Everyone knows that if you want to start running or improve your results, you need to train regularly and according to a special plan. Today, training with a trainer has become available not only to professional athletes but also to beginners. At the same time, it's easy to find fully created training plans for 5 and 42 kilometres on the Internet. Many sites related to running often suggest downloading a training program for races for free or for a relatively small amount.
Such online training plans are aimed at both beginners and advanced runners, have a wide range of target distances, and often vary in duration. However, if you want to achieve results, you need a person who will find an individual approach for you.
How does a ready-made training plan differ from an individual program created by a coach? What are the pros and cons of the online training template, who can it use, and who should still think about individual work with a coach?
The vast majority of plans that are added on the Internet are compiled simply from a methodological point of view. Key workouts are clearly defined, and the athlete only needs to plan his schedule in advance to qualitatively complete a particular training session. This approach definitely disciplines but doesn't guarantee results. You can almost always find a pace calculator online too. Therefore, you can enter the result at any classic distance corresponding to your current level of fitness, and get a range of training modes from recovery running to the speed of intervals of repeated work. Clear and consistent implementation of the plan might lead you to the desired result.
However, there are always risks and various factors that can keep you away from achieving your goals, which we definitely need to cover. For example, the plan doesn't take into account your emotional condition, lack of sleep, workload, or unexpected holidays, after which you need to move the interval session at least for a day. It won't give you a detailed list of special running exercises and a set of general physical training that are important for injury prevention and correction of running technique. As we know, the athlete's shape worsens due to the lack of recovery or illness very often. Having resumed training after an illness, the runner can continue the program "straight ahead", without getting into it and without making an adjustment for the decrease in the speed of training modes. This approach is fraught with a functional "hole", overtraining, and injuries.
Therefore, ready-made plans are more suitable for experienced athletes who know how to listen to their bodies, analyse their physical and psychological state, as well as build their training based on these findings. If we talk about beginners, then ready-made programs can be considered as an alternative to working with a trainer when preparing for the first short-distance race. As a rule, such plans are maximally simplified and compressed in terms of time: 3-5 weeks of simple training, and the first 5 kilometres will be conquered by everyone. At the same time, it's better to pay attention to programs that include videos of the necessary exercises, or find them yourself to perform exercises as accurately as possible, and also following the recommended training regimen, listening to the body, and adequately assessing the condition are top priorities.
Why it's good to contact a coach?
If you are set on long-term work for the future, it's wiser to contact a coach. He will help you effectively fit a training schedule into your life so that you don't have to sacrifice rest and hobbies, but at the same time will make sure that you don't miss important stages of preparation. He will also suggest how to adjust the plan in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
A qualified coach will offer a set of exercises aimed at solving your individual problems and goals because there are no universal recipes for correcting running techniques: someone needs to pay attention to strength training, and someone, first of all, needs to correct posture. It's an experienced coach who will help you find the shortest path to your sports goals.
Taking into account individual needs, the coach will create a personalised plan that takes into account fitness levels, health conditions, and specific body requirements, ensuring that the exercises are safe, appropriate, and effective. The trainer will also adapt the plan to personal preferences since enjoyment is an important factor of stability and progress. The coach takes into account the types of activities you enjoy, which helps to improve long-term commitment.
You will gradually evolve because as your fitness level improves, the personalised training plan will be adjusted to continue to challenge the body, which is important for constant progress. Each exercise will have a specific purpose and will be aimed at achieving your goals without wasting time on ineffective workouts. The coach will take into account your past injuries and current limitations, so a personalised training plan will reduce the risk of re-injury and focus on strengthening weak points. With a routine that matches your personal likes and lifestyle, the motivation to train will be higher compared to following a generic workout plan from the internet.
Personalised training with a coach can quickly adapt to changes in your schedule, physical condition, or even travel, ensuring that you stay on track. A training plan created by your trainer will act as a roadmap, helping you stay on track and optimise your results. Moreover, training with a coach also doesn’t require constant meetings. If you’re short on time, your coach can create a program, monitor its implementation, and adjust it based on your feedback remotely. This can be easily done if you use the Good Coach App, where athletes can easily communicate with their coaches, while coaches can create personalised training plans and schedule them according to the needs or plans of their athletes.
Personalization in fitness isn't a luxury, but a strategic approach that can significantly improve the quality and results of your training. It recognizes that everyone’s body responds differently to exercise and that personalised training is essential to reaching your full potential. With a personalised training plan and training with a coach, you’re more likely to enjoy your workouts, avoid injury, and achieve your fitness goals, resulting in a healthier, happier you.
The Good Coach App is a perfect app for organising your training, as there is an option for adding videos and pictures, so your coach can leave detailed instructions for your training, even if he is thousands of kilometres away. Moreover, together with your coach, you will be able to track the progress and analyse what can be improved next time. Finding a coach and having a personalised plan, based on your goals has never been, as there is also an option for finding the best person to lead you through your running path toward the goals.