No.4: Embrace the Digital Age
Having trouble finding a coach in your area? Then an online training plan might be in your future.
Of course, an online coach can't offer the same level of support an in-person coach can, but there can be a surprising variety of customization available. (Many plans also offer a social community component, which can help keep you motivated and on track.)
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No.5: Yelp! Ain't Just for Food
This online resource offers real reviews from real people.
Of course, online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. But they can be a great way to find local coaches who may not have the marketing acumen that other lesser-talented coaches have. Before agreeing to meet up with a coach, see what other runners have to say about him/her.
No.6: Get a Little Help From Your Friends
Don't be shy about asking a new friend for a recommendation on a running coach. Your local running group is a great place to find others who can share their recommendations for local coaches.
Or even just a quick status update, "Anybody know a good running coach?" on Facebook can do wonders.
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No.7: Find a Good Training Book
When all else fails in your quest for a running a coach, a good runner's training book can help you reach your training goals. One good option might be a book like, Run Less, Run Faster, from the experts at the FIRST training program.
Though books aren't as ideal as a live running coach assessing you every step of the way, a good training book can do wonders to maximize your running potential.
Best of all, by scanning the reviews of the book an Amazon.com, you can get a quick sense of whether the book will suit your needs and help you reach your running goals.
More: 27 Ways to Run Better Everyday
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