What is the difference between a running coach and a training plan?

Should I hire a running coach? This is a popular search term and I understand why! Hiring a running coach is expensive and many runners feel that they are not fast enough to deserve it. I am here to tell you as a certified running coach, YOU DESERVE IT at any speed and if you can afford it, the investment is worth it. 

What does a running coach do? 
A good running coach will get a understanding of you as a person and as an athlete. This includes an understanding of your background, motivation, current limitations, health and goals. This also means testing of some sort. When athletes start coaching with UltraU there are assessments of fast running, low HR running and tests are tailored to the fitness and background of the runner. Testing takes 2 to 3 weeks and once that is done, workouts are created based on where you are and where you are going. This means the plan is written for you exactly. Coaching includes not just writing workouts, but feedback on those workouts. Coaching with UltraU means logging workouts in Training Peaks where your coach can see your HR, pace, cadence, terrain and athletes record how the workout felt. Feedback on HR and pace and how it is going is accompanied by modifications to future workouts when required. The training plan with coaching is built based on how past and current training are going so the plan is dynamic and changing with your adaptations. 

What is a training plan? 
A coach makes a training plan, but training plans can come with or without coaching. A training plan without coaching may be a "6 weeks return to running" program or a "100 mile race training plan" or "train for a marathon in 16 weeks".  The plan is available for anyone to follow. Training plans are used by many people for their first race and are an awesome and low cost or free resource. It is a great way to structure training when you have no idea where to start. The drawback of a training plan is there is no coach to provide feedback, to help rearrange the schedule when you miss days for travel or illness/injury. There is also no encouragement or modification from the coach, so for some runners, a training plan may not provide enough motivation or may be too easy or hard for the fitness level. 

Uncertain if a training plan or coaching is for you? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation and let's chat!