I’m really not very fit. Would I get
anything out of Shoeguide Coaching?
Our training schedules are drawn up based on your personal profile. So the
training schedule you are sent will be geared towards taking your current level
of fitness and moving this forwards at a pace appropriate to you.
I’m an experienced runner and know a lot
about training. What will I gain from joining the Coaching?
Your running schedule will be drawn up to meet your personal requirements. Your running
schedule will include a variety of sessions to maximise the physiological
benefits and mental stimulation. Even for runners with a vast knowledge the
tailored training will allow you to focus on doing the work rather than
worrying about planning it.
I want to get in shape, lose a bit of
weight and tone up, I don’t want to race like Paula Radcliffe. Can you help me?
Definitely. Just choose the appropriate goal on your profile and the training
will be geared for this. As you get in shape and tone up you will find that you
look better, feel healthier and are better at any exercise you do too! They are
all great bonuses!
I just run/walk for fitness, isn’t Shoeguide Coach a bit serious for me?
We set training for the full spectrum of abilities - for recreational
runners and walkers as well as the elite. You choose how much you want to put in
to your training and we make sure you get the maximum benefit from this. The training will be varied and interesting, you
don’t have to think about what to do and you will get the maximal fitness benefits.
What is my training
schedule geared towards?
Your training is set to whatever goal you choose, whether
it is a health aim or based on an event. We look at the level of fitness you
currently have and work towards success at
your chosen goal.
What happens if I find the training becomes
too hard or too easy?
There are full
instructions on what to do in this situation in the guide to understanding your
training. You can change your training at any time. The next week’s
training will be set at a new different level. You can change as many times as
you wish but it is not advisable to keep chopping and changing.
What if I get ill or injured?
You should let us know straight away. If in doubt you should always stop
training as you will do more harm than good by training when ill or injured. We
will then help you back on the road to fitness.
What happens if I decide to change my
goal?
This is no problem. In fact we encourage people to change goal every few
months to add even more fun and variety to the training. Just go to your
profile and change your goal there (remember to update your current fitness
level too). We will adjust your training accordingly. If you do wish to
continue with the same goal this is fine too.
I’m worried I won’t understand some of the jargon used in training schedules.
Each session has comments alongside it to help you understand what to do.
You also receive a guide to help you understand some of the terms used, that
guide is also available in the links on the right of this webpage. If you’re still
struggling you can contact us.
I have an injury/illness problem. Can
you tell me what to do?
We do not provide medical support as part of the coaching. We always
recommend that you seek face-to-face help, advice and treatment from an
appropriate healthcare professional. (Would you try to fix your car by trying
to explain the problem/get advice via email? Your body is more important than
your car!) The training we set is built around your current level of fitness.
As mentioned above you need to speak to your doctor to ensure that you are
healthy enough to do this.
Should I do anything before starting my training?
You should speak to your doctor before increasing or any changing your
training. They will be able to check you are healthy enough to start the
training and have no medical conditions that mean you should not do so.
I’m an experienced runner do I need to
see my doctor before starting this training?
Yes. It is still right to do this (it is the National Health Service rather
than the National Sickness Service after all!). Elite athletes get themselves
checked out regularly to try to pick up on any problems before they develop, so
do the same. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma) it is
also a good chance to check that they are being managed to the best possible
extent.