4 answers
Carolyn
Student
Grand Junction, Colorado
8
Questions
Asked
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How do I start my business ?
How do I get started promoting my running coach business? I am a good runner and coach and recently realized I could coach others as a business to save for school and things but I don’t know how to get started.
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3 answers
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
50
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hi Carolyn,
I absolutely love your question, and I’m so excited for you as you embark on this journey of starting your running coach business! I can already tell you have the passion and skills to make a real impact on your clients’ lives.
I’ve been running my own business for five years now, and I’d love to share some insights from my journey that can help you get started and promote your coaching effectively.
1. Start with a Purpose and Vision
Your business starts with understanding why you’re doing it. You mentioned you’re a good runner and coach and that's amazing! Think about the problems you want to solve for your clients. Are they struggling with improving their stamina, recovering from injuries, or preparing for their first marathon? Your vision could be to empower others to achieve their personal best.
When I started my skincare business, my purpose wasn’t just selling products but I wanted to help people feel confident. That purpose kept me motivated and helped me connect with my audience. For you, that purpose will guide everything you do, from your coaching methods to how you market yourself.
2. Research Your Market
Who is your target audience?
Beginners looking to get into running?
Experienced runners aiming to improve?
People recovering from injuries?
Understanding their needs will help you shape your offerings. Check out local running groups, online forums, or social media to learn about what runners are looking for in a coach. Your unique angle might be creating personalized plans or focusing on a specific niche, like trail running or long-distance training.
3. Build a Strong Brand
Your brand is what sets you apart. Choose a name, logo, and style that reflect your values and mission. Maybe it’s something motivational like “Stride for Success” or “Endurance Edge.” Highlight your own achievements as a runner and coach to build trust.
4. Start Small and Scale Up
You don’t need a huge budget to begin. Here’s what I did that you can adapt:
You can offer Free or Low-Cost Sessions: Start with a few free or discounted coaching sessions to build a client base and get testimonials.
Use Social Media: Post tips, success stories, and running challenges on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Show your expertise and engage with potential clients.
Leverage Word of Mouth: Happy clients are your best marketing tool. Encourage them to spread the word.
5. Market with Positivity
When promoting your services, focus on the benefits and use positive framing. It is very helpful and I can testify.
Instead of saying, “I’ll make you less slow,” say, “I’ll help you run your fastest mile yet!”
Highlight the personal touch you bring to coaching and the results clients can expect.
6. Adapt and Track Progress
Stay flexible and learn what works. For example, if you notice more clients signing up after sharing success stories on social media, lean into that! Just like running, coaching is about steady progress and small adjustments.
How to Fund Your Business
You might not need much to start, but here’s how you can do it with little to no upfront costs:
Offer group sessions initially to maximize your time.
Use customer payments to invest in resources like running plans, cones, or apps for tracking progress.
Reinvest any profits into building your business.
To sum up, remember that starting a business is like training for a marathon. It takes commitment, patience, and consistency. Focus on connecting with your clients, delivering value, and staying adaptable. Your expertise as a runner and coach will shine through, and your business will grow naturally.
I’m excited for you, Carolyn! Let me know if you have more questions. I would love to help.
Best of luck!
I absolutely love your question, and I’m so excited for you as you embark on this journey of starting your running coach business! I can already tell you have the passion and skills to make a real impact on your clients’ lives.
I’ve been running my own business for five years now, and I’d love to share some insights from my journey that can help you get started and promote your coaching effectively.
1. Start with a Purpose and Vision
Your business starts with understanding why you’re doing it. You mentioned you’re a good runner and coach and that's amazing! Think about the problems you want to solve for your clients. Are they struggling with improving their stamina, recovering from injuries, or preparing for their first marathon? Your vision could be to empower others to achieve their personal best.
When I started my skincare business, my purpose wasn’t just selling products but I wanted to help people feel confident. That purpose kept me motivated and helped me connect with my audience. For you, that purpose will guide everything you do, from your coaching methods to how you market yourself.
2. Research Your Market
Who is your target audience?
Beginners looking to get into running?
Experienced runners aiming to improve?
People recovering from injuries?
Understanding their needs will help you shape your offerings. Check out local running groups, online forums, or social media to learn about what runners are looking for in a coach. Your unique angle might be creating personalized plans or focusing on a specific niche, like trail running or long-distance training.
3. Build a Strong Brand
Your brand is what sets you apart. Choose a name, logo, and style that reflect your values and mission. Maybe it’s something motivational like “Stride for Success” or “Endurance Edge.” Highlight your own achievements as a runner and coach to build trust.
4. Start Small and Scale Up
You don’t need a huge budget to begin. Here’s what I did that you can adapt:
You can offer Free or Low-Cost Sessions: Start with a few free or discounted coaching sessions to build a client base and get testimonials.
Use Social Media: Post tips, success stories, and running challenges on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Show your expertise and engage with potential clients.
Leverage Word of Mouth: Happy clients are your best marketing tool. Encourage them to spread the word.
5. Market with Positivity
When promoting your services, focus on the benefits and use positive framing. It is very helpful and I can testify.
