Looking for an ultra coach? Focus on their credentials, experience, and - most importantly - how well you click. The best coaches blend data-driven training with personalized support while truly listening to your goals and concerns. After all, you'll be talking with them a lot during those big training blocks.
By Cliff Pittman, CTS Coaching Development Director
There have never been more training resources available for athletes, but the abundance can be a double-edged sword. You can manage your own training, and many do, but planning and monitoring training only encompasses a small part of coaching. An objective eye on your training and data, your overall stress levels, and motivations and strategies can bring a substantial return on investment, especially when you’re chasing big goals that demand attention to every detail. A professional coach provides the greatest value when athletes face challenges from schedule priorities, illnesses, injuries, or unforeseeable events that disrupt training/life.
If you decide hiring a coach is right for you, it’s crucial to first understand what you want from the relationship and what type of coach can provide the most value. Coaches vary in their philosophies and approaches—some emphasize accountability and motivation, while others focus on data and performance.
Education in exercise science or a related field is a significant asset, but remember you’re hiring a coach and not a scientist. A great coach is someone who can apply and communicate their exercise science education in ways that enhance your ability to perform in the real world. As someone with a business management background, I had to seek sports science and coaching-specific education, along with mentorship, to develop my expertise. Many great coaches come from diverse backgrounds. If a coach lacks a formal degree in Exercise Science, look for certifications such as the UESCA Ultrarunning Certification as a sign of their commitment to learning.
Be cautious of coaches who rely solely on personal experience. Investing in a coach who hasn’t invested in learning evidence-based principles can be risky. What worked for them might not work for you. Although personal experience has value, it should be aligned with evidence-based training concepts.
Coaching is a profession and craft unto itself, it is not directly tied to a sport. A skilled coach can assess the demands of a sport and adapt training principles to guide athletes to success. That said, sport-specific experience and expertise are certainly valuable. A coach specializing in ultrarunning is likely to have valuable course knowledge and technical insights beyond just improving fitness. However, athletes sometimes place too much value in someone’s athletic history or status in the ultraunning community. You are looking for a professional coach, not someone who turns to coaching to stay engaged with the community and monetize their accumulated experience.
When considering a coach, ask how many athletes are on their roster and how much total time they spend coaching each week. This will help you gauge how much attention you’ll receive relative to the money you’re investing.
For example, if a part-time coach works 20 hours a week with over 100 athletes, they’re likely offering basic training plans with little data analysis or communication. In contrast, a coach providing a more individualized service must devote more time every week to each athlete. A full-time coach with around 40 athletes can dedicate the necessary time to adjust your training based on your data and feedback.
If you’re looking for a cheerleader, this point may not matter. But if your goal is performance optimization, analyzing training files is crucial, and that requires professional tools like TrainingPeaks or Final Surge that track the intensity and stress of your workouts in the short and long term, offering essential insights for coaches and athletes. I’ve been vocal against spreadsheet coaching because it does a disservice to athletes. Without training data—such as pace, heart rate, and duration—coaches can’t accurately assess how you’re responding and may adjust your plan blindly, if at all.
A coach should be a partner, not a dictator. Although they are experts in training methodology and generalists in areas like sports nutrition and psychology, you are the expert on your own body. Data provides valuable insights, but your subjective feedback—such as lifestyle stressors and personal preferences—is equally important. A good coach will collaborate with you, adjusting your training based on all these factors.
If a coach discourages questions, tries to “put you in your place,” or tells you to “just do what I tell you,” those are red flags.
When interviewing a coach, ask about their philosophy and dive into areas that matter to you. For example, if strength training is a priority for you, but the coach discourages it, they might not be the best fit. Coaches also have their own boundaries. It’s important to understand a coach’s approach and ensure you’re aligned. Be open to their expertise, but don’t compromise on what you enjoy in your training. A good coach will balance their guidance with your individual preferences and desires.
Even if a coach checks all the boxes, if you don’t look forward to regular communication with them, that’s a valid reason not to work together. Personality clashes can lead to friction, lack of trust, and hinder the free exchange of ideas and feedback. Many times these issues can be managed if both parties are committed, but there are also plenty of great coaches out there you may click with better. Don’t underestimate the importance of this final factor!
Beyond spreadsheet coaching, conflicting philosophies, and authoritarian tendencies, here are a few other red flags when choosing a coach:
Choosing the right coach requires a thoughtful vetting process, which should include an interview or free consultation. For clarity, coaches typically offer “free consultations” as opportunities to assess the compatibility and alignment of skills, expertise, personality, and philosophy. They are not generally Q&As on your specific training plan questions. Ask plenty of questions, ensure they’re a good personality fit, and confirm they’re both competent and committed to supporting you and your goals.
Cliff Pittman is the Coaching Development Director for CTS, overseeing the Ultrarunning and Cycling Coaching staff. With a strong passion for ultrarunning, he coaches athletes of all levels, guiding them through prestigious events like the Western States 100 and Leadville 100. As an active ultra athlete in Arkansas, Cliff combines firsthand experience with a talent for simplifying training concepts, helping athletes achieve sustainable results.
“Training can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key to achieving results often lies in simplicity and consistency. A great coach takes intricate theories and concepts and translates them into clear, actionable steps, making them easy for athletes to understand and apply.”
