wants to compete in sports.
An initial meeting may include a review of the client’s medical history, and a coach may request a doctor’s note containing background information on the patient as well as confirmation that it is safe for the patient to run. The coach may also weigh the client, inquire about his or her diet and exercise habits, and observe the client running. Observing someone in action can assist the coach in identifying specific issues that require attention. With this information, a running coach can devise a strategy for getting a client fit and maintaining their activity levels over time.
Sports teams, for example, can work with a running coach as a group. Coaches can assist teams in collaborating, which is critical for activities such as relays. The coach can choose which events each team member should compete in. Individualized training may be available, particularly for elite athletes who, in addition to group training, require focused time with a running coach to perform at their best. Professional coaching for runners can include working with athletes who do not run but want to run as part of a fitness program.
A large part of a running coach’s job entails keeping clients physically fit. Athletes are taught stretching routines and other tools to safely warm up, cool down, and prevent injuries by their coaches. Their job entails keeping people in shape while avoiding injury to the knees, shins, and ankles, which are three common areas of injury for runners. Clients who are recovering from injuries require specialized coaching in order to regain strength and fitness while avoiding re-injury.