How to Know When You Should Get a Coach
I almost wrote "couch" up there. That could've been weird.
Yesterday one of my best friends, a three-time marathoner, texted me about training for her next race — Berlin in the fall. Last go around, she fell just short of hitting her sub-4:00 goal, which I know she’s entirely capable of it. That 2019 fall day feels like just yesterday. Me jumping out from the crowd and into the field wearing a wool coat, running alongside her as the sun poured down First Avenue to offer up a pep talk at mile 21. Her asking me questions like “what do my next five mile splits have to be?” and “how do I look?” And then, there was the phone call that I got afterward, tears in tow, with a sentiment along the lines of “I am proud of myself for doing that, but you’re the only person who I can actually be upset with right now because I was so close.”
“I’m getting a coach,” she said to me yesterday. “I think it’s time for me to get more specific with my training relevant to my goals.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Getting a coach can be something that’s both intimidating and hard to commit to, mostly because it’s a new challenge with a lot of unknown. (On this note, journalist and new author Michael Easter and I spoke about this earlier this week on Hurdle, chatting about how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and how doing so can benefit you in all aspects of your life. Give it a listen, here.)
I’m not just talking about working with a run coach, either. This could be a personal trainer. A one-on-one yoga instructor. Whatever your schtick is, below are some reasons it may be time to finally make the leap and hire a professional:
1. You have a big goal.
When it comes to health and wellness goals, oftentimes we’re emotionally invested in what it is we’re going after. This means that we’re willing to indulge in a fair amount of opportunity cost. Defined, opportunity cost is the value of the next-best alternative when a decision is made. Think of it as what is given up in pursuit of what you want. If you’re willing to give up a fair amount of things to go after your goal (for example, indulge in a little less sweets and be more mindful of your diet, get to bed earlier so you can hit an early morning workout, turn down an invitation for drinks if you know you they’ll leave you feeling crappy the next day) — that’s a pretty big indicator that you’re really ready to invest in yourself and call in reinforcements.
2. You’re having a problem staying consistent.
This was me earlier this year. I’ll be the first person to tell you that sometimes, you just need to take some time off. Having grace with yourself is always important. I got to a point where I knew I wanted to move, but life felt hectic and frustrating and I was ready to let someone else tell me what to do for a while. Tack on the accountability that comes hand-in-hand with hiring a coach, and I can say that without a doubt this was one of the best decisions I’ve made in 2021.
3. You find yourself getting injured on the regular.
This is a red flag. If you’re used to navigating things on your own but keep getting sidelined by body wonkiness, it’s important to consult with an expert — period. Injury doesn’t have to be “part of the process,” something that a lot of runners specifically chalk up to the effects of pounding pavement. The right expert can guide you through a plan that will help you strengthen your body in smart ways, which can go a really long way in the long haul
4. You’re not seeing progress.
There are so many complexities to finding your fitness, many of which only a skilled expert really understands. Especially if you’ve been working super hard and are seeing little-to-no gains, a coach can help you understand what’s going on with your body and develop a smarter plan to get you to where you hope to be.
The next natural question: But how do I find a coach, Emily?
I’m glad you asked. The great thing about social media is you have a plethora of coaches and experts that you can message with a simple tap. My two biggest tips here: 1. Referrals are golden. If you have a friend who has worked with someone and can’t stop raving about them, that’s a great jumping off point. And then, 2. Make sure they are certified and knowledgable. It’s easy to find someone on Instagram who has great abs. BUT. Do they really know what they’re talking about and have the education to train you safely? Ask them upfront about their relevant experience and certifications, and don’t be afraid to shop around and talk to a few different individuals. It’s important that you feel comfortable with this person, and that they motivate you to keep showing up.
PROMPT: What’s one wellness goal that you can articulate today that scares you a little bit?