Every coach needs to improve. There are many sources one can use. Some sources cost money, some are free and much of it is useful. Good, useful resources can open one's eyes to another level of coaching. The best way to find them is to ask other coaches or do some internet digging. Almost every source, even those that have poor advice, can grant a coach knowledge. I like to think my advice comes from an educated and experienced place, but I am far from perfect. Some of my advice may be terrible and may never work for your team but everything is worth reading. You can learn something from every piece you look into.
Before I dive into a litany of resources, keep in mind that the BEST way to learn is through communication. NEVER be afraid to ask for advice from those around you. With modern technology, we are a text away from amazing answers. We can use the phone or Zoom/Google Meet to chat with other coaches. Start an informal social and discuss topics that are important to you and your team. Attend practices of any sport to learn how to organize or motivate. These events are free and easy. Want to be better? Talk to other coaches.
I have separated sources into categories and sub categories. This list is not exhaustive and I am sure I have forgotten some of my most important. Feel free to send me some!
Books
These books are a small sample of books that gave me a great foundation for my training and coaching process. I find some of these books profound and incredibly helpful. I would consider a few of these outdated, but they still offer a basis for everything a runner needs to do. This list on not at all complete.
Science Based
Training Formulas
Inspiration and Non Running
Websites
These sites offer a great amount of information. Be careful when looking on the web as some of the information may not work for your team and some may have terrible information.
Letsrun - YES! Letsrun can be a tough place to go. The message board is full of terrible posts. With that said, the news they present and some of the threads on the board can be amazingly informative.
Podcasts
Podcasts have become the BEST way to learn about training and coaching. The amount of helpful podcasts available is nearly infinite. Many of these casts will take you down great rabbit holes.
People
My last list is a simple list of people. All of them are coaches, scientists or leaders. All of them have given me a lot. I have spoken to some, know some well and have simply researched others. Your own style of coaching and training system needs a basis. Reading books, blogs and listening to podcasts can take time. Diving into some research of these people is quick and will help you get rolling.
Stephen Seiler - Physiologist in Norway
Gert Ingebrigsten - Norwegian Coach
Tom "Tinman" Schwartz - Private Coach
Marius Bakken - Norwegian Athlete and Scientist
Diljeet Taylor - BYU Women's Coach
Chris Bennett - Nike Coach
Mark Wetmore - UC Boulder Coach
Mike Smith - NAU Coach
Renato Canova - Professional Coach
Clyde Hart - Longtime Baylor Coach
Colm O'Connell - St. Patrick's HS Coach in Kenya
Shalane Flanagan - University of Oregon and Bowerman Coach
Howard Russ - Beavercreek HS Coach
Dathan Ritzenheim - OAC Coach
Clinics and Communication
Nothing beats a good clinic and any clinic that brings together a group of coaches is fantastic. The talks are great and the social aspect better. As a new coach, these clinics can be tough. There is so much information thrown about. Thor Esbensen of Ida B. Wells High School had a great system for getting the most out of clinics. He takes ample notes but then picks a few tangible things he can use in practice. I love the idea and plan to use it next time I attend a clinic. There a lot of clinics throughout the country and everyone offers some cool perks. I had the pleasure of speaking at The Boulder Running Clinics and it was amazing.
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