Choosing a coach is a deeply personal decision. It’s not just about finding the “best” coach out there, but the one whose approach, personality, and communication style genuinely fit you, your goals, your lifestyle, and the way you like to train.
Centurion coach Julia Davis feels you need to “find some you can relate to, but also someone who understands your circumstances and can empathise with you around training and racing”.
Here’s a simple, reflective guide to help you choose your next coach with confidence.
1. Start with yourself: what do you actually need from coaching?
Before looking at any coach, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what you’re hoping to get from the process.
Ask yourself:
- What helps me stay consistent? Structure? Accountability? Flexibility? Clear explanations?
- What has held me back in the past? Injury? Confidence? Time? Overtraining? Lack of direction?
- What do I want coaching to give me? Race readiness, long-term progression, or simply more enjoyment?
“Look for someone who can create training that works for you,” says Julia, “rather than someone who expects you to fit into the training plan or system they have”.
Knowing what matters to you makes it far easier to recognise the right coaching style.
2. Use coach profiles and podcasts as your “first impression”
You can learn a great deal from how a coach talks about training, responds to questions, or explains their philosophy. Profiles and podcasts are windows into:
- their communication style
- their values and outlook
- whether they emphasise enjoyment, performance, durability, or balance
- their coaching philosophy and methods
As you read or listen, reflect on your reaction: Do I like how this coach communicates? Can I imagine learning from them? Does their approach feel calming, motivating, or clear?
Your instinct here is useful.
3. Look for clues about how the coach handles tough moments
A coach’s real value often shows when life interrupts training. Look for signals in their content about how they approach:
- missed sessions
- niggles and injuries
- busy work weeks
- motivation dips
- race anxiety or disappointment
If their outlook feels reassuring, practical, and balanced, that’s a strong sign you’ll work well together.
4. Consider the coach’s experience, but look for relevance over prestige
A coach doesn’t need to have identical race results to you; what matters is whether they understand the type of runner you are and the goals you have.
Reflect on:
- Have they coached athletes with similar backgrounds?
- Does their philosophy align with your current needs?
- Does their experience feel applicable to your goals?
- Do they seem committed to continued learning and development?
A good match is one where expertise meets compatibility.
5. Trust your response to their voice and personality
You can learn a lot from how a coach speaks, writes, or explains an idea. Tone matters. Clarity matters. The sense of being understood matters.
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable with this coach’s personality?
- Do I feel calmer or more confident after hearing them explain something?
- Does their style make training feel exciting, manageable, or reassuring?
- Can I imagine being open and honest with them over time?
These feelings are rarely wrong.
Summary
Choosing a coach is less about ticking boxes and more about recognising alignment. Use the available profiles, podcasts, and experience descriptions to understand how each coach thinks.
Lastly Julia wants “any prospective new athlete to not be afraid to ask more questions. A good coach is preparing for a long and fruitful coach-athlete relationship with you as well and if it doesn’t feel like that it can be a warning sign”.
Reflect on what you need, how you like to be supported, and what kind of communication helps you thrive. When you find a coach whose approach feels clear, comfortable, and motivating, you’ve very likely found the right match.