You don't need to be an elite runner to benefit from a running coach. A running coach will help you to build confidence as you begin running, motivate you to keep running, help you avoid some of the pitfalls that happen to runners and more. Here are some reasons new runners need a coach.

A running coach will help you to get started running correctly. So many times the excitement of starting a running program will make runners do things that they should not do. Some of these things are running in the incorrect pair of shoes, running too far to begin with and running too fast to start. A coach will help you to start properly.

When starting a running program - after a week or so, sometimes the excitement wears off. You may be asking yourself if you really want to keep up with running. Also, in the beginning, you may be feeling a little sore from using muscles that you haven't used before. A running coach will help motivate you and keep you excited about your running and help you through those low points that you may go through. It's always good to know that you are not alone!

There are "cookie cutter" programs on the internet for beginning runners and for beginning to train to race for different distances. Those programs are not always good for all runners. There's many things to take into consideration - such as your fitness level, how much time you have to train during the week, etc. A running coach will find out all of these things and write out a plan especially for you.

Being accountable to someone - other than a family member - is also something that it's good to have a coach for. It's easy to say that you're going to run a certain amount during the week. But, you need to have someone that will hold you to that. You can't get fit and keep up with a running program if you don't put the work into it.

As you can see - there are many reasons how a running coach can benefit a beginning runner. And, not just beginning a running program - but moving on to training for your first longer distance races, such as half marathons and marathons. A running coach will also help you with other things that you can do to remain a strong and healthy runners for years to come.