With the Christmas break behind me, I knew it was time to take my marathon training to the next level. I With the Christmas break behind me, I knew it was time to take my marathon training to the next level. I decided to sign up with New Levels Coaching, a decision I had been contemplating for some time. The prospect of structured training and professional guidance was exciting and daunting in equal measure.

The Sign-Up Process

The sign-up process with New Levels Coaching was smooth and straightforward. I filled out the necessary forms and provided details about my running background, goals, and current fitness level. On the first Monday of January, I officially signed up, and by Wednesday, I was having my initial review call with Jen, my new coach. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my marathon training journey.

Meeting Coach Jen

Jen and I scheduled our first call to discuss my training plan. From the moment we started talking, I felt a sense of ease. Jen’s approach was professional yet friendly, making it clear that she understood my goals and the challenges I faced. She reviewed my past running experiences, including the recent 25K, and provided insightful feedback on my performance.

Jen emphasized the importance of balancing training with rest, particularly given the knee pain I had experienced. She reassured me that our training plan would be tailored to my needs, ensuring gradual progression while minimizing the risk of injury. This personalized approach was exactly what I needed to feel confident moving forward.

Setting Goals

One of the first things Jen asked me was about my goals for the marathon. I told her I had three main objectives:

1. Be Ready to Start: This was more of a mental preparation, ensuring that I had the tools and confidence to begin my marathon training journey.
2. Be Able to Finish: Complete the marathon, regardless of the time.
3. Finish Under 4 Hours: If possible, achieve a time of under 4 hours.

Jen appreciated my clear goals and assured me that with dedication and the right training, they were all achievable. We set our target date for April 7th, giving us a clear timeline to work with.

First Interactions

During our initial review call, Jen asked me to upload my latest activities from Garmin to Final Surge, the app we would use to track my progress. She recommended that I rest for the first week to see if it helped with my knee pain. I described the pain as manageable while running but sore afterward. Jen stressed the importance of addressing this issue early on to prevent further injury.

Jen outlined a comprehensive plan that included three runs a week, considering my badminton and football sessions to avoid overloading me. Saturdays were designated as rest days, but I was free to use them for bike rides or to swap my weekend activities around.

Jen also suggested practicing with gel intake on my long runs. This would help me get used to consuming gels and give me a good understanding of how they would affect me during the marathon.

All coaching would be done remotely and over the phone, with data gathered via my Garmin watch and synced to the Final Surge app. This setup provided flexibility and ensured that Jen had all the information needed to tailor my training plan effectively.

Jen emphasized the importance of feedback: “The more feedback you give on each session, the better it is for me to tailor your training. I will provide feedback at the start of each week.” Her attention to detail and supportive attitude made a significant difference. She encouraged me to ask questions and share any concerns, emphasizing that communication would be key throughout our coaching relationship.

Looking Ahead

Starting with New Levels Coaching and working with Jen has already had a positive impact on my training. The structured approach and professional guidance have boosted my confidence and motivation. I am excited to see how my training progresses under Jen’s expertise and support.

Have you ever worked with a coach or considered professional guidance for your training? How did it impact your performance and motivation? Sharing our experiences can help us all learn and grow together.

New Levels Coaching – sign up today https://www.newlevelscoaching.co.uk/onlinerunningcoaching/