Instead of saying, “I’ll make you less slow,” say, “I’ll help you run your fastest mile yet!”
Highlight the personal touch you bring to coaching and the results clients can expect.
6. Adapt and Track Progress
Stay flexible and learn what works. For example, if you notice more clients signing up after sharing success stories on social media, lean into that! Just like running, coaching is about steady progress and small adjustments.
How to Fund Your Business
You might not need much to start, but here’s how you can do it with little to no upfront costs:
Offer group sessions initially to maximize your time.
Use customer payments to invest in resources like running plans, cones, or apps for tracking progress.
Reinvest any profits into building your business.
To sum up, remember that starting a business is like training for a marathon. It takes commitment, patience, and consistency. Focus on connecting with your clients, delivering value, and staying adaptable. Your expertise as a runner and coach will shine through, and your business will grow naturally.
I’m excited for you, Carolyn! Let me know if you have more questions. I would love to help.
Best of luck!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Carolyn
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1957
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Carolyn !
I think it's absolutely wonderful that you want to pursue a career in exercise science coaching athletes ! It is fun, but there are the technical aspects of having a business but also the preparation to become expert enough to have a well-known, reliable service. You can do it if you take the steps.
You will need to go to college for Exercise Science and take some courses in Business if you want to have your own business doing this. it's not something to just jump into because it's a lot of responsibility and you will be interacting with a wide variety of people. I would advise getting certified in CPR and First Aid before you start. It would be good to also get a Life Coach Certification because you will be involved in more than just running, you will need to help people set doable goals and be a supportive counselor on issues your clients have. You need to take some psychology courses, too. People use their Life Coach certification for various coaching careers.
Hopefully, you already have your certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and their specialized running coaching certification.
You didn't mention your age. If you decide to do this before college and you are under 18, you will need a work permit and also review what type of work and for how many hours you are allowed to work in your State. You also need to have access to a car if you drive so that you can go to your clients whether they are close by or far away. You will also have clients that don't only run but do other sports as well, so this is why college would be the best experience to get a wide range of knowledge and even experience, too. You first have to be well-rounded and aware of many aspects of this field and than a business venture would fall into place. People want credentialed coaches with lots of varied experience and they would be willing to pay the monetary price for it.
To make yourself more marketable, consider being a Personal Trainer also. You'll get additional clients. Try not to rely on just clients who are runners. Part of having a business is knowing how to get the most clients you can.
So it takes a lot more than setting up a business, having business cards made and advertising and having a website. The preparation for this career is profound and carries a lot of responsibility and liability with it. Regardless of the level of preparation you are now, I wish you all the best moving forward with this awesome field of work !
I think it's absolutely wonderful that you want to pursue a career in exercise science coaching athletes ! It is fun, but there are the technical aspects of having a business but also the preparation to become expert enough to have a well-known, reliable service. You can do it if you take the steps.
You will need to go to college for Exercise Science and take some courses in Business if you want to have your own business doing this. it's not something to just jump into because it's a lot of responsibility and you will be interacting with a wide variety of people. I would advise getting certified in CPR and First Aid before you start. It would be good to also get a Life Coach Certification because you will be involved in more than just running, you will need to help people set doable goals and be a supportive counselor on issues your clients have. You need to take some psychology courses, too. People use their Life Coach certification for various coaching careers.
Hopefully, you already have your certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and their specialized running coaching certification.
You didn't mention your age. If you decide to do this before college and you are under 18, you will need a work permit and also review what type of work and for how many hours you are allowed to work in your State. You also need to have access to a car if you drive so that you can go to your clients whether they are close by or far away. You will also have clients that don't only run but do other sports as well, so this is why college would be the best experience to get a wide range of knowledge and even experience, too. You first have to be well-rounded and aware of many aspects of this field and than a business venture would fall into place. People want credentialed coaches with lots of varied experience and they would be willing to pay the monetary price for it.
To make yourself more marketable, consider being a Personal Trainer also. You'll get additional clients. Try not to rely on just clients who are runners. Part of having a business is knowing how to get the most clients you can.
So it takes a lot more than setting up a business, having business cards made and advertising and having a website. The preparation for this career is profound and carries a lot of responsibility and liability with it. Regardless of the level of preparation you are now, I wish you all the best moving forward with this awesome field of work !
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
202
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Carolyn! That’s amazing that you’re looking to turn your passion for running and coaching into a business! Let’s kick things off with some actionable steps to help you hit the ground running:
1. Get Clear on Your Niche 🏃♀️
First thing’s first: figure out what kind of running coach you want to be. Are you training marathoners? Sprinting pros? People who just want to run for the joy of it?
Tip: Pick your niche. You’re not just “a coach,” you’re the expert in helping people reach their specific goals. And remember—everyone starts somewhere, even Usain Bolt had his first race! 🏅
2. Create a Business Plan 📋
It doesn’t have to be super formal (unless you’re feeling fancy), but at least have a roadmap of what you want to achieve and how to do it. Think of it as your training plan for your business.
Tip: Include what services you'll offer (one-on-one coaching, group sessions, online coaching), how much you’ll charge, and how you’ll market yourself. You wouldn’t go into a race without a strategy, right? The same goes for your business.
