My school doesn't have a track team, only cross country. My cross country coach was never a runner, he pretty much got forced into this coaching job. Do you think I would benefit from a private coach between now and next cross season? How much do they cost?
Dane Rauschenberg offers coaching. He's very good. Not sure of his fees, though.
McMillan offers online coaching for $125/month, kinda steep. Hansons has it for $100/month.
I offer online coaching and customized training plans. Only $15 the first month, around $20/month after that.
In my opinion it's not necessary. Here's what you can do, and for free.
You can take your pick between two 'base' programs, for between now and the end of Feb:
Choice 1: Bob Hodge
http://www.bunnhill.com/bobhodge/BaseTraining.htm
Choice 2: Malmo
http://pih.bc.ca/summerofmalmo.html
Then have a 'track season' - it will be important for you to have a racing season between now and next fall. Find races at local community colleges (if you think you can compete - check race results to see if you are fast enough and email the coaches) or just schedule around 8 (all out/race distance) time trails, maybe one a week for April and May. This makes you 'sharpening phase' from March through May.
For this you again have a choice.
Choice 1: Buy the book Daniels Running Formula (okay this isn't free but it's a lot cheaper than a coach)
Choice 2: Read the first three pages of this thread and make your own plan based on the advice of the poster 'OldSub4':
http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=2669719&page=0
Then, for July through the beginning of cross season, repeat the base phase from above.
You can thank me later.
Most good coaches now run about $100 a month. McMillan is good, but, tends to give cookie cutter programs. I would go with Jon Sinclair. http://www.anaerobic.net/biography.aspx
Don't waste your money on a private coach, unless you are going to be earning a free ride to Stanford.
That's nonsense. It's a lot smarter to have another set of eyes looking at what you're doing and seeing the big picture, especially at that age
I would do the summer of malmo.
worked for me
A private coach is well worth the money if you get individualized training and adjustments are made regularly for optimal results.
Some of those coaches listed are proponents of one size fits all training -- but you want to find a program that works best for you. That will require some tinkering. A formula is all well and good but it just doesn't measure up to real coaching.
dsrunner
depending on where you live you may be able to get a knowledgeable former runner who is itching to help someone. Seems like there are some of those guys around - I'd check at running stores, nearby HSs (maybe) and colleges - maybe at local road races, former (in college) runners or those who have hung em up. Not that coaching via phone email or phone is not a viable solution - in my book having a coach 'there' is a big advantage if you can find an experienced runner/coach.
1, How old are you and what are your goals?
2, How would you play for your training?
3, What are your times this winter?
4, What is your e-mail?
Pat' W wrote:
1, How old are you and what are your goals?
2, How would you play for your training?
3, What are your times this winter?
4, What is your e-mail?
I actually decided to try a month with Quenton's coaching, its only $15 out of my pocket if it doesn't work out.
Kevin Beck/pfitzinger
slackderdom wrote:
Don't waste your money on a private coach, unless you are going to be earning a free ride to Stanford.
What's wrong with a kid getting a coach? By your standards only the best deserve guidance. Usually, they are the last ones who need it.
Slackderdom,
Is just one more self coaching, slow ass with boy. Day think day can coach, but have no f***ing fast time.
joiwef wrote:
McMillan offers online coaching for $125/month, kinda steep. Hansons has it for $100/month.
If you pay 1 cent for online coaching you have paid too much
ukathleticscoach wrote:
joiwef wrote:McMillan offers online coaching for $125/month, kinda steep. Hansons has it for $100/month.
If you pay 1 cent for online coaching you have paid too much
Ok, so what do you recommend?
Ukathleticscoach-
Are you white? I think so you ass hold!! That is only $31 a week, what the f*** you job pay you? Get the f*** out of here ass hold!!
Us "regular folks" don't need to pay for coaching. The principles of training and racing are extremely simple, well understood, and are available for free from a variety of sources. Don't fall for the "I need a coach to improve" garbage.