I'm trying to get faster and get serious about my training. I'm 5'2'', 138 and have already dropped 15 pounds since Feb. 6. I'm able to comfortably run 11 miles under 90 mins. at 45% effort; faster than EZ run but not MP or even HMP.
Are third-party running coaches are worth the $, or are people able to train themselves? (Granted, some have HS and college coaches here too, etc.).
I've considered two options in Columbus: Fleet Feet/Marathoners in Training or CRC (Columbus Running Company). Are either worth it? Am I better just making my own plan (6-7 days of running, 1 tempo or hill day, 1 track day, 1 long run, the rest EZ) and saving $?
When I trained for my first Marathon I had a coach build me a training plan but I was on my own after that (Hansons-based), averaging 37 mpw and I hit a 3:24 with some ease (left knee buckled at Mile 24 and every few minutes after that, but my breathing was not hard even when I finished. I didn't get any cramping issues either. In hindsight, I probably could have nailed sub-3:20 without the weak knee).
I was on Facebook and I get promotions now for ads like Strengthen Your Stride and other running coaches. One of them is a coach who qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials with a 2:53 time. What are your experiences with running coaches, or do most rely on their HS and college teammates/coaches?