Welcome to Southern Summits Trail Academy! As you embark on your ultra running journey, one of the crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right coach. With the growing popularity of trail running, the online coaching space has never been more vibrant. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced trail runner aiming to level up, finding an effective coach can significantly enhance your performance, enjoyment, and overall experience. Here’s what to consider when selecting a coach for your ultra running adventure.

1. Experience and Credentials

When it comes to coaching, expertise matters. Look for a coach with a background in trail and ultra running or endurance sports. Their experience can be invaluable as they understand the unique challenges of longer distances and trail conditions. Check for credentials such as certifications from reputable coaching organisations, and a history of completing trail running events or for ultra distances, ultra marathons, themselves.

2. Coaching Philosophy

Every coach has a unique approach to training. It’s essential to find someone whose philosophy aligns with your values and goals. Whether you prefer a structured training plan or a more flexible, adaptive style, your coach should prioritise your individual needs. Take the time to discuss your objectives, fears, and preferences during an initial consultation. This conversation will give you insights into whether the coach’s philosophy resonates with you. At Southern Summits Trail Academy we take pride in providing a coaching service tailored to every athlete’s preferences, needs and goals.

3. Personalisation of Training Plans

Trail and ultra running is not a one-size-fits-all sport. The ideal coach will create personalised training programs tailored to your experience level, fitness, and specific race goals. Whether you’re preparing for your first 10k or aiming for a 100-mile ultra, your coach should adjust your training plan based on your progress, feedback, and any challenges that arise.

4. Communication Style and Support

Effective communication is vital in a coach-athlete relationship. Make sure your coach is easily reachable and responsive to your questions or concerns. They should provide regular feedback, encouragement, and updates on your training progress. Additionally, consider whether they are comfortable with various communication methods, such as video calls, phone chats, or app-based messaging, to facilitate ongoing support regardless of where you are in the world. At Southern Summits Trail Academy we use a variety of communication platforms with our athletes, including regualr feedback on workouts in TrainingPeaks, direct Whatsapp messaging and monthly video calls or meetings to discuss every athlete’s progress in detail.

5. Knowledge of Nutrition and Recovery

While every athlete is unique, a coach’s history of helping clients achieve their ultra running goals is a good indicator of their effectiveness. Look for testimonials or case studies showcasing how their coaching has positively impacted other athletes. A proven track record can offer confidence that your coach has the skills to help you succeed.

6. Compatibility and Rapport

Lastly, a great coach-athlete relationship is built on mutual respect, understanding, and trust. You should feel comfortable discussing your struggles, progress, and personal life with your coach, as this openness will help them assist you better. Take the time to connect with potential coaches before making a decision. At Southern Summits Trail Academy we believe it is imperative to commence the coach-athlete relationship with a comprehensive on-boarding process for each new athlete. This process enables us to establish a firm understanding of an athlete’s goals and expectations which in turn enables us to provide the best coaching service for that particular athlete.

Conclusion

Choosing the right coach is a vital step on your trail and ultrarunning journey, and at Southern Summits Trail Academy, we are dedicated to helping you discover your limits and exceed them. Whether you’re an ambitious beginner or a seasoned trail enthusiast looking to conquer your next challenge, the right coach can make all the difference. As you explore your options, keep these key factors in mind, and don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation with our coach. Together, let’s climb those peaks and reach new summits!