Online Run & Mindset Coaching - Finding your coach

How to Choose the Right Running Coach for You

Coach Janelle

Here’s the thing: not every running coach is right for every runner.

And that’s okay

Because coaching isn’t just about writing training plans — it’s about building a relationship. And like any good relationship, it only works if both people are the right fit.

Listening Is Everything

I believe the biggest skill a coach can have isn’t speed, certifications, or how many ultras they’ve run. It’s the ability to listen.

If a coach isn’t listening to what you’re saying, what you need, what you’re struggling with, or even what you’re excited about; then it’s not a partnership.

My job isn’t just to give you workouts and solutions. My job is to coach. This means guiding you, supporting you, and sometimes simply sitting in the hard stuff with you. Even if I haven’t been in your exact shoes, I can empathize, and I can help you navigate through.

That’s what a real coaching relationship feels like.

My Coaching Philosophy

If I had to put my style into four words:

Inclusive. Empathetic. Fun. Flexible.

I coach the whole person, not just the athlete. That means your mental health comes first. Sure, data matters, but sometimes listening to how you feel tells me more than your TrainingPeaks data points ever could. My job is to help you fit running into your life, not to force your life to bend around a training plan.

Running should feel like something you want to do, not another obligation on your calendar.

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Who I Love Working With (and Who Might Not Be a Fit)

I love athletes who are curious, dedicated, and open. People who are willing to learn, try new things, and approach training with curiosity. I take the same approach as a coach, I want to know what’s worked for you before, what hasn’t, what lights you up. Coaching is collaborative. We figure it out together.

But; on the flip side; if you’re not open to change, if you want to do the same thing over and expect different results, then I might not be the right coach for you. And that’s okay. There’s a coach out there who will be the right fit.

I’ve even had athletes where our philosophies didn’t quite line up. We had an open, honest conversation, and we parted ways. No hard feelings, just clarity about what worked best for them. That’s how it should be.

Questions to Ask Any Coach

If you’re looking for a coach, here are a few questions I always recommend asking:

How many athletes do you take on at once?
What certifications or background do you have?
What’s your training philosophy?
How do you build your plans (timing, style, platform)?
How do you communicate with athletes? (frequency, method, availability)

And just as important: how does it feel when you talk to them? If the chemistry isn’t there, don’t ignore it.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩 Cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all plans.

🚩 Coaches who take on way too many athletes to give anyone individual attention.

🚩 The “jack of all trades” coach who claims to be an expert at everything.

Why Work With a Coach at All?

The truth is, you can get a training plan off the internet. But here’s what you miss:

A plan tailored to you, your fitness, your life, your goals.
A support system and someone to adapt with you as you grow.
A community (in my case, an online group of like-minded runners, plus in-person meetups in Calgary for those who can join).

Coaching isn’t about following a PDF, it’s about having a partner in your journey.

Try Before You Commit

Chemistry between a coach and athlete is huge, and it shouldn’t be ignored.

That’s why we offer:

👉 Free 15-minute discovery calls — we chat about your background, your goals, what coaching looks like, and you can ask me anything. It’s zero pressure. Just a conversation to see if we mesh.

👉 A 2-week coaching trial for $25 — you get everything included in our monthly coaching (minus gait analysis). A personalized plan, full communication, and the chance to see if our style works for you. If it doesn’t? No harm done, you still got 2 weeks of training.

Some coaches ask for 3- or 6-month commitments upfront. We don’t think that’s fair. Coaching is like dating, you want to know if it’s a match before you commit.

Finding the right coach isn’t about finding the “best” coach on paper. It’s about finding the right coach for you.

So whether it’s me or someone else, my advice is this:

Ask questions.
Trust your gut.
Remember that coaching is a partnership, not a hierarchy.

And if you’re curious about working with either Coach Janelle or Coach Gemme? Book a call, or jump into the 2 week trial. Worst-case scenario, you get a taste of coaching and clarity about what you’re looking for. Best case? You find your match.

Either way, you win.

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