coaching query

A bit to unpack in this post

The first being communication, I don’t know you or the coach but both are coming from a slightly inflexible position. With you, obviously you are basing your background on you own history which you might not feel that you want to change however you have approached them for the expertise so there needs to be an element of trust in what they are espousing. However they also need to take into account your background to an extent and not try and fit a round peg in a square hole.

How have you come on since working with the coach as this will play a role in terms of how much you trust the process.

I won’t comment on the specifics of the training as different strokes for different folks but at the end of the day half the battle is staying motivated and consistent is enjoying what you are doing with that said if you aren’t enjoying it then writing is somewhat on the wall (if it’s more than just a bad patch) and it could just be a bad fit as the personalities in relationship can be as important as the specifics of the training details.

As KSU said above, a big part of being coached is trusting and understanding the process. But it's a two way thing. It's important the coach listens to feedback and either makes adjustments or reassured the athlete as to the "why" of what you're doing.

Same as KSU I wouldn't comment on the specifics of the training as I've seen all sorts of approaches work with different people. I just know what works for me. (your training certainly wouldn't work for me!)

There are a couple of things to consider though.

It's not unusual for a training program to have you feeling fatigued for your long run so don't be too disheartened.

Are you being completely honest with yourself in terms of your recovery outside of the running? Is your diet good, are you getting enough sleep, is work stressful etc?

Beyond that, the single most important factor is if you're not enjoying running you won't keep it up. I find taking a long term view works best. Forget about target race and maybe target long term improvement.

Just my few thoughts.

ooter wrote: »

I've definitely got quicker and more consistent over shorter distances and we both agreed that needed to be worked on but I feel that work is having an impact on the longer/slower stuff, I struggle to put a string of miles together on longer runs at the pace I would be aiming for in the race I have targeted and I find myself doubting that i'll ever consistently run that distance/pace. some long runs I struggle to hit a pace a fair bit slower than the pace i'm aiming for in the race which is very disheartening, it feels to me like i'm just not fully recovered.

Have you discussed these recent feelings? And has the coach addressed these concerns? If not talk to them they might be able to explain where they are coming from and put your mind at ease if they avoid the questions or the answers don’t put your mind at ease then would probably suggest parting ways as it will be very hard for you to fully commit to an approach you don’t have faith in.

There are plenty of coaches and athletes who there is no talking to unfortunately it’s a personality trait and ultimately those sort of one way relationships take from one person more than the value of what they are putting in and both sides suffer as a result

There have been athletes I have parted ways with because the effort being put in wasn’t worth the effort coming out on the far end.

Likewise there are people who have felt my approach doesn’t suit them.

Doesn’t have to be any Ill will behind parting ways but best to do it before the investment from one side hits tipping point

Are your easy days easy enough, you should feel fresh the next day ideally, maybe pull them back a bit?

I would be surprised if that was the case. For most runners the long run is super important (as important if not more important than most sessions).

Would consider KSU's advice above and speak to your coach again. No point continuing on demotivated.

If his first name is Gary then yes you need another coach.

KSU wrote: »

This is something I can never square with the business of coaching and the philosophy.

Good coaching is not about the specific outcome it’s getting the best out of the athletes potential how you can tier that outside of the effort the athlete is willing to put in is something I will never fully understand

As someone who coaches a few athletes I agree 100% with you.

I know some coaches base their tier on the amount of interaction that they are willing to have with the athlete.
So a lower tier might get a monthly plan reviewed weekly with some text or emails. Someone on a higher plan might get a biweekly plan reviewed weekly with more text emails. And some on a higher plan getting a weekly plan with and maybe daily reviews/feedback.

Ceepo wrote: »

Certainly not the first time I heard this !

I’ve currently got a coach named Gary and have been getting on great with his plan, coming on well gradually. Was intimidated by some of the paces at the start but managing well.

rom wrote: »

If his first name is Gary then yes you need another coach.

Haha why??

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

There is a rather good runner called Gary who also coaches runners.

His plan are demanding. Some runners improve dramatically under his training. Some others will crack and/or get injured.

Now I follow. I've also heard above. Some people love it; others don't. I've considered giving him a go myself but not sure that I would be able for it.

Mad to think the money people pay for coaching when most decent clubs have coaches that dont charge you