Every runner has a goal.

Maybe it’s running your first 5K without walking. Maybe it’s finally qualifying for Boston after years of trying. Or maybe it’s just finding a consistent routine after life knocked you off track. Runners have goals that are individual, and they change as we grow.

As a coach, I’ve worked with runners across every level, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have a clear goal paired with the right support. Goals give your training direction. They give your runs purpose. But having a goal and actually achieving it are two different things. That’s where coaching can make all the difference.

There are different kinds of running goals out there and a coach can help you not only reach them, but navigate the path when the road gets bumpy (and it will get bumpy).

The Many Faces of Running Goals

We often think of goals in terms of pace or race times, but running goals can take other forms. Some runners have no interest in racing, and I think it can be hard for those runners to consider a coach or hone in on a goal.

Time-based goals are what most people think of first. Running a sub-2:00 half marathon, breaking 20 minutes in the 5K, or chasing down a BQ are time goals. If racing isn’t your thing, going from not running at all to running for 30-minutes straight is also a time goal. These goals are clear, measurable, and incredibly motivating. But they can also feel intimidating, especially if you’ve missed the mark before.

Then there are distance-based goals: running your first 10K, half marathon, marathon, or ultra. These goals are about pushing your physical limits and seeing how far you can go. The training often involves building confidence and resilience as much as mileage. Again, if running a race isn’t something you are interested in, maybe going from 1 mile runs to 3 and then 5 milers is what you’re after.

A consistency goal is one that I am very fond of. I think consistency is a huge key in getting better as a runner. Running four or five days a week, sticking to a routine, or running a minimum number of minutes during a run can help running in general. It’s not flashy, but it’s often where the biggest long-term improvements happen.

Some runners come to the sport for wellness reasons. Running to support your mental health, manage stress, lose weight, or simply feel stronger as you age are goals that aren’t about pace, but quality of life. They’re just as valid, and in many cases, even more personally rewarding, with longer lasting feelings of satisfaction.

And then there are bucket list or experience-based goals: finishing the NYC Marathon, completing a race in every state, or running through the trails of a national park. These goals are about creating memories, celebrating milestones, and living the kind of life you want to live. My first marathon was to celebrate the year I turned 50. I never thought I would ever run a marathon, but because of that I became a coach and learned about running in ways I didn’t know I didn’t know!

How a Coach Helps You Train Smarter (and Stay on Track)

You definitely COULD Google a training plan. There are plenty of free templates online. But here’s the thing: your body, your schedule, your goals don’t fit into a one-size-fits-all plan. A coach takes all the variables into account and builds a plan for you, not just any runner.

We’ll start by looking at where you are right now, what your life looks like outside of running, and how much time and energy you can realistically devote to training. Then, we build from there. It’s not just about the workouts, it’s about the whole picture.

One of the biggest benefits of working with a coach is accountability. When motivation dips (and it will), knowing someone is in your corner can be the difference between skipping a run and lacing up anyway. A coach helps you stay focused when life gets busy, tiring, or overwhelming.

And then there’s the strategy: race-day pacing, fueling, gear choices, taper timing. These are the details that make or break a race, and it helps to have someone in your ear who’s been there and knows how to guide you through it.

Plus, a coach isn’t just there to write your plan, we’re there to adjust it. Maybe you’re recovering faster than expected and can push a little harder. Maybe you’re feeling worn down and need to back off. A good coach adapts your training in real-time, so you’re always getting what your body actually needs.

What If Your Goal Feels Out of Reach?

Not all goals are attainable right away, and that’s okay.

If your dream is to shave 30 minutes off your marathon time or qualify for Boston but you’re an hour away right now, we’re not going to force it. What we will do is break that goal into smaller steps and focus on what’s realistic in the short term.

We’ll set up stepping-stone goals which are milestones that keep you moving forward and motivated, while slowly building toward that big dream. And sometimes, we reframe the focus altogether. Instead of chasing a specific finish time right away, we might shift the goal to running five days a week, staying injury-free for a training cycle, or improving your aerobic base.

Progress is still progress, even if it doesn’t show up on the race clock just yet.

When Life Happens (Because It Always Does)

No training cycle is ever perfect. Illness, injuries, travel, job stress, burnout all happen. The question is: what do you do when it happens?

A coach helps you pivot.

If you get injured, we look at cross-training or recovery strategies. If life gets hectic, we adjust your workload to match your capacity. If you miss a race or have a disappointing result, we talk through it, regroup, and refocus. You don’t have to figure it out alone or feel like you “failed” just because the plan changed.

Coaching provides flexibility. It helps you keep your momentum through the inevitable ups and downs. And sometimes, just having someone to talk through the tough stuff with makes all the difference.

It’s Not Just a Plan, It’s a Partnership

At the end of the day, a coach is more than a planner. We’re a partner in your running journey.

We help you push when you need to push, and hold back when you need to rest. We believe in your goals…even on the days when you aren’t sure YOU do. And we help you become not just a better runner, but a smarter, more confident one.

Coaching isn’t only for elites. It’s for anyone with a goal worth chasing. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or trying to knock 10 minutes off your marathon PR, or even just get started running, the right coaching can get you there with more confidence, more consistency, and fewer detours.

Ready to Chase Your Goal?

If you’ve got a goal you’re excited about, or even just a sense that you want to run stronger, smarter, or more consistently I’d love to help you get there. Whether you’re building a base, chasing a PR, or simply want to find more joy in your running, coaching gives you the tools, structure, and support you need.

Let’s connect. I offer custom coaching tailored to your needs, your life, and your goals.

Visit The Wrinkled Runner Coaching Page to learn more, or reach out to schedule a time to chat.

Let’s chase that goal together.