"How much should I pay for a running coach?" This question comes up often, and coaches have different answers depending on the type of coach. A good starting point is understanding your personal goals, how far you're willing to go to achieve them, and whether or not it's worth paying someone else to help you get there. The following questions will help clarify some of the factors involved:
Cost is relative.
The cost of a running coach is relative to the value of their service.
If you're getting good advice and someone who understands your needs, it's worth paying for. If they're not helping you reach your goals and improve as a runner, they should charge more because they must provide value! A good coach will charge less than an average one--and vice versa.
You also need to consider what market value means in this context: if everyone has access to free information online and there are no other coaches around town offering similar services (or none at all), then there will be less competition for clients--and thus lower prices from those coaches who do exist locally or online (but still high enough where people feel comfortable asking questions).
The coach determines the cost.
The value of the service provided determines the price of a training plan and can vary from one runner to another. For example, if you're looking for an online coach to provide support via email and text messages, this would be considered a lower-level service than working with someone in person or over the phone. On the other hand, if you have particular goals or needs that require extra attention (for instance, if your goal is to qualify for Boston Marathon), hiring an experienced professional may be worth paying more for their expertise and knowledge base. It's important to understand what you're paying for upfront so. There are no surprises later on down the road!
The cost should reflect the value of the service.
When it comes to pricing, the value of a running coach is determined by three things:
- The client (the person receiving the service)
- The coach (the person providing the service) and
- The service itself.
The client is the person receiving the service. This could be an individual, a group, or an organization. It's important to understand who you are working with and what their goals are so that you can design a plan that meets those needs. The coach is the person providing the service. This could be someone who works at a running store, has completed an education program or training certification, or even someone who loves running and wants to help others enjoy it too!
The type of training plan determines the cost.
The type of training plan you choose will determine the cost of your coaching.
Coaching is personal service; a good coach will want to get to know you before they start working with you. The more individualized your training plan is, the higher the cost because it takes them more time to create an effective plan tailored specifically to your needs.
A coach can be a great fit if you're looking for an accountability partner or someone to motivate you and hold you accountable for your goals. Having someone in your corner helps you stay on top of things when life gets busy.
It's important to understand what you're paying for upfront clearly.
It's important to understand what you're paying for upfront clearly. Know what the coach will do for you and how much they'll charge. Make sure that the coach is clear on how much time and energy they'll invest in your training experience and how much money it will take out of their pocket.
You should also be aware of what kind of results you can expect from this type of coaching arrangement--and whether or not those results are worth the price tag.
Consider an online training plan if you're looking for a more affordable option. Many of them are reasonably priced and can be helpful if they offer the type of training designed specifically for triathletes.
You should be able to communicate what you're paying for and why.
When you're considering whether or not to hire a coach, it's important that you can communicate what you're paying for and why.
The first thing to consider is value: Are they providing something I can't get elsewhere? If so, how much more valuable is their service than other options?
Next up is cost: How much does the service cost me per month (or year)? What am I getting in return for this amount of money--and is it worth it?
Conclusion
While the price of a running coach can vary, it's important to remember that cost is relative. If you're interested in hiring a coach, make sure they charge a fair price for their services and are willing to explain what those services are worth. You should also be able to communicate what you're paying for upfront so there aren't any surprises later on down the road when it comes time for payment--and trust us: if they don't agree with your terms or don't seem trustworthy at first glance, then maybe consider looking elsewhere!
