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Choosing the right running coach can transform your training to another level, whether you're preparing for your first 5K or chasing a PB in an ultra. With so many options available, finding a coach who matches your goals, personality, and training needs requires careful consideration. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice for you. It takes more to coach than running a few races!
Before you start your search, take time to honestly evaluate what you want to achieve and what your lifestyle realistically allows. Are you training for a specific race or distance? Looking to improve your form and prevent injuries? Or simply wanting to build consistency in your running routine?
Consider how your work, family, and other commitments might affect your training availability. The best coach-athlete relationships are built on mutual understanding and clear communication about expectations from day one.
Professional qualifications matter when selecting a running coach. In Australia, accredited coaches should hold certifications from Athletics Australia, which offers various levels of accreditation based on the coach's specialisation and experience. For Trail and Ultra, the Australian Ultra Runners Association (AUTRA) has a number of endorsed coaches.
Level 1 Community Athletics Coach or Recreational Running Coach - These coaches have completed foundational training and are qualified to work with athletes at entry and intermediate levels. Generally qualified to take a run group session
Level 2 and 3 Coaches - These coaches have advanced training and demonstrated competencies to work with more experienced athletes, focusing on technical development and performance optimisation. Level 3 Performance coaches will have specialised even further in areas such as Trail and Ultras
Beyond Athletics Australia certifications, some coaches hold specialised qualifications in areas like strength and conditioning, sports physiology, or biomechanics. These additional credentials can indicate a coach who stays current with evolving training methodologies. However, they also may have an alternate job and might not be able to fully commit to their coaching.
Credentials are important, but practical experience matters just as much. Different coaches excel with different types of runners and race distances. A coach with extensive road marathon experience might not be the best fit if you're training for technical trail ultras, and vice versa.
Ask potential coaches about:
Their own running background and achievements
How long they've been coaching and how many athletes they currently work with
Success stories from athletes with similar goals to yours
Their specific areas of expertise (road, trail, ultra, track)
Look for coaches who research the specific races their athletes are training for, understanding the unique demands of each event's terrain, elevation, and conditions.
One of the biggest red flags when evaluating coaches is the use of cookie-cutter training programs. If a coach tells you that two runners with similar ability levels would receive identical training plans, look elsewhere immediately.
Quality coaches understand that every runner has unique strengths, weaknesses, training history, and life circumstances. Your program should account for:
Your current fitness level and running background
Specific areas that need improvement (climbing ability, speed work, endurance)
Your weekly time availability and life commitments
Previous injuries or physical limitations
The specific demands of your goal race (distance, terrain, ascending and descending, event type)
Pre-written generic training plans rarely deliver optimal results because they can't account for individual differences or adapt to your progress and setbacks, and will be out of date in a short period of time.
The coach-athlete relationship depends on effective, consistent communication. Before committing, clarify how your potential coach handles:
Regular check-ins - How often will you communicate? Will it be through email, phone calls, text messages, or training platforms like TrainingPeaks?
Training adjustments - How quickly will they respond when life gets busy or when you're dealing with unexpected challenges? The best coaches understand that rigid adherence to a plan isn't always possible or advisable.
Feedback and guidance - Will you receive regular feedback on your progress, corrections, and encouragement when motivation dips?
Your coach should be accessible enough to provide the support you need without being so hands-off that you feel lost between sessions. Find someone whose communication style matches your preferences and whose availability aligns with your needs. Red Flag - any coach who restricts communication with their potential athletes. coaching is about trust and that is built through regular interactions.
Different coaches approach training with varying philosophies, and finding alignment here is crucial for long-term success. Some focus heavily on volume and mileage accumulation, while others emphasise quality sessions and adequate recovery. Some integrate significant strength and conditioning work, while others prioritise running-specific training.
Ask potential coaches about:
Their approach to building endurance versus developing speed
How they balance training stress with recovery
Their views on cross-training and strength work
How they stay current with evolving sports science research
Coaches who regularly write articles, contribute to publications, or engage with the coaching community tend to stay educated with current research and best practices.
Sports science evolves rapidly, and coaching practices that seemed unquestionable years ago have been proven ineffective or even counterproductive. For example, the once-common belief that any dehydration beyond 2% of body weight impairs performance has been thoroughly debunked by recent research and how much electrolytes we need to take (Red Flag if you get a generic response like "take your electrolytes" that coach is not up to date on the latest research!)
Quality coaches continually update their knowledge through:
Reading current research in sports science journals
Attending coaching education workshops and conferences
Experimenting with new training technologies and methodologies
Engaging with other coaches and sharing best practices
If you're working with a coach who is part of a larger coaching company, ask about their quality control processes. How do they ensure consistency across different coaches? Do new coaches undergo apprenticeships or mentoring programs where their programs are reviewed by more experienced coaches?
This matters because it ensures you'll receive consistent, high-quality coaching regardless of which individual coach you're assigned within the organisation.
The best running coaches recognise that optimal performance requires more than just logging miles. Look for coaches who offer or can connect you with:
Strength and conditioning programs - Running-specific strength training improves performance and significantly reduces injury risk.
Nutrition guidance - Proper fueling strategies for training and racing are essential for reaching your potential.
Mental skills training - Developing mental resilience and race-day strategies can make the difference between hitting your goals and falling short.
Sports physio and injury management - Coaches with connections to quality physiotherapists can help you stay healthy and return to training safely after setbacks.
Just as important as qualifications and experience is finding a coach whose personality meshes well with yours. Some athletes thrive with enthusiastic, vocal coaches who provide constant encouragement and clear instructions. Others prefer a more measured, analytical approach with detailed explanations and data-driven feedback.
Consider attending a trial session or group training environment to get a sense of how the coach interacts with athletes. Do they create an atmosphere that motivates you? Do their corrections and feedback resonate with your learning style?
Be cautious of coaches who:
Provide identical programs to multiple athletes without individualisation
Don't research your specific race goals or training environment
Aren't responsive to questions or concerns
Have no verifiable qualifications or refuse to discuss their credentials
Promise unrealistic results or guarantee specific outcomes (like a guaranteed race time)
Don't adjust training plans when life circumstances change
Lack insurance or professional memberships with recognised organisations
Many quality coaches offer initial consultations or trial periods. Take advantage of these opportunities to:
Discuss your goals and training history in detail
Ask questions about their coaching philosophy and approach
Get a sense of their communication style and responsiveness
Review what a typical training week might look like for you
Understand their pricing structure and commitment requirements
This trial period allows both you and the coach to determine if you're a good match before making a long-term commitment.
Ultimately, choosing a running coach is a personal decision that should be based on a combination of factors: qualifications, experience, communication style, training philosophy, and practical considerations like cost and availability.
The right coach will not only have the technical knowledge to improve your running but will also understand you as an individual. They'll respect your life commitments, adapt to your unique needs, and be genuinely invested in helping you achieve your goals.
Take your time with this decision. A strong coach-athlete relationship built on trust, clear communication, and shared commitment can be transformative—not just for your running performance, but for your overall enjoyment of the sport.
Now that you know what to look for, begin researching accredited coaches in your area. Reach out to several coaches, ask questions, and don't be afraid to try a few sessions before making your final choice.
Your running journey deserves a coach who will challenge you, support you, and help you discover what you're truly capable of achieving. The time you invest in finding the right coach will pay dividends in your performance, enjoyment, and long-term success in the sport.