by Coach Paul Warloski
At some point in your journey as an endurance athlete, you might set a BHAG—a Big, Hairy Audacious Goal.
Maybe it’s finishing your first trail marathon, chasing a podium spot in cyclocross, beating your personal best in a gravel race, or seeing what you’re really capable of in a sprint triathlon.
The natural question is: Do I really need a coach for this?
After all, there are plenty of training plans online.
For some athletes, those are enough: Download, follow, repeat.
But research tells a different story.
If your goal truly matters—if you’re serious about unlocking your potential—a coach dramatically improves your chances of success.
Here are six research-supported ways coaching can help you reach your goals:
1. Accountability: Staying Consistent When It Counts
One of the most powerful roles a coach plays is helping you stay accountable.
When someone is in your corner—checking in, offering feedback, and expecting progress—you’re more likely to follow through, even when life gets busy or motivation dips.
- Regular Check-ins: Coaches schedule consistent reviews to track progress, make adjustments, and support you through challenges.
- Constructive Feedback: Celebrating wins and learning from setbacks builds momentum and reinforces consistency.
2. Goal Clarity and Structured Planning
It’s one thing to have a dream—it’s another to break it down into a clear plan.
A coach helps you define specific, actionable goals and map out a path to reach them.
- Effective Goal Setting: From adding more Zone 2 endurance work to integrating strength or yoga, your coach helps you zero in on what matters most.
- Action Planning: Together, you’ll design practical steps and weekly routines to move forward.
- Prioritization: Coaches help you focus on the most impactful actions—like getting more recovery or sleep—based on your current training load and life demands.
3. Individualized Support: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Everyone is different.
Personalized coaching recognizes your unique needs, strengths, and circumstances to create a plan that works for you.
- Adapting in Real Time: When work, family, or life throws curveballs, your coach adjusts the plan, not just the schedule.
- Targeted Skill Development: Need help with fueling, pacing, or mental skills? Your coach identifies weak spots and helps you improve them efficiently.
4. Motivation and Confidence Boost
Research shows coaching boosts self-confidence and motivation—critical ingredients for endurance success.
Coaches help you stay focused on your “why” and bounce back after setbacks.
- Mental Resilience: Coaches nurture a growth mindset and help you tap into intrinsic motivation.
- Visualizing Success: When you connect emotionally to your goal, it’s easier to stay committed.
5. Breaking Through Barriers
Every athlete hits roadblocks.
Whether it’s a plateau in fitness, fear of failure, or just being overwhelmed by training, a coach helps you work through it.
- Fresh Perspective: Sometimes you’re too close to see the solution. A coach offers an outside view and new strategies.
- Problem-Solving Tools: Coaching encourages reflection and builds awareness to help you recognize what’s holding you back—and how to move forward.
6. Long-Term Habit and Behavior Change
The real magic of coaching is in sustained change over time.
Research confirms that coaching helps athletes create lasting habits that support health, performance, and well-being.
- Personal Accountability Systems: From weekly logs to rewards and routines, coaches help you build systems that keep progress going.
- Strategic Adjustments: As you evolve, so does your plan. Your coach ensures you continue growing toward your goals, step by step.
The Research Behind Coaching
If you’re someone who likes the science, here are a few highlights:
- A 2003 study found life coaching significantly improved goal achievement, self-awareness, and mental well-being.
- A 2014 meta-analysis confirmed that coaching positively influences performance, coping skills, and goal success.
- A 2015 review on workplace coaching showed strong benefits in goal attainment, self-efficacy, and confidence.
- Studies in health coaching revealed improvements in behavior change around nutrition, fitness, and adherence to healthy habits.
- Even in corporate settings, coaching delivered ROI through enhanced goal achievement and leadership development.
Coaching Is an Investment in Your Goals
Hiring a coach isn’t for everyone.
If your goal is relatively casual, you might not need that level of structure.
But if your goal matters—if it’s a stretch, if it scares and excites you—coaching is worth the investment.
It’s not just about performance; it’s about growth, confidence, and seeing what you’re capable of.
And yes, there’s a financial commitment.
But that investment also makes you more likely to follow through—because you have skin in the game and someone supporting you every step of the way.
Why Simple Endurance Coaching MIght Be Your Coach
We believe in a holistic approach to endurance sports training.
We don’t just hand you a training plan with your daily bike or run workouts.
We provide you with a program that includes endurance and interval training, strength training, and yoga for mobility.
We also work with you on your nutrition and about mental skills like visualization, and we help you focus on recovery to get stronger and more resilient.
Our goal is to help you build your fitness and health first because your performance will naturally improve.
Three Things to Know About Reasons to Get a Coach
1. Coaching Improves Goal Achievement
Research shows that athletes working with a coach are significantly more likely to reach their goals.
2. Support + Accountability Drive Consistency
A coach offers regular check-ins, feedback, and motivation—helping you stick with the plan even when life gets in the way.
3. Coaching Builds Confidence and Long-Term Change
Beyond workouts, coaching helps you develop a strong mindset, overcome barriers, and create lasting habits.
Need more?
Unlock the secrets to mastering gravel racing with my FREE Guide to Gravel Racing! Get yours here.
SIGN UP FOR A FREE Virtual Coffee so we can discuss your goals, ask questions, and talk about making your endurance training more effective, fun, and Simple.
Paul Warloski is a:
- USA Cycling Level 1 Advanced Certified Coach
- RRCA Running Coach
- Training Peaks Level 2 Coach
- RYT-200 Yoga Instructor
- Certified Personal Trainer
