As a certified running coach and master’s runner, I share and embrace the core view regarding coaching as taught and promoted by USA Track and Field (USATF) and the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). It is simply expressed through the words: “Athlete’s First, Winning Second”. This means that the welfare and development of the runner is the single most important consideration.

The focus is always on what is in the best interest of the runner/client. Without doubt, I believe that an emphasis on the long-term development of the runner is more likely to produce better performance, greater consistency and more satisfaction for the runner/athlete and coach than will an overemphasis on winning or racing.  I strive to deliver a consistent and positive message to the runners I coach with a long-term vision, valuing their trust above all else. Without a strong bond between runner and  coach, higher levels of commitment and performance are not possible. A Focus on the process of long-term development rather than on short-term outcomes ensures a positive experience that reinforces confidence even when things don’t go right.

The context of my coaching is continual growth as a both runner and coach, always asking: What did we learn? What can we improve on? What did we do right? What did we do wrong? How can we prepare better next time? Distance running is a process of gradual progression, tempered by persistence, patience, and a long-term vision, and as a running coach, it’s my role to further your development as a runner within this context in an honest and ethical manner. As a certified running coach, I also recognize the importance of having fun and enjoyment within the activity, while acknowledging that some of the training and more arduous workouts may not always be so enjoyable.  I also acknowledge that running is just one aspect of a person’s life, and not one’s whole life. Running and training must be kept in context and in balance with the more important priorities in life, while providing us with a healthy physical and psychological outlet.

Every running coach has a style, or a way of doing things, often reflected by how they interact and communicate with their client/athletes. They run the gamut from the classic authoritarian style to the casual, laid-back (laissez-faire) style. In regards to my coaching style, I aspire to and promote what could best be described as a “Cooperative Style”. This style of coaching provides guidance and structure, but allows and encourages the necessary physical and psychological development to occur in an environment that places significant importance on the feedback, thoughts, and input of the runner/athlete. My style is an “athlete centered” coaching approach that embraces the notion that working in concert together, you will achieve superior success. Consequently, the fit, or match if you will, between client/athlete and the coach cannot be overemphasized. Ultimately, if you don’t like your coach’s style or how they do or do not communicate with you, or by providing timely feedback, your long-term success and development will be limited and will likely not be enjoyable for either you or your coach. Therefore, finding a certified running coach you like, have confidence in, and can get along with, will go a long way toward making your distance running endeavors enjoyable and fruitful.

RUNNING COACH STYLE HIGHLIGHTS

• • • Conduct business in an honest, professional, private, discrete and confidential manner;
    • Abide by and embrace our coaching code of ethics and conduct;
    • The emphasis of coaching must be runner/athlete centered;
    • What’s in the best interest and welfare of the runner/athlete must always come first;
    • Decisions are guided by the coach, but shared equally;
    • The communication style is one of: “telling, asking, and listening”;
    • Value the importance and significance of communication with, and feedback from, the runner/athlete;
    • Development is predicated on mutual trust between runner/athlete and coach;
    • The importance of providing consistent and timely motivation is high;
    • Structured training is emphasized, but should also be flexible.