After running the New York City Marathon with the New Balance team in 2023, I took some time off from racing to focus on letting my body recover. But then Athleta offered me an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. They offered me full sponsorship to run races in my area in a personalized uniform (I’m wearing a Transcend scoop bra, Momentum seamless high-neck tank, and Rainier high-rise leggings) in the shot above. FYI), access to my own running coach.
Now, as any runner will tell you, it’s generally hard to postpone a race, even if you promise to take it slow. The adrenaline rush you get when you train for such a long distance and actually complete it is irresistible. In other words, the moment I saw “Run Wild With Athleta” in my inbox, I was on board. But what really intrigued me and excited me the most was knowing I would be working with two badass female running coaches.
With the help of the Brave Body Project, I was able to “get away” from the lingering pain and adjust my approach to running, both physically and mentally.
I chose the Southampton Half Marathon, and shortly after that Athleta spoke with Lindsey Clayton, VDOT/RRCA Certified Run Coach and AFFA Group Fitness Certified, and Amber of Brave Body Project, VDOT/RRCA Certified Run Coach, and AFFA Group Fitness Certified. He introduced me to Mr. Reese. . I was immediately inspired by their enthusiasm, their own running careers, and their commitment to developing the best training program tailored to me and my goals. I have been training for a half marathon and two marathons over the past 12 years. I’ve been working to a schedule I found online and approved by my uncle, a longtime cross country and track and field athlete, and I’ve been coached by Peloton’s acclaimed program through the app. . But the amount of attention, support, and empathy I felt from Clayton and Reese is truly unparalleled.
After completing Brave Body Project’s quick survey, I was provided with a nine-week schedule with detailed daily workouts, a pacing guide that I could adjust at any time, and a nutrition plan. Clayton, Reese, and I had three virtual check-ins leading up to the race, but the rest of my hamstring pull was definitely holding me back, so when I made some revisions to my goals, they They were both very understanding and accommodating. Needless to say, it’s all thanks to Clayton and Reese and their gentle coaching and top-notch expertise that I didn’t have any further injuries during training. In fact, I would argue that with the help of the Brave Body Project, I was able to “escape” the lingering pain and adjust my approach to running, both physically and mentally.
Read about my experience working with a running coach to train for a half marathon and see why you too can benefit from this process.
Experts introduced in this article
Lindsey Clayton, a VDOT/RRCA Run Coach Certified and AFFA Group Fitness Certified, is a New York City running coach and fitness expert, Bally’s Chief Instructor, and co-founder of the Brave Body Project.
VDOT/RRCA Run Coach Certified, AFFA Group Fitness Certified, Amber Reese is a New York City fitness expert, Road Runners Club of America, V.O2 Run Coach, Bally Chief Instructor, and Co-Founder of the Brave Body Project.
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FinisherPixBrave Body ProjectThe first two weeks of my half marathon training schedule. Courtesy of Brave Body Project.
Benefits of hiring a running coach
Arguably the biggest benefit of hiring a running coach is that they can customize your plan. Clayton and Reese agree that the experience should be collaborative and relationship-based. “Working with a running coach is so much more than paying someone to write you a plan and tell you what to do. When we take on a running coaching client, we work with them simply to “I want to build real relationships, not just as runners, but as people,” Clayton says. “Learning about our clients’ lifestyles, goals, values, and reasons behind running makes our job as coaches more fun and more collaborative.”
In moments of self-doubt and conflict, I was able to strike up conversations with Clayton and Reese (who were available 24/7 via text). It’s different from slowly getting out of bed and checking out your work. Paper necessary for daily training. Clayton and Reese were my running coaches and held me in check when they felt I was pushing myself too hard. And when I first checked in, I asked for one less day of running and they immediately adjusted my entire plan so I felt like I had options. They also sent out motivational surprise snippets along the way, including a fall 2024 training playlist on Spotify.
Brave Body Project trains runners of all ages and fitness levels, from beginner to advanced (like most running coaches). So there is no doubt that they can train you within your limits.
How much does a running coach cost?
Each running coach has a different menu of coaching plans and pricing, but Brave Body Project offers a 10,000 6-week plan for $150. A 10-week training plan for a half marathon ranges from $225 to $500. Marathon 16-20 week customized plans range from $360 to $740. Customized plan created after discussion.
