Let’s do this.

A running coach, that is. After running three half marathons and Around the Bay 30k, I’ve learned a few things.

I don’t know enough about running to develop plans that work for me.

I’m not getting better as quickly as I’d like.

If I don’t have a goal, my training goes out the window.

I thought that getting a coach might change that. I had a coach for basketball right up to the very end. The most elite athletes in the world have coaches. They have coaches to make them better. I have a fitness budget, I have the desire to become a better runner. Why not hire a coach and see if it works for me?

Yesterday, I met with Andie, my new coach. Andie is the FitStreets queen. I really liked her style and approach to running and when I learned that her running coach option (she outlines all her services on her site) was reasonably priced, I figured why not? I want to run a full marathon, so let’s do this right.

We grabbed coffee at my office and discussed the basics: my time goals, my running routine, my shoes and gear, what races I wanted to run in the lead-up to the full marathon, how I should track my work-outs and what to expect out of training for a marathon. She’s now going to put a 20-week plan together for me leading up to the Scotiabank Bluenose Marathon on May 19, 2013.

I’m exited. I’m terrified. But so far, I think hiring a coach was the right call. I like the idea of having a personal plan that’s designed for me and my needs, that will work around my injuries and schedule. I also like the idea of having a sound board for my questions and a place to channel all my running-related queries. Because, let’s face it, my friends don’t want to hear about those as often as I want to talk about it.

I’ve felt like I’ve been in a running rut since Midsummer’s. Sure, I’ve been running and had a great race with Jill. But I haven’t set any goals or looked forward, I was just going through the motions. I want the Bluenose to change that.

I’ll let you know how it goes.