What Makes a Good Coach?

Runners of all levels can benefit from coaching, but it's important to find the right match to get the most out of your relationship. If you're looking for a coach or considering getting certified as one, you'll benefit from learning more about both sides of the coaching experience.

This week's guest on the podcast is a fellow coach and my roommate from a recent running retreat, Bertrand Newson. "Coach B" (as he is most often referred to) came to running later in life, leaving a long career in the hospitality industry fueled by his love of running.

Coach B is a Road Runners Club of America certified coach, co-host of the Race Mob podcast, and on the Board of Directors at the 80/20 Endurance Foundation, which seeks to promote diversity in coaching. He is not only an outstanding coach and a prolific competitor, but he is also a master at bringing people together. Coach B's love of running and community led him to become the founder of Too Legit Fitness, a Bay Area group with more than 700 members.

Whether you're looking for a coach or thinking about becoming one yourself, Coach B and I discuss a variety of topics that can help you on your journey, including:

• How Coach B's unique background benefits his coaching
• Various types of coaching certifications and their benefits
• What makes a runner coachable
• Why coaching is both an art and a science, and the role of intuition in coaching
• The importance of relatability and other qualities athletes should look for in a coach

This is both a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion you won't want to miss!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Check out Too Legit Fitness
• Follow Too Legit Fitness on Instagram
• Listen to the Race Mob Podcast
• Learn more about the 80/20 Foundation
• Are you looking for a training or coaching program?

I'm thrilled to introduce our newest sponsor, SOAR! This London-based brand makes high-performance running apparel that I've been loving over the last 5 months. If you watch our YouTube videos, you'll have seen me rocking a ridiculously short pair of blue 1" split leg shorts.

I have been inseparable from my 1" split leg SOAR shorts and my SOAR painter's hat this summer. And for good reason: their gear is elite-level. They have technically-groundbreaking wet and cold weather gear that's guided by a "function-first" mentality. The result is just amazing apparel that is comfortable, light, and just effective and helping you train.

SOAR is at the forefront of design innovation with ergonomic designs, cutting edge fabrics, and continuously updated clothing that just keeps getting better. See for yourself at SOAR Running and make sure you use the code SRUN15 to save 15% off your order until the end of October.

I have a big announcement! We've partnered with Long Run Coffee to develop the first-ever Strength Running Roast. The Strength Running Roast is designed for performance: it's electrolyte-infused coffee that can be ordered as light, medium, or dark roast. It's also free from sugar, additives, flavorings, and dyes.

Earlier this year, Tom - the founder of Long Run Coffee - got in touch and sent me a bag of their coffee. I was skeptical at first (would electrolytes added to coffee affect the taste?) but my hesitation was misplaced. This stuff is delicious! This was an easy partnership for me because I love coffee. Caffeine is actually the safest, most studied, and legal performance enhancing drug on the market.

Partnering with another small business like Strength Running was a no-brainer for me. I love supporting the small businesses that keep this sport moving forward.

If you're not running stimulated, you're running slower. Order your bag.