Where do you find a running coach?

[poohs4me]

I recently finished the 2011 Princess Half and was very happy. Now I am beginning training for the Disneyland and am wondering if I would benefit from a running coach. I used Galloway's run/walk program for this race and would like to continue doing so but I am pretty sure my form needs work and I do not understand the acceleration things that Galloway talks about in his book. I saw he offers ecoaching, but I am not sure that is really for me either. So anyone have any ideas on how to find a running coach?

 

[cewait]

Present!






It's not rocket science but can be confusing. Often we all use terms that mean something to folks who can see what we are talking about but hard to understand from a distance. What part of AZ are you in? I'll throw a bone in the direction of my former employer. You can get group coaching for a really cheap cost, and that is really all that you need. Signing up for a one on one thing is not really necessary unless you are looking to run up front. The club is LifeTime Fitness. http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Arizona/93/ This link has a list of the clubs across the state. They also partner with Troy Jacobson. I was a virtual coach under his program for a while. He moved from Baltimore to AZ about 4 years ago and you benefit from his expertise through LTF.

Other programs include USAFit. They have a chapter in Phoenix. They can help you with the basics in running and are a great way to meet fellow runners.

Also, Jeff has a couple training groups in AZ. They have a group starting up in June. Not enough time to run a full marathon between then and DL but you can be half marathon ready.

Finally, head to a running shoe store. You can always find expertise and help from local running clubs through these stores.

Really, finally, anything you do not understand or that is confusing....ask me of PM me. While I am not coaching for a fee any longer I am a coach and think that I do an admirable job of converting the confusion into terms that a non-runner can understand. Or at least I hope that I do. Oh, and I am kind of cheap...only working for a beer of other adult beverage post marathon.

 

[poohs4me]

Thanks I have read your posts in the 2011 Princess and they have been very helpful, but I have never wanted to bother you directly. I am in Tucson, so anything in Phoenix is a little far me.

One question is How do I know if my form is correct?

 

[cewait]

It's not as hard as you would think...

For a self taught runner, running past a sot re front and looking at your reflection will give you a good idea of your form... Not perfect but a snapshot. You are looking for your he'd to be up, shoulders back, slight lean forward, arms loose and hands unclenched. You are looking for knees that do not fully extend (ie. Near lock out) and the foot pulling back at foot strike so you land softly mid foot.

If you have a treadmill with a full length mirror you can. Get a side and front view and practice form cues....

You may notice that these are feeling cues, also... If you can feel all the above with a light and springy step you know you are running well.

Though you are lucky. You have two really nice stores who can take a look at you. The first is Fleet Feet. They offer several petrels and have a knowledgeable staff. The other is TriSports. While a great online store they have a great in store knowledge base. They have equipment in store to analyze you stride and let you see what you need to improve.

I believe both offer help and groups runs..

 

[Minnie Lor]

Great info!