What makes a great running coach? Is it a certification, years of experience, or a perfectly structured training plan? Or is it something more—something deeper?
In this week’s episode of the Running Explained Podcast, I sat down with five of the incredible Running Explained run coaches to dive into their coaching journeys, their favorite races, and their fueling strategies. But what stood out most in our conversation was this: coaching isn’t just about training plans and workouts—it’s about connection, trust, and helping runners find joy in the process.
Why Coaching Is More Than Just a Training Plan
The best coaches don’t just give their athletes workouts—they guide them, support them, and help them navigate the highs and lows of training. They see the whole athlete, not just their weekly mileage.
As Coach Amanda Katz shared in this episode:
"All bodies deserve an experience where they can move without feeling judged or shamed for whatever their goals are. And I wanted to provide that experience as a coach."
That philosophy—the belief that every runner, at every pace, in every body deserves support—is at the heart of great coaching. It’s not about chasing the fastest times (unless that’s your goal!). It’s about helping runners build a relationship with running that is sustainable, joyful, and free of judgment.
Lessons from Five Coaches on Fueling, Racing & the Coaching Journey
Throughout our conversation, we touched on so many important aspects of coaching and running:
✅ Why every runner deserves coaching & support—no matter their pace
✅ How coaching is a two-way street—athletes & coaches grow together
✅ Why certifications are just the start—great coaches never stop learning
✅ Running as a lifelong practice—it’s not just about the next PR!
The Coach-Athlete Relationship: Why It Matters
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Coaching is about communication and trust.
A great coach doesn’t just hand you a plan and say, "Good luck!" They listen. They adapt. They understand that life happens and that training needs to fit into the bigger picture. They recognize that every athlete is unique, and the best coaching happens when there’s a strong, open, and honest relationship between coach and runner.
If you’ve ever wondered:
What should I look for in a coach?
How do I know if a coach is right for me?
What makes coaching effective?
Then this episode is for you!
Ready to Experience 1:1 Coaching for Yourself?
Are you ready to experience coaching that’s all about you—your goals, your journey, and your joy in running? At Running Explained, we believe that every runner deserves support, guidance, and a plan that fits their life (not the other way around).
🔥 Sign up for 1:1 Coaching today and get personalized training, weekly feedback, unlimited coaching calls, and the support you need to reach your goals—no matter your pace, no matter your background.
Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
This is one of those episodes that will make you think differently about coaching—whether you’re a runner looking for support or an aspiring coach yourself.
🎧 Tune in now! → LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
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About Your Host
Elisabeth Scott is a running coach, educator, and the founder of Running Explained, where she helps runners train smarter, run stronger, and enjoy the process. After getting sober at 29, she laced up her running shoes with the goal of finishing a 5K—and never looked back. Since then, she’s gone on to complete multiple races, including marathons with a Boston Qualifying time, all while deepening her expertise in endurance training.
With a science-based approach, Coach Elisabeth is passionate about making complex running concepts accessible and actionable for runners of all levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on building a strong aerobic base, improving running efficiency, and developing a whole-human approach to training that prioritizes consistency, injury prevention, and sustainable progress.
Through Running Explained, Elisabeth offers training plans, online courses, and 1:1 coaching designed to help runners achieve their goals while avoiding the common pitfalls of overtraining, underfueling, and burnout. Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or chasing a new PR, her guidance will help you train smarter, race stronger, and love the journey.
📲 Learn more at RunningExplained.com 📢 Follow on Instagram: @runningexplained
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