I started working with a running coach this week. I worked with this same coach to train for the Ogden Marathon in 2020, and again in 2021 for the Tushars 70km which I then spent rehabbing an injury. This time around I am working with him for the Bear 100; a 100 mile trail race that will take place in September. This time around feels... different.
I'll start by saying that I am really excited to begin working with my coach again (his name is Scott). He's incredibly knowledgable, and it's actually really cool to feel like a professional who has a coach giving them tips, advice, and acting as a resource for any questions I might have. Most importantly, having a coach eases any sort of uncertainty I have of whether I'm doing the right things to train for a 100 mile race or not. In addition to the time it saves me from doing all my own research on how to train adequately, having a coach makes me feel like I'm not doing this alone. It lets me know that after every long run I do, or during any lows (or highs) I hit, I'll have someone to check in with. I am currently in a place where my schedule might interfere with my ability to run with other people, and I look forward to knowing that I'll at least have a coach along for this ride.
Next is why having a coach gives me some worry, and even intimidates me. I feel like I run best when I'm under little pressure. I've often believed that part of the reason why I enjoy running so much is because there is no such thing as "failure". I get to make all my own decisions, and I usually find that any time spent on feet, outside, and running, is time well spent. It makes the "result" of each run entirely self-determined, and I find great freedom in this. With this sense of independence, I also find confidence. Confidence to make decisions and see through their outcomes. Confidence to trust myself. So yeah, having a coach tell me the most optimized way to train and enhance performance? It kinda scares me. What happens if my performance does not improve? What happens if my excitement and engagement with the sport of running dwindles at times but I still have something slotted on my training calendar? What happens if I lose my own sense of self-confidence?
I am approaching this training block with my coach aware of both thoughts. I know that if I am dedicated, excited, and willing to work within what Scott outlines for me, and what feels good to me, I will succeed. I will find confidence and satisfaction in getting more out my training, even when it is hard or not particularly desired. Today was my first prescribed "long run" of the block - 2.5 hrs at endurance effort. I started later than planned, and my body felt slow and lethargic. I spent most the day staring a computer screen, so I was thankful to get outside. I kept moving and loosened up after 30 minutes or so. I spent the rest of the run focused on the run, and that felt really good. I didn't worry about whether or not I was doing what I was supposed to be doing, and instead enjoyed knowing that I was doing what I wanted to be doing.
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