Do You Really Need a Running Coach?

If you’re serious about running — whether that means chasing a new PB, building back from injury, or simply training with more structure — the question often comes up: do I really need a coach?

In my opinion, absolutely. And here’s why.

More Than Just a Training Plan

A good coach doesn’t just send you a schedule and walk away. They read between the lines. They know when to push you harder… and more importantly, when to pull you back — even when you don’t want to hear it.

That kind of insight doesn’t come from a spreadsheet or a training app. It comes from understanding the full picture — your goals, your body, your life outside of running.

Why Self-Coaching Usually Fails

Coaching yourself can seem appealing. You know your body, your limits, your goals, right? The problem is, when you’re emotionally invested in your own progress, you’re not always the best judge of what you need.

You’ll likely overdo it because you’re chasing that high — or back off too soon out of fear. You’ll second-guess your decisions. You’ll push through fatigue when rest would serve you better. Or you’ll get overly cautious and stall progress.

That’s how overtraining and burnout happen. Or, on the flip side, undertraining and stagnation.

Life Happens — A Coach Adapts

One of the biggest values a coach brings is adaptability. Training doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

Some weeks you’re juggling work stress, travel, family life, or a surprise niggle in your calf. A good coach sees that and says: “Okay, let’s adjust.”

They become your sparring partner, your sounding board — and sometimes, your brakes.

This is also why I don’t believe in rigid training plans written six weeks or more in advance.

Real coaching happens week by week — built around how your body feels, what your recovery looks like, how you’re sleeping, and what else is going on in your life.

Anything else is guesswork.

Can an App Replace a Coach?

If you’re just starting out or looking to maintain your current fitness, sure — apps can help. Some offer decent plans. They’re better than nothing.

But here’s the truth: I’ve tested a lot of them, and I’m still not convinced.

An app won’t ask how your knees felt after your long run. It won’t care that you had a tough week at work and slept only 4 hours last night. It won’t talk you through a confidence dip or help you mentally prepare for race day.

Training is about more than hitting paces. It’s about understanding how all the stress in your life adds up — and how your body responds.

Coaching Is a Game-Changer

If you want sustainable, smart progress — and want to stay injury-free — having a coach isn’t a luxury. It’s a game-changer.

Not just someone who tells you what to do, but someone who listens, adjusts, challenges, and supports you.

That’s what makes the difference between just logging miles… and actually becoming a better runner.