7 weeks to Berlin Marathon: Should I have a coach?
At that time I was definitely cannot train and race by myself anymore and I really need some advices and suggestions from an expert to keep me training . From a self trained athlete to being coached by someone , it is definitely not an easy thing to do but I was willing to try and learn. Otherwise , I have to quit endurance sport.
7 weeks to Berlin Marathon: Should I have a coach?
I ran around 82 km last week and I still felt ok and happy. After missing opportunities to increase training volume for the past few weeks. It was probably my last chance to pull myself together and just train.
Pure running was where I start in endurance sport but honestly I never felt I had a great performance at it. This year when I decided to stop training for triathlon and fully focus on marathon training, I also decided to start working with a new coach, sub 2:30 hrs marathon runner.
I really don't know what is going to happen but I just want to learn from my new coach as much as I can. To run 80-100 km for mid level age group triathlete like me is definitely beyond my limitation. Having a coach when you push yourself over your limit is something I think it necessary and mandatory for me.
What I train ? (Training plan by Suthut Kanlayanakitti)
Mon:Easy run 7 km
Tue: 12 km speed session (2km & 1 km repeats)
Wed: 12 km include 8 km tempo
Thu: 15 km mid long run
Fri: rest
Sat:6 km easy run + Leg circuit
Sun: Long run 30 km
Total 82 km
How I feel ?
Last time I ran at this volume was when I train for Moscow Marathon 2018. Personally, I like running but I am not so sure how I feel when I have to run more than 100 km per week. For me, I always train alone and not having much social training group so I think it is better have a coach or some experience runner with me through my whole journey.
Your take away messages
What is your main goal of training and racing ? This is absolutely one of the most important question you should ask yourself before you start your endurance sport journey. If your goal is to just participating or finishing the race or just simply enjoy your moment, having a coach is not necessary.
To improve and progress in endurance sport ,however, I still and strongly believe that you do need a coach or someone who really have experience in that sport you train to race.
To have or not to have a coach is definitely your choice and decision. I used to be a self trained athlete for over 10 years and I was perfectly happy. Until there had an unfortunate bike accident which almost cause me a retire from endurance sport.
At that time I was definitely cannot train and race by myself anymore and I really need some advices and suggestions from an expert to keep me training . From a self trained athlete to being coached by someone , it is definitely not an easy thing to do but I was willing to try and learn. Otherwise , I have to quit endurance sport.
One of my coach (Simon Agoston) once said that the most important reason for having a coach is "at least there is someone look, watch, analyse your training log and plan your upcoming training schedule so you can really just train your best.
After you finish reading this blog , once again, you may ask yourself "Should I have a coach?"
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