Do You Really Need a Running Coach? When to DIY vs. Get Coaching
Why This Matters
Running seems simple—just lace up and go. But if you’re serious about getting faster, staying injury-free, and balancing training with life, you might need more than a one-size-fits-all training plan.
Maybe you’ve hit a plateau, keep getting injured, or feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice on the internet. This post will help you decide whether working with a female running coach is the right move for you—or whether you can train solo and still hit your goals.
Who Benefits Most from a Running Coach?
Not everyone needs a coach, but if you relate to any of these, structured coaching could be a game-changer.
✅ Busy women who need structure – You don’t have time to figure out your own plan. You want a clear, no-guesswork training approach tailored to your life and energy levels.
✅ Runners stuck at a plateau – You’ve been training consistently, but your speed isn’t improving. You feel stuck at the same pace despite all the effort, and you’re ready for a structured women’s running programme that actually works.
✅ Women prone to injury – If you’ve been dealing with shin splints, knee pain, or IT band issues, a coach helps balance your training load, introduce strength work, and avoid overuse injuries common in female endurance athletes.
✅ First-time marathoners or triathletes – If you’re preparing for your first marathon, half marathon, or triathlon, a coach ensures you avoid beginner mistakes, build endurance gradually, and peak at the right time.
✅ Women juggling work, family, and training – If you’re short on time, a coach helps you train smarter, not harder—maximising results in fewer sessions per week.
✅ Athletes training for a big goal – Whether it’s qualifying for a race, hitting a new PB, or stepping up in distance, structured coaching helps you reach your full potential.
When Can You Train Solo?
Some runners do perfectly fine without a coach—especially if you enjoy figuring out your own training, experimenting, and tracking data. Here’s when DIY training might work for you:
🚀 You’re an experienced runner – If you’ve trained consistently for years and know how to structure your own running and recovery, you can likely create your own plan.
🚀 You’re running purely for enjoyment – If you’re not chasing a PB, training for a race, or concerned about performance, a relaxed, self-led approach might suit you.
🚀 You love tracking your own progress – Some runners enjoy building their own spreadsheets, testing workouts, and self-coaching through trial and error.
🚀 You don’t struggle with injuries – If you’ve never dealt with persistent niggles or overuse injuries, you might not need specialist guidance on strength, mobility, and load management.
🚀 You don’t mind making (some) mistakes – Learning through experience can be rewarding, but it also means wasting time on training errors that could have been avoided.
How a Coach Reduces Decision Fatigue & Improves Performance
Without a running coach for women:
❌ You’re constantly Googling “What pace should I run my long runs at?”
❌ You second-guess if you’re doing enough (or too much).
❌ You’re trying to piece together random Instagram advice and conflicting running plans.
With a female endurance coach:
✔️ Your plan is custom-built for your goals, lifestyle, and available training time.
✔️ Adjustments happen automatically—so you’re never left wondering if you should run or rest.
✔️ You have accountability, feedback, and support on tough days.
✔️ You get clear pacing, progression, and race strategy guidance.
A coach removes the guesswork, making training efficient, stress-free, and goal-focused.
What Makes Pretty Strong Coaching Different?
Not all coaching is the same. At Pretty Strong Coaching, we help busy women train smarter—not harder.
🔹 Personalised for your life – No generic PDF plans—your training is tailored to your goals, fitness level, and schedule.
🔹 Hybrid approach: Strength + Running – Most injuries come from weak glutes, hamstrings, and core. We integrate strength work to keep you resilient.
🔹 No "just run more" advice – You won’t be told to run endless miles. We balance endurance, recovery, and efficiency so you don’t burn out.
🔹 Ongoing support & adjustments – Life happens. Your plan adapts, so you don’t feel like you’ve "failed" when things don’t go to plan.
🔹 Designed for women – Female athletes have unique nutritional needs, cycle-based energy fluctuations, and injury risks. Our coaching accounts for these factors.
When to Get a Running Coach vs. When to Trust the Process
Even with a structured plan, improvements take time. Here’s how to know when to change things up:
When to Get a Coach:
✅ You’re training consistently but not seeing progress
✅ You’re getting injured or feel worn down from training
✅ You struggle with motivation, accountability, or knowing how to train efficiently
✅ You feel overwhelmed by conflicting training advice
When to Trust the Process:
🚀 You’ve only been following your plan for a few weeks (speed and endurance improvements take 6-8 weeks!)
🚀 You’ve had a short-term setback (illness, work stress, life commitments)—but are otherwise progressing
🚀 You’ve recently changed your training plan and need time to see results
How to Decide if Coaching is Right for You
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself these:
❓ Do I feel like I’m progressing in my training, or do I keep getting stuck?
❓ Do I know how to adjust my plan when life gets busy or my energy levels fluctuate?
❓ Am I confident that I’m fuelling properly and training efficiently?
❓ Do I enjoy structuring my own training, or do I feel lost without a plan?
If you’re struggling with any of these, coaching could be the missing piece.
Is a Running Coach Worth It?
A running coach for women isn’t a magic fix—but if you’ve been stuck, plateauing, or feeling lost in your training, it could be the missing piece.
At Pretty Strong Coaching, we specialise in helping busy women train efficiently, run faster, and avoid injury—all while balancing life. Whether you’re preparing for a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, or just want to feel stronger in your running, we create a plan tailored to you.
Spots for coaching are limited.
Once they fill, you’ll have to wait for an opening. Don’t waste another season plateauing in your running.
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