Getting My Start in Online Coaching

Becoming an Online Running Coach Has Changed My Life (And Maybe Yours Too!)

How did I get started with online coaching, where I’d like to go next, and how TrainwithMarc can help your running.

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At the end of 2010, I was asked if I could write a training plan for an upcoming race that Patty had wanted to run.  I had been coaching for 3+ years at that point – all as a high school assistant coach – and I was a budding (read: haphazardly and awkwardly writing online) blogger.  As much as I was looking to make ends meet, I also have a burning passion for distance running.

I was going back to school (after Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees) to become a teacher.  I needed the work and I needed the practice working with different types of runners if I wanted to reach my end goal: becoming a college coach.

Within a few weeks of starting with Patty, the newly formed TrainwithMarc had 3 runners in the fold.  We were off to the races!

Since starting, I’ve worked with runners (and non-runners) who want to run fast one-mile races all the way up to friends who wanted to run ultra races (over 26.2 miles).

So here’s a little bit about who Marc is and what TrainwithMarc is intended to do!

My Day Job:

I’m a Middle School Special Education teacher at Cinnaminson Middle School. I teach 6th grade Math and 7th grade Language Arts. I’m also the distance running coach for both cross country and track.  I’ve been at CMS for almost 4 years and have been teaching for almost 6 years now.

How I Found My Niche:

I write training plans for distance runners and it’s all online.  I use a customized Google Sheet that I outfitted to be the best training log for runners.  It gives me the satisfaction of putting my coaching talents to use, helps bring in some extra money, and I get to work remotely so I still have time for my family.

Online Coaching:

Outside of school, I’m an online running coach who helps distance runners around the globe.  I give support, write customized training plans and design workouts to help each runner reach their racing goals.  (Read: motivator, trainer, supporter, and guide to all things running).

This works perfectly for me because I motivate, train, and teach runners about proper running and strength routines but also have the flexibility to work my full-time job as a teacher.  It’s also great because I get to spend time with my family. Because this is mostly online (I also do in-person training), I can work on creating training plans on nights and weekends or when my daughter is sleeping.

In-Person Coaching:

On top of the online coaching, I also do some in-person training, running form assessments, and I have partnered with my coaching staff to start a track camp for kids during the summer.  

In the past, I tried to start a local training group, but it didn’t take off, but that was a lot of fun trying to get that up and going.  

Now, Carly and I created a gift package, called a Runner’s Bundle Box, intended for runners who are looking for gift ideas or need a box of goodies to get them going with a half or full marathon training plan.  It’ll have resistance bands, runner-specific food items, and other fun additions.

The Best Part:

The best part of online coaching for me is that it fulfills a huge passion of mine.  I have been a runner/coach/athlete for over 20 years. And while sometimes one-on-one or team coaching can’t fit into my schedule because of other priorities, I get to still share my knowledge and motivate people on a daily basis doing what I and they both love to do.  The second best part is seeing runners progress from where they started before working with me to where they end up on race day.

The workouts are challenging, but doable. Working with you is definitely holding me accountable.

– Kara

Getting Better:

I know that I’m good at coaching and I’m decent at social media (posting and sharing).  Where my weaknesses lie is in creating new content on my blog. I find that my writing skills are getting better, but it is still time-consuming.  My goal in blogging is to get all the knowledge I have and package it into something that runners can use and make themselves a better runner.  

My History:  

I have lots of experience and a burning passion for what I do.  I’ve been running competitively since high school (1999) where I was a state champion in cross country and the 1600 and went on to run cross country and track at Villanova University.  I have years of practical experience that serves me well as I work with my runners.

Since becoming a coach in 2008, I’ve been accredited by USATF and Jack Daniels Running Coach through their certification programs.

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I’ve also been blessed with amazing coaches/mentors throughout my running career.  I’ve worked under and side-by-side some phenomenal coaches that have helped guide my coaching.

View this post on Instagram

My last long run – 9 miles – before the Atlanta Marathon on 3/17/19.

A post shared by Marc Pelerin | NJ Run Coach (@trainwithmarc_llc) on Mar 12, 2019 at 8:29am PDT

What Might Come Next?:

My goal is to help more and more runners reach their maximum potential!  On top of working with more runners, I want to grow my summer track camp and start retreats/mini-camps for adults.

Why YOU Should Get a Coach:

The best reason you should hire a running coach is to simplify the training plan.  When a coach writes a plan for you, you’ll know exactly what to do on every given day.  There isn’t a better feeling in the world than looking at your training for the day and not having to guess what you should do.  The guesswork is gone. The planning is gone. All you need to do is execute what’s on the plan for the day.

After that, having an experienced and knowledgeable person to assist you with questions is very valuable and super important should any kind of issue arise during your training.  A good coach will be able to get you back on track or modify your training plan.

If you’re still unsure about whether you should invest in a coach, ask questions! I’m here for you and I can point you to any number of coaches who could help you – even if it’s not me!

Did you find this article helpful? Let me know by leaving a comment below or join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

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Welcome to the Running Coaches’ Corner

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Searching for a running coach? TrainwithMarc has flexible schedules, dynamic plans, and access to a coach who’s worked with every type of runner.

TrainwithMarc will design a training plan based on your needs, running history, and your goals.

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