‘
Don’t be afraid to tell a
client if you think you
might not be the best
person to help them with
their running training.
How to
help a distance
runner
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other fitness professionals,
it’s a good idea to make
links with them. Build
relationships with local
running clubs, physios and
sports massage therapists
so that you can refer your
client to them if they need
more specialist help with
these areas. And in time
you’ll find the same people
referring clients your way.
Don’t be afraid to tell a
client if you think you might
not be the best person to
help them with their running
training. Some of the best
feedback I’ve had is from
clients who I’ve referred to
an ultra-running coach
when their training sits
outside my specialism.
They’ve appreciated my
honesty and recommended
me to other clients that I can
help.
All clients have different
goals. For runners looking to
use weight training to make
them a better runner, the key
is to ensure that this is done
in a way that it helps their
running, and doesn’t hinder
it. Hard track sessions or
tempo runs aren’t going to
go well if a runner has
delayed onset muscle
soreness from their last gym
session.
If they have a training
plan they’re working to, ask
to see it. It’s important you
know when their hard
running workouts are so that
you can schedule your
sessions accordingly.
Nobody is going to enjoy an
18-mile long run the day
after they’ve been deadlifting
with their PT. But a client is
likely to look for the most
convenient day in their diary
without giving much thought
to the downside to back-to-
back hard training days.
I love running, and I hope
that my passion for it comes
across when I’m working
with clients. But I know that
not everyone shares my
feelings for running. We all
have our own likes and
dislikes when it comes to
exercise (you couldn’t pay
me to do burpee push-ups
for five minutes for example),
and not all PTs like running,
and that’s OK. But don’t let
your own feelings about
running affect your session
with a client who is excited
about the support.
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If they’ve got a running
coach, coordinate and
liaise with them.
Work alongside their
training plan. If they’ve not
got one, help them build it.
Tight hamstrings, calves,
and weak glutes are
common problem areas
for runners.
If you’re not sure on
common running injuries,
don’t be afraid to ask a
physio or self-educate.
Get down to your local
parkrun (weekly free 5Ks
across the country) and
meet some runners.
Non-
runners
who say
things like
‘Running is
so boring’ or
‘It’s not good
for you’ are a big
turn-off to runners,
and your client is
going to see your
disinterest in running
as a disinterest in
helping them.
If you’re yet to be
converted, get out to the
park and do some running
yourself to help you get an
inside understanding of why
the sport is growing so
rapidly. If nothing else, it’s a
great opportunity to meet
potential clients.
@REPsUK
FM 23