Exciting day! I still have more amazing running coaches to feature in the Saturday Spotlight. This week’s featured coach is an online “run buddy” I’ve actually met in person and…we even went through our RRCA Certification Class together! She’s a fabulous runner, writer and well, anyone would be lucky to work with her as a coach! Who is she?

Spotlight: Karen Poole

Find her at ReasonToPlay.com | Contact her at karenpoolefitness [at] gmail

What is your coaching style/ philosophy?

My style is focused on high intensity. I want to coach people committed to success who give 100%. I love coaching for 5k’s and meeting at the track for runs and intervals. I like to get to know my clients, find out why they are running and then get them invested in their success as much or more than I am. My two favorite distances are the 5K and half marathon, so these are the distances I feel I am best at as a coach because I have so much personal experience with these.

I want my clients to realize that no matter how fast or slow they think they are or others tell them, they are still runners and still succeeding. I feel like so many people get turned off from running at a young age because they are told they aren’t good enough or fast enough. I want everyone to know that they can run, they can succeed and reach their goals. They just need to be committed.

What kind of runner are you best able to help?

I see so many runners just plugging along at the same speed every day. I myself have been there before, but it’s just not helpful! Changing up your runs with intervals, new terrain, cross training and fartleks is so important to bettering yourself as a runner. I would love to help everyone learn how to properly push themselves and constantly challenge their bodies. We all need lighter run days, but running with a purpose is what I wish everyone knew how to do.

What resources does run coach @superwomankw recommend? Read this Saturday Spotlight and find out! Click To Tweet

What is your favorite resource for running?

I just read Meb for Mortals and I absolutely loved it. Great advice for average runners to olympians on proper training and the importance of recovery. If you like running – go read it!

I also love reading runnersworld.com or the actual magazine. They always have at least a few new tips to help me in my own running or to help my clients.

What piece of advice do you frequently give to runners?

I find myself telling other runners to push themselves and find their inner strength. I am also always telling runners to focus on strengthening their core, planks are great for this.

When should runners hire a coach?

When you feel like you are no longer progressing you should definitely hire a coach to help mix up your training and give you a boost in performance. I wish I had hired a coach for my marathon training a few years ago. If you can afford it, a coach can provide you with proper form advice and motivation to show up each day and run. If your goals are to get PR’s you should definitely look at hiring a coach for at least a few sessions. It’s excellent to have an outside set of eyes and ears watching your form, how you are training and give you advice to help you improve.