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In this episode of the Miles with Moms podcast, we address a question we have been asked about a lot: what to look for in a running coach & how to find the right running coach for you? We all have had different experiences with running coaches and share what to look for based on your needs, goals, and life stage. Like with most things as a mother runner, you may need a different running coach based on the season you are in. And, in some seasons, you may not want a running coach. 

We share some running coaches we have worked with and cautionary tales. We also talk about how to “break up” with a running coach and what are red flags. Our conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, setting realistic goals, and finding a coaching style that aligns with your individual needs. Ultimately, we encourage runners to take their time in choosing a coach and to prioritize their own well-being and performance.

Chapters

03:00 The Pressure of Time Management

05:53 The Birth of the Podcast

10:00 Choosing the Right Running Coach

15:12 Experiences with Different Coaches

23:57 The Challenge of Coaching and Self-Management

25:23 Finding the Right Coach: Personal Connections Matter

35:50 Breaking Up with a Coach: A Difficult Decision

50:40 Adapting Coaching to Life Changes

01:04:03 The Value of Personalized Coaching

podcast, running, coaching, multitasking, time management, emotional support, motherhood, fitness, personal growth, community, coaching, running, flexibility, training, athlete, communication, goals, relationship, performance, support

About your hosts:

• Whitney Heins is a mom of 2 kids, a VDOT-certified running coach for moms who run, and founder of the resource, themotherrunners.com. Coming out of a long injury cycle, she ran a 2:54 marathon and 1:20 half marathon in her 40s. IG: @themotherrunners.
• Shanna Birchett is a mom of 6 kids six years apart, including twins. She returned to running in 2022 after an 11-year break, running a 2:44 marathon in the summer of 2024. She is the co-founder of Endure 365 running, endure365.com, which offers heart rate-based training plans. IG: @motherhood_running.
• Tricia DeNardis is a mom to 3 young kids and a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation. After running 10 marathons, Tricia completed her first 50k in the fall of 2024, and is now hooked! IG: @burpeesandburpcloths.
• Olivia Garcia is a mom of 2 young kids, who used to work as a paramedic. She fell in love with running in 2019, despite surviving a marathon that didn’t go according to plan. With a 2:57 PR, she's cut more than an hour off her marathon time. IG: @watch_oliviarun...