How to find the right running coach for YOU! (& how to break up with one)

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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we address a question we have been asked about a lot: what to look for in a running coach & how to find the right running coach for you? We all have had different experiences with running coaches and share what to look for based on your needs, goals, and life stage. Like with most things as a mother runner, you may need a different running coach based on the season you are in. And, in some seasons, you may not want a running coach. 

We share some running coaches we have worked with and cautionary tales. We also talk about how to “break up” with a running coach and what are red flags. Our conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, setting realistic goals, and finding a coaching style that aligns with your individual needs. Ultimately, we encourage runners to take their time in choosing a coach and to prioritize their own well-being and performance.

Chapters

03:00 The Pressure of Time Management

05:53 The Birth of the Podcast

10:00 Choosing the Right Running Coach

15:12 Experiences with Different Coaches

23:57 The Challenge of Coaching and Self-Management

25:23 Finding the Right Coach: Personal Connections Matter

35:50 Breaking Up with a Coach: A Difficult Decision

50:40 Adapting Coaching to Life Changes

01:04:03 The Value of Personalized Coaching

podcast, running, coaching, multitasking, time management, emotional support, motherhood, fitness, personal growth, community, coaching, running, flexibility, training, athlete, communication, goals, relationship, performance, support

Whitney Heins is a mom of 2, a lifelong runner, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. When training for her first marathon as a mom, she found a dearth of information related to running and motherhood. She also felt extremely isolated as a new mom. As a former TV journalist and a freelance writer she decided to use her skills to fill the void with an online resource and community, called The Mother Runners. Whitney also recognized a need for run coaches who understood the demands of motherhood, so she also became a running coach—unearthing a passion for helping moms reap the rewards and empowerment of running. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband, two kids, and three dogs.

• www.themotherrunners.com
• Instagram: @themotherrunners
• YouTube: The Mother Runners
• [email protected]