Unlocking the Power of Running Coaches: A Transformative Journey

After completing the New York City Marathon with the New Balance team in 2023, the author was determined to take a break from racing to allow their body to recover. However, an unexpected opportunity from Athleta changed their plans, leading them on a remarkable journey with the guidance of two exceptional running coaches from Brave Body Project.

Embracing the Thrill of Running with Athleta's Personalized Support

As a passionate runner, the author found it challenging to resist the allure of racing, even when they had promised themselves a period of rest. The adrenaline rush and the sense of accomplishment that comes with training for and completing a long-distance event proved irresistible. When Athleta reached out with an offer to sponsor the author's next race, complete with a personalized uniform and access to experienced run coaches, the decision was easy.The author was particularly intrigued by the prospect of working with Lindsey Clayton and Amber Rees, the co-founders of Brave Body Project. Their enthusiasm, personal running experiences, and commitment to developing a tailored training program for the author's goals were immediately inspiring.

Personalized Training and Unwavering Support

The author's previous experiences with training for half marathons and marathons had involved following online schedules or guidance from Peloton's programs. However, the level of attention, support, and empathy provided by Clayton and Rees was unmatched.After completing a brief questionnaire, the author was presented with a comprehensive nine-week training plan, complete with detailed workouts for each day, a pacing guide that could be adjusted as needed, and a personalized nutrition plan. Throughout the training process, the author had three virtual check-ins with Clayton and Rees, who were understanding and flexible as the author made adjustments to their goals due to a lingering hamstring injury.The author credits the gentle coaching and expertise of Clayton and Rees for their ability to navigate the training without further injury. In fact, the author believes that with Brave Body Project's guidance, they were able to "run their way out" of the lingering pain and adopt a more holistic approach to running, both physically and mentally.

The Transformative Power of Running Coaches

The author's experience working with Clayton and Rees highlights the numerous benefits of hiring a running coach. The personalization of the training plan, the collaborative relationship, and the constant support and accountability were invaluable.Unlike a generic training program found online or through an app, the author felt a deeper connection with their coaches, who were invested in their success both as a runner and as a person. The coaches were able to provide real-time adjustments to the training plan, ensuring the author's goals were achievable and their progress was sustainable.The author also found that the coaches' expertise in injury prevention and nutrition played a crucial role in their training. By emphasizing the importance of easy runs, strength training, and recovery, Clayton and Rees helped the author avoid further injury and optimize their performance.

Achieving Unexpected Success with the Support of Running Coaches

The author's initial goal for the Southampton half marathon was a sub-two-hour finish time. However, their early workouts revealed that they were not yet ready to maintain that pace due to the lingering hamstring injury. During their final check-in with the coaches, they adjusted the goal to 2:15:00, and the author ultimately crossed the finish line with a time of 2:05:56, exceeding their own and their coaches' expectations.The author attributes this success to the unwavering support and expert guidance provided by Clayton and Rees. The personalized training plan, the constant communication, and the coaches' ability to adapt the program to the author's needs were instrumental in helping them achieve a faster race time than they had initially anticipated.

The Lasting Impact of Coaching Relationships

Beyond the tangible benefits of improved performance and injury prevention, the author also experienced a deeper sense of accountability and motivation throughout their training. The assigned workouts and the coaches' regular check-ins kept the author focused and consistent in their training, while their personal connection with Clayton and Rees provided an additional source of inspiration.The author's experience serves as a testament to the transformative power of working with running coaches. By investing in a personalized, collaborative, and empathetic coaching relationship, the author was able to overcome lingering injuries, optimize their training, and achieve unexpected success in their half marathon race.For runners of all levels, the guidance and support of experienced coaches like Clayton and Rees can be a game-changer, unlocking new levels of performance, resilience, and joy in the sport they love.