How to Find the Best Running Coach Certification

A running coach can help clients increase their speed and improve their running performance. They also know how to reduce a runner’s injury risk. If you hold this type of role, you may be considering a certification course. We’ll share several factors to consider that can help you find the best certification program for you. Before we begin, let’s talk about why you should pursue coaching certification in the first place. 

Benefits of Earning Your Certification as a Running Coach

Having your certification tells potential clients that you’ve met certain standards. This can help them feel more at ease when hiring you—especially when anyone can call themselves a running coach. They can have greater confidence that you’re the “real deal.”

Getting your certification also sets you apart from a running coach who isn’t certified. It helps give you a higher level of authority. This can be even more critical if you are a new running coach. If you don’t have a lot of coaching experience, your certification establishes your expertise. It says that you understand the best practices for running training.

You can also use this certification to boost other coaching services. Maybe you already work as a personal trainer. In addition to creating cardio and strength workouts for clients, becoming a certified running coach would enable you to supply running workouts as well. This offers more value to clients with numerous fitness goals.

Running coaching is also complementary to life coaching. Earning your certification as a running coach can help you better train clients who want a life coach but also have running goals. 

Becoming a certified coach in running also adds another revenue stream. You could offer running coaching as an add-on service to personal trainer or life coaching clients. Alternatively, you might develop a training program that includes both components. Because it addresses multiple areas, you could charge more for it. An example would be a strength training program for runners. 

Taking this route may require you to complete two coach certification programs. In addition to life coach training or becoming a certified life coach, you might also need to complete training as a running coach. The same is true if you wanted to be both a certified personal trainer and a certified running coach.

Does this sound like a lot of work? In reality, it can be upfront. But holding both types of coach certification can help you in a dual role. It makes you more appealing to an athlete or runner who could benefit from a professional with both a running coach and personal training or life coach certification. 

What’s the Best Running Coach Certification for You?

You’ve decided to get your coaching certification. The next question some people have is which one is best? Unfortunately, there is no “best coach certification course” for every running coach. Instead, it’s more about finding the best certification for you.

Factors to consider include:

• The type of coaching you want to offer. You might want to coach clients interested in running a half marathon or marathon, for instance. Your certification course should provide instruction for coaching these types of events. (On a side note, you may decide to provide coaching for a specific event. As an example, if you offer marathon training, you may want to coach clients interested in running the Chicago or Boston Marathon. Defining this niche can help set you apart as a professional coach.)

• Your coaching philosophy. It’s important to find a certification course that aligns with what you believe as a running coach. If it doesn’t, you won’t find the information it provides helpful in your coaching business. Even worse, it could turn you off from being a running coach altogether. The course’s curriculum may provide this information. If it doesn’t, reach out to the organization offering the course. Ask them if the program follows a specific running or training philosophy.

• Your coaching style. Just as the certification program needs to align with your beliefs, it should also match your coaching style. It’s not going to do you much good to learn how to be an authoritarian coach when you have a more democratic coaching style. While some certification programs don’t focus on developing coaching styles, others may. In instances of the latter, know how you want to coach your runner clients. Then, choose a training course consistent with that style. (If you’re unsure of your coaching style, Indeed’s Career Guide offers 11 different styles to consider.)

• Whether you want to earn your certification online or in person. An online coaching certification program provides flexibility and convenience. But if you learn best with face-to-face instruction, an in-person coach certification may be better for you. Some running coach programs are more hybrid. They include both online materials and live instruction. This provides access to both learning methods. It also switches things up, which can help keep you from getting bored.

• How much time you can commit to coach certification. Most people nowadays have busy schedules. They have work obligations, family obligations, and more. How much free time can you find to complete coach certification? Think not just about hours per week, but also program length. Some online coach certification courses are self-paced. This enables you to earn your certification according to your schedule.

Other Factors to Consider When Selecting a Running Certification Program

In addition to considering what you may be personally looking for in a running coach certification course, there are a few factors that apply to anyone interested in this type of program. One is course comprehensiveness.

There are different levels of coaching education. Some certification programs provide only running basics. Others take a more in-depth look at running techniques and how they impact performance. Or they identify special running considerations and training adaptations. The more in-depth your certification course is, the more knowledge you’ll have to apply when working with clients.

It’s also helpful to choose a program that discusses the challenges a runner is likely to face. Does it talk about the most common running injuries? What about motivational challenges for runners? The better you understand your clients, the better your ability to help them avoid these pitfalls.

Another factor to consider is whether the course ends with a certification or if you have to go elsewhere to earn this designation. A course that includes certification creates a more streamlined process. It can also feel more comfortable since you’re familiar with the organization and their testing practices.

Putting Your Running Coach Certification to Good Use

You’ve earned your certification as a running coach, now what? Perhaps the best way to use your coach certification is to develop a training plan for runner clients. This program could be individualized based on a client’s specific needs. Or it may be a basic coach training program that can be used by people of various fitness levels.

Once you’re a certified running coach, you can also use your certification to highlight your authority. Add “Certified Running Coach” to your business cards, marketing materials, and email signature. If you have someplace you regularly meet with clients, hang your certification on the wall. 

If you plan to work for an employer, they may require you to be a certified running coach before you can apply. Completing a certification program now can help you qualify for their open running coach positions.

Ready to Earn Your Running Coach Certification?

ISSA offers a Running Coach Certification program. In this course, you learn about exercise science and how to develop a safe, effective training program for runners. It also covers proper running technique, ways to boost running performance, and motivational strategies for helping clients reach their running goals.