Ask for the Help You Need
And why you don't need to race all the races
Is it OK to ask a running coach for advice?
Absolutely—it’s more than OK, it’s a smart move. You should be asking a running coach for running advice. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a growing trend where new runners turn to social media and ask “the platform” for guidance instead. The issue? Not everyone offering advice online is qualified to give it.
The random responses they get often miss the mark. These well-meaning strangers don’t know the runner’s background, training history, or specific goals—they’re simply speaking from their own experience. And without understanding the individual, it’s impossible to give truly helpful, tailored advice.
And when someone who is knowledgeable gives solid advice, it is usually too late, or worse, lauded as not what the original poster was looking for. These so-called run-influencers are muddying the waters for everyone, not just those who are seeking help.
What’s even more shameful is that some runners gather advice from these online threads and then don’t make any changes to their training at all. They stay stuck, missing out on progress they could be making if they sought out—and applied—personalized guidance from a knowledgeable coach.
Racing is Stressful for You
Racing is stressful—yes, maybe mentally, but also physically. It’s not just the nerves at the start line or the mental push to keep going; it’s the wear and tear on your muscles, joints, and even your immune system. Every race pushes your body to its limit in a way that training runs usually don’t.
That stress isn’t inherently bad—in fact, it’s part of what makes racing exciting and rewarding—but it comes with a cost. Recovery after a race often takes longer than people think. You might feel fine a couple of days later, but deep down, your body is still working to repair muscle damage and restore balance.
Knowing this, you might choose to be selective about the races you enter. Instead of saying yes to every event on the calendar, you could save your energy for the “major” races that matter most to you. This approach allows you to go into those big races fresh, strong, and ready to give your best performance—without burning yourself out along the way.
Do you have questions or want to talk about your training? Send me a message. Seriously. You can send me the most basic question, like “What shoes do I train in right now?” No question is too small.
Follow me on Instagram at TrainwithMarc.Run
Thanks for reading until the end!
