Road map to getting started with a Run Coach

Imagine this, you are running on the trails when you come to a fork in the road; do you a) follow the trail you always take or b) take the trail less travelled?  This scenario is not to dissimilar when you are deciding to engage with a coach. Do you a) do what you have always done and train adhoc or b) engage with a coach for greater structure, accountability and an individualised smart plan?

Welcome to your fork in the road – the Planted Life, Planted Runner coach offering tailored to you.

You don’t need to be an elite runner to engage with a running coach. You just need the will to set goals (we can help you with that) that push you outside of your comfort zone and the desire to be accountable to training sessions that are scheduled to fit in with your life.

Engaging with a run coach is about you being sensible when it comes to working (running) towards a goal to help minimise injury by managing the increase in load; you are in this for the long haul and load management is one of the key ingredients to ensuring consistent injury free running.

When it comes to running you need a stronger body (not better shoes) to become a better runner (although we are here to help you find the right equipment to support you in your goal too). We incorporate strength & conditioning training into your weekly schedule to support your running as we believe training is more about quality sessions than quantity.

Training with Planted Life incorporates MIND | BODY | FOOD; we take a holistic approach to training with the focus not only on running but on mindful practices, positive movements of flow and balance and your lifestyle diet which we will ensure incorporates plant-based foods that assist in not only power and performance but rest and recovery.

Our coaching style offers benefits in not only speed & endurance but an overall education on the elements that assist in you becoming a more grounded runner and competitor. As trail runners ourselves, we work hard to create a personalised training plan for you with our knowledge based on the science behind training plus real-world experience and competing.

We have run and raced in numerous events around Australia in particular Victoria and South Australia so the chances are, the race you wish to sign up for we have had first-hand experience in. We have felt the demands of the climate in Queensland and that of the Victorian high country and can guide you to be as prepared as possible when you commit to a goal in these regions.

There are some amazing races coming up in both Victoria and South Australia that we encourage you to think about and look to challenge yourself by registering for a distance that pushes you outside your comfort zone.

Notable Runs in Victoria

• Wonderland – 29th August 2021, Halls Gap
• Surf Coast Century – 11th September, Anglesea
• Rapid Ascent Trail Run Series – 17th October, Silvan Reservoir Park
• Halloween Howler – 30th October, You Yangs
• Port of Portland 3-Bays Running Festival – 30^th – 31^st October, Portland
• Rollercoaster Run – 27th November, SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong
• Alpine Challenge – 27th November, Falls Creek

 Notable Runs in South Australia

• Federation Ultra Trail – Murray Bridge, 14th August
• TRSA Series Race 4, Cobbler Creek – 5th September
• Yurrebilla Trail Ultramarathon – Belair National Park, 26th September
• TRSA Series Race 5, Mount Crawford – 10th October
• Heysen 105 – Victor Harbor, 23rd October
• Kuitpo Forest Trail Run and Championships – 7th November

Planted Life will help you become a stronger Planted Runner This we can guarantee. To learn more about our coaching services click here. We have partnered with TrainingPeaks to make controlling your training easier for you.

A few questions asked by our Planted Runners when they sign up to our coaching service:

Can I continue to cross train or visit the gym if it’s not on my training plan? 

Yes, Yes Yes! We encourage training outside of running not only for physical gains but for continued motivation. We do ask that you just make sure you still have the energy and motivation to complete your run workouts and any other sessions that are scheduled into your plan.  Prior to writing your program with you, we do find out your current movement/fitness schedule and try to incorporate this the best we can into your new training schedule.

Can I run longer than what’s assigned in my training plan?

We always recommend that you stick pretty close to the time, intensity and structure of your training plan’s workouts and ask that where possible, you do not change sessions around without discussing with us first.  It’s important to create consistency in your daily training and the structure of the plan has been written to manage fatigue and risk of injury.  However, we are aware that ‘life happens’ so understand that every now and then training sessions need to be swapped around, we totally get this.

How does injury affect my training plan?

Argh injuries, we have all been there and it really does suck when it happens to you. Unfortunately, injury is a possibility due to the [small] risks associated with endurance & trail running.  If injury does happen to you, let us know as soon as you can of the injury so we can 1. make sure you’re ok 2. Make sure you’re seeing the right professional, and 3. adjust your training plan accordingly. Together we can get through this inconvenience and have your back to running stronger than ever before not too long.

Can I cancel my coaching if I am no longer working towards a run goal?

Your coaching service is charged on a month by month basis, beginning at the start of each month.  We do ask for 1 months’ notice when cancelling your coaching service with us. All coaching services are charged per month and the charge is for part of or the full month.

The set-up fee of $42.2 is non-refundable and if you are signing up as a PREMUM athlete, you will need to cancel your subscription with TrainingPeaks by removing Planted Life [Amanda Meggison] as your coach.  If you are unable to do this, please let us know in writing and we will manually make the changes for you.

Time to commit

If you are ready to commit to a goal that you set yourself yesterday and are unsure of how to commit to it today we really want to hear from you, and are here to answer any questions you have.

Feel free to write us to sayhello@plantedlife.com.au, and Amanda will get back to you within 48 hours.

Your Planted journey starts now.