As a running coach I better appreciate the role of runners and the importance of coaches.
The coaching principles I have learnt and the personal experiences I have enjoyed has given me valuable and new insights into my own running.
As a runner I am responsible for the following:
- Understanding my body (and being honest when it is not feeling right)
- Taking ownership of my performance (and reacting in a constructive way for the future)
- Enjoying my running (and remembering it should never be a cause of stress in my life)
- Exhibiting a passion for running (and being willing to push my limits to improve)
As a coach I am responsible for the following:
- Understanding my technique (and being aware of any aspects that are not optimal for performance)
- Suggesting adjustments in my training (and evaluating the impact and measuring progress)
- Reminding myself of the reasons I run (and explaining methods of relaxation wherever necessary)
- Exhibiting an objective viewpoint for my running (and remaining positive about my future prospects)
The two methods I use to make the most of my ‘running’ and ‘coaching’ selves are writing in my running diary daily and holding short internal conversations.
These two ‘personalities’ balance one another, so that I feel confident and assured about myself as a runner, but also stay realistic and humble because I know there is more I want to achieve.
Grounded Runner Coaching 