Hi, this is Debbie Boyles, coach at Mojo for Running with episode number 62, the value of having a running coach.

If you don't have a running coach, and if you've ever wondered whether you might want to find one, this should help.

Keep in mind that all coaches are not alike. There are many right ways to coach. It's not an exact science.

The best coaches will guide each runner as befits that runner's ability and goals.

One coach may be much better for you than another. Yet, the one that's not so good for you,

that's not the right fit for you, may be perfect for another runner.

Find the right coach and the right program. If you live in a smaller town that has no coaches,

then find one online. Of course, it's not nearly as good, but it is much better than not

having a coach. Another suggestion if you live in a small town with

no coaches is to go to running camp every year. There are various running camps all over the country.

That way, you get a week of concentrated coaching. Sometimes you can then work with that same coach

online the rest of the year. Here's what you'll get from a coach.

Number one, knowledge. Make sure you work with a certified running coach, not just a certified

trainer. A certified running coach will educate their clients about why they should do certain

things in a certain way and at a certain time. Many long-time runners experienced

tremendous improvement after working with a certified running coach for just a short time,

because while they thought they were training correctly, they were making some key mistakes

due to gaps in their knowledge. Number two, a running coach will be realistic and unbiased.

Let's face it, runners sometimes make unwise decisions.

Like doctors, I believe a coach's first obligation is to do no harm.

And one of the best ways they exercise this is to refuse to assist runners in pursuing running goals which they feel

for which they feel they are not ready. If a coach helps a runner prepare for race that the coach

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