How to improve your race time with a running coach
If your goal in hiring a running coach is to get faster or reduce your race time, Clayton has this advice for beginners: “The most important factor in getting faster and improving your endurance and strength is consistency. Without consistency, you won’t achieve your goals.” It’s much harder to reach. “As for what that consistency looks like, she notes that it varies from runner to runner. Many other running coaches also recommend that once a goal is set, the runner’s fitness history (how many miles per week they run, how often they strength train, what their running mechanics are, etc.) I would agree that it needs to be looked into. , whether there are any ongoing injuries or issues that need to be addressed).
Thanks to Clayton and Reese’s advice and suggestions, we were able to achieve faster race times than all three of us had imagined.
From there, Clayton and Reese take into account your lifestyle, schedule, and time until the race. They typically encourage runners to test their fitness with a 1-mile time trial or a 5K time trial. This will give you basic data. Then, create a plan to repeat and progress based on simple running, speed, and tempo work. Time, strength and mobility work to improve power and speed.
With each passing week, my running mechanics have improved and my hamstring pain has gotten less and less, thanks to Clayton and Reese continually adapting my training plan to my goals in real time. I can certainly attest to the fact that I started out hoping for a sub-2 hour half marathon race time, but initial training showed me that I wasn’t ready to pick up the pace yet considering my injury. During the final check-in, I changed my A goal to 2:15:00 and finished in 2:05:56. This proved that Clayton and Reese’s advice and suggestions paid off, resulting in a faster race time than all three. What we imagined.
Provided by: Brave Body Project
Accountability and motivation with a running coach
I felt more responsible for attending the workouts because they were “assigned” to me by my running coach. Knowing that Clayton and Reese were constantly checking records of my training plans and monitoring my perfection, I was more loyal to myself when it came to being consistent out the door. It was strict. Of course, they also kept an eye on any questions or issues I had along the way.
On a more personal level, I started following Clayton and Reese on Instagram. Just admiring their fitness journey together and separately was enough to motivate me to train.
Injury prevention tips from a running coach
Clayton and Reese have many tips for preventing injuries, but Clayton says the most important tip is to simply relax. “The biggest problem I see with runners is that they try too hard, push themselves too hard, and push themselves too hard too quickly,” which can lead to burnout or even injury. Increasing your mileage in a safe and progressive manner is paramount to successful training. ”
Clayton and Reese say they often see their clients go too fast on “easy” runs that are supposed to be aerobic rather than anaerobic. “Tempo work and speed work are part of any training plan, but the foundation of any long-distance training plan is easy running,” she says.
Reese also adds that doing strength training at least two days a week can strengthen your muscles and joints, which can help prevent injury, and recommends doing as much recovery form as possible, rolling and stretching. It emphasizes the importance. Brave Body Project programs always include rest days. “When you have a recovery day, use it. Think of recovery as part of your training plan. A rest day isn’t just a day to throw away. It’s an essential tool,” Reese says. .
Nutritional advice from a half marathon running coach
As you can see on the right in my half marathon training program (pictured above), Clayton and Reese provided me with fuel instructions for long runs based on what I normally consume (I , it’s GU Energy Gel). . We discussed pre- and post-workout meals to ensure you get enough carbohydrates and protein in your regular diet.
Leading up to race day, Clayton and Reese provided me with a 3-day carbohydrate intake and hydration guide to help me track my intake. They recommended 432 grams of carbohydrates and 90 fluid ounces of water per day.
Running coach and half marathon training app
All in all, I can’t deny the sense of security and confidence I felt the morning of the race with the continued support of Clayton and Reese. They texted me the night before asking how I was feeling and requested multiple photos and videos after I crossed the finish line. Additionally, they tracked me via bib number as I progressed through the race – and needless to say they do this for all of their clients. I’ve had great experiences training for races through Peloton’s program, but nothing motivates me to get through a run like sharing human emotions. It can never be produced by a general program of apps.
Sarah Wasilak is an associate director of shopping at PS. With extensive experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and having worked as an editor for brands for 10 years, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health and fitness categories. She has bylines in PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit, and aims to amplify underrepresented voices in all her work.
