Is paying for a coach worth it? And is it for everyone, or just fast runners? We asked Tina Chantrey to find out

Tina Chantrey

Women have an uncanny way of supporting everyone else, before themselves. And worse, of praising others for their achievements (especially children), yet not recognising their own. This can often lead many women to believe they are not good enough, especially when it comes to running. Not good enough to join a club. To run faster. To be better.

This is where a coach can transform your running experience and set your confidence on fire.

“For many women, the club system doesn’t work, perhaps due to work or family commitments,” says Ben Noad, ex-GB international runner and coach from Soar Running (soarrunning.com). “Some ladies don’t feel comfortable joining a club, as they believe they’re not good enough, or they want to train at lunchtime so their evenings are free to concentrate on family. This is where a coach can help.”

But surely paying for a coach is something you do when you’re a national or international runner?

“Not true,” says Richard Coates, a coach from Full Potential (fullpotential.co.uk). “Paid-for coaching is for any runner. It’s not elitist. Anyone – beginners, those wanting to lose weight, club runners wanting to hit specific times, or ultrarunners wanting to achieve qualifying times – will benefit. In fact, we coach more women than men.”