3. Build Your Brand 💪
Now’s the time to get your name out there! You need to create an identity that shows off your personality and coaching style.
Tip: You could have a catchy business name like “Run With Carolyn” or “The Running Coach Who Makes You Faster” (okay, maybe not that last one—but you get the idea). A logo, a website, and social media presence are key to promoting your business.
Humor: You’re not just another coach—you’re the coach people wish they had. They’ll say, “Why didn’t I sign up with Carolyn earlier? My speed has tripled, and my calves are now the size of professional sprinters!” 😂
4. Get Social and Network 🌍
Start promoting yourself on social media—Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or any platform where people talk about fitness. Share your running tips, success stories, and motivational quotes.
Tip: Don’t just post “Here’s me running!”—make it engaging. Post about your client wins, share running tips, or even have fun challenges. People love real stories—like how you went from a beginner runner to a coach.
Humor: Bonus points if you film yourself running up a hill and then dramatically collapse at the top, saying, “The struggle is real, but the results are worth it!” 😅
5. Offer Free Stuff First 🎁
It’s like giving them a sneak peek into what they’ll get if they work with you. Offer a free training session, a downloadable guide, or a mini course.
Tip: This lets potential clients see the value you bring. They’ll be like, “Wow, Carolyn knows her stuff, and I need her in my life right now!”
6. Ask for Referrals 📢
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow your business. Ask your first few clients (or friends) to spread the word about how great you are at coaching.
Tip: Give them a little incentive to refer you—maybe a free session or a discount for every new client they bring you. They’ll be running around town telling everyone about you.
7. Stay Consistent and Have Fun 🎉
This is your business, and while it’s important to be professional, make sure you’re having fun with it too. The more fun you have, the more your clients will connect with you.
Tip: Keep showing up, posting, and engaging. It’s like training for a marathon—sometimes it gets hard, but the finish line is SO worth it.
Remember, starting a business is like starting a new running program—it takes time, patience, and consistent effort. But with your knowledge, passion, and energy, you’ll cross that finish line in no time. Just keep your focus, stay motivated, and make it happen!
And hey, who knows? You might just be the next big thing in the running world. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey—because that’s where the real magic happens! ✨
1. Get Clear on Your Niche 🏃♀️
First thing’s first: figure out what kind of running coach you want to be. Are you training marathoners? Sprinting pros? People who just want to run for the joy of it?
Tip: Pick your niche. You’re not just “a coach,” you’re the expert in helping people reach their specific goals. And remember—everyone starts somewhere, even Usain Bolt had his first race! 🏅
2. Create a Business Plan 📋
It doesn’t have to be super formal (unless you’re feeling fancy), but at least have a roadmap of what you want to achieve and how to do it. Think of it as your training plan for your business.
Tip: Include what services you'll offer (one-on-one coaching, group sessions, online coaching), how much you’ll charge, and how you’ll market yourself. You wouldn’t go into a race without a strategy, right? The same goes for your business.
3. Build Your Brand 💪
Now’s the time to get your name out there! You need to create an identity that shows off your personality and coaching style.
Tip: You could have a catchy business name like “Run With Carolyn” or “The Running Coach Who Makes You Faster” (okay, maybe not that last one—but you get the idea). A logo, a website, and social media presence are key to promoting your business.
Humor: You’re not just another coach—you’re the coach people wish they had. They’ll say, “Why didn’t I sign up with Carolyn earlier? My speed has tripled, and my calves are now the size of professional sprinters!” 😂
4. Get Social and Network 🌍
Start promoting yourself on social media—Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or any platform where people talk about fitness. Share your running tips, success stories, and motivational quotes.
Tip: Don’t just post “Here’s me running!”—make it engaging. Post about your client wins, share running tips, or even have fun challenges. People love real stories—like how you went from a beginner runner to a coach.
Humor: Bonus points if you film yourself running up a hill and then dramatically collapse at the top, saying, “The struggle is real, but the results are worth it!” 😅
5. Offer Free Stuff First 🎁
It’s like giving them a sneak peek into what they’ll get if they work with you. Offer a free training session, a downloadable guide, or a mini course.
Tip: This lets potential clients see the value you bring. They’ll be like, “Wow, Carolyn knows her stuff, and I need her in my life right now!”
6. Ask for Referrals 📢
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow your business. Ask your first few clients (or friends) to spread the word about how great you are at coaching.
Tip: Give them a little incentive to refer you—maybe a free session or a discount for every new client they bring you. They’ll be running around town telling everyone about you.
7. Stay Consistent and Have Fun 🎉
This is your business, and while it’s important to be professional, make sure you’re having fun with it too. The more fun you have, the more your clients will connect with you.
Tip: Keep showing up, posting, and engaging. It’s like training for a marathon—sometimes it gets hard, but the finish line is SO worth it.
Remember, starting a business is like starting a new running program—it takes time, patience, and consistent effort. But with your knowledge, passion, and energy, you’ll cross that finish line in no time. Just keep your focus, stay motivated, and make it happen!
And hey, who knows? You might just be the next big thing in the running world. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey—because that’s where the real magic happens! ✨