Coaching With Heart
What it means to be a running coach beyond the stopwatch
When I reflect on my high school days as a runner, I think about the structure of that environment—where seasons were measured in PRs, fast efforts, and, in many cases, titles. This competitive atmosphere forms the foundation for many young athletes, shaping how they experience the sport.
As I look back on my own journey, I realize that coaching is about far more than just numbers on a stopwatch. While many coaches excel at helping athletes shave down their times, the truly great ones go beyond the numbers. They build human athletes—emphasis on the human.
I think about all the coaches I’ve had throughout my life and the impact they had on my development—not just as a runner, but as a person. Some emphasized performance above all else, focusing entirely on splits, placing, and results (a common experience for many). Others, however, saw me as more than just an athlete. They cared about my growth, mindset, and overall well-being. Ironically, those were the coaches under whom I achieved my best performances.
Because they helped me unlock the joy of running.
This isn’t to say that striving for excellence is wrong. Athletes chasing Olympic dreams or national titles have a different relationship with the sport, and for them, joy often comes from the pursuit of greatness. But when that joy fades—when running becomes solely about numbers and expectations—we see burnout, injuries, and even early retirements. No matter the level, running should always bring fulfillment.
Coaching Beyond the Stopwatch
For me, becoming a coach was never just about holding a stopwatch (though I do grab one from time to time—or, for the unfortunate souls around me, a whistle). It was about creating a space where runners could rediscover the joy of movement, celebrate consistency, and recognize that accomplishments go beyond finish lines.
Coaching with heart means seeing each athlete as a whole person—understanding their unique motivations, challenges, and aspirations. It’s about building a partnership, not just dictating a training regimen.
One of the most meaningful aspects of coaching is offering emotional support. Running is deeply personal, and because it involves our bodies, it should be just as personal for everyone. For some, it’s an escape and stress relief; for others, it’s a way to push boundaries and set goals. Every runner comes to the sport with a different story, and coaching with heart means recognizing that and adapting to the athlete as a human being.
A tough workout isn’t always tough because of the splits—it can be tough because life outside of running is weighing heavy. A good coach understands this and helps athletes adapt, providing encouragement beyond just the physical aspects of training.
This is also why personalized coaching is so valuable. No disrespect to our AI overlords or the downloadable training plans that work for many runners. But one thing I’ve noticed is the irreplaceable connection between a coach and an athlete.
No two runners are the same, and no two journeys look alike. A good coach doesn’t just assign workouts—they take the time to understand an athlete’s background, fitness level, and goals. Whether it’s about building endurance, coming back from injury, or simply finding joy in movement again, true coaching is built on connection and understanding.
And encouragement is the glue that holds it all together. A coach who leads with heart doesn’t just push athletes toward results—they remind them why they started in the first place. They foster a sense of community, ensuring that every runner feels valued and supported. Running, at its core, is about movement, growth, and connection, and a coach should nurture that spirit. When runners know they have someone cheering for them through every high and low, they are more likely to stay consistent, resilient, and motivated.
Finding the Right Coach
If you’re looking for a coach, seek out someone who sees you as more than just a set of race results. Find a coach who listens, encourages, and helps you build a sustainable and fulfilling relationship with running—someone who helps you grow as both an athlete and a person.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t make a selfish plug here: If that resonates with you, I’d love to connect and help you build something that lasts beyond just one race cycle. But even if it isn’t me, find someone who supports your journey, values your humanity, and helps you grow in the right ways.
Running is a lifelong journey, and coaching should reflect that. Whether you’re chasing a PR, coming back after time off, or simply looking for guidance, the right coach can make all the difference.
Find someone who helps you make every mile count.
What Else Is the RunninRev Up To?
Run Build Grow
In this past weekends episode, I had on Jeff Van Horn, founder and owner of Lucky Road Run Shop in the Central Virginia Area. Jeff joins to talk about run shoes, runner health, and how healthy runners build healthy communities. Check it out here and make sure to follow on your favorite podcasting app? Find it here
You can also help to support the podcast and my work by either becoming a paid subscriber here on Substack, or by clicking the link below to “Buy me a coffee.”
An Extra Note:
This week, (in fact I am probably about to leave as you receive this in your inbox) I am heading down to Atlanta for a Conference exploring what are known as Fresh Expressions in the United Methodist Church. These are expressions of church beyond our traditional understandings that help folks experience the incarnational nature of the church beyond the walls traditional churches have constructed.
This is an exciting opportunity, and fits in with my passions as a pastor of building community that embodies Christ, rather than one that merely puts the label church upon themselves. I hope to get to share more throughout the week, so keep an eye on my notes, or more articles I publish.
If you want to follow my Notes, you can see them on Substack or download the app below.
