RUNNING EDUCATION
Running Coach Certification
Embark on your journey to becoming a comprehensive running specialist with our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification. This program equips you with the training expertise and personalized approach that runners seek to achieve outstanding results, making it ideal for members of a local running club or an aspiring running coach.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Become A Certified Running Coach
Our certification course is designed for those aspiring to become expert running coaches, focusing on the crucial balance between performance and fitness in run training. We emphasize consistent, scientifically principled training personalized for each runner, addressing the common issue of training load errors—responsible for up to 60% of runner injuries—often caused by overly rapid, excessive, or frequent training progression.
The course offers a deep dive into scientific training principles, featuring a systematic approach to crafting individualized training plans. A key component is learning to quantify training load effectively using the Rate of Perceived Exertion and Acute to Chronic Workload Ratios.
Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of exercise science, coaching philosophy, and the intricacies of designing annual training plans, workout regimes, and event-specific training strategies. This systematic and personalized approach equips any aspiring certified running coach with the skills to achieve exceptional results in preventing injuries and enhancing runner performance.
Personalization
In our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, future certified running coaches will master the art of personalization through our exclusive 6-step process. This methodology is designed to tailor training plans that align perfectly with each runner’s unique abilities, goals, and physical conditioning.
Scientific Approach
You will gain an in-depth understanding of running mechanics and how to craft training programs that are scientifically sound and effective. Those aiming to become a certified running coach must have a keen focus on these fundamental components of endurance running performance:
Race Specific Plans
Success in endurance running hinges on meticulous planning and strategic preparation. Our certification program equips you with the skills to design detailed training schedules for various race distances, including 5k, half marathon, and marathon.
Training plans are important, but constitute less than 20% of what makes a successful certified running coach –– while continuing education courses playing a vital role. You will learn to apply broader coaching principles, such as motivation, psychology, and athlete management, to support and enhance your athletes’ performance.
Coaching Principles
The best running coach certification program teaches running coaches to master the language of run training, enabling them to communicate effectively and professionally with their athletes –– whether they’re elite runners or long distance runners.
This knowledge sets you apart as a true running specialist, capable of conveying complex training concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
Training Load
Since understanding and managing training load is crucial for any coach in endurance sports, our running coach certification programs introduce you to advanced concepts like session Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the balance between Acute and Chronic Workloads. These tools are essential for quantifying and modifying the training load for your athletes, ensuring optimal performance and injury prevention.
Portal
Receive a free trial to the RunDNA Portal to organize your runners data and track their progress.
A Preview of Our Running Coach Certification Program
Priced at $299, this course is meticulously designed to provide a systematic approach to personalizing each training plan, enabling you to quantify fitness levels and training loads effectively, essential in today’s competitive coaching environment.
Scientific Approach to Training Load
Learn to apply scientific methods to your training strategies. This includes understanding how to balance and adjust training loads to optimize performance and reduce injury risks, which is especially important for cross country runners.
Race-Specific Training Plans
Gain expertise in crafting tailored training plans for different race distances. This skill is vital in preparing athletes for various events, from short 5k races to challenging marathons.
Certification Credits
Successfully completing this course will earn you 7.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), contributing to your professional development in endurance sports coaching services.
Exclusive RunDNA App Trial
Integrating Technology in Coaching
As part of the Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, an essential part of our running coach certification programs, you will gain exclusive access to the innovative RunDNA app trial. This powerful tool is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the coaching process, giving you these advantages:
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Become a Certified Endurance Running Coach
LEVEL 1
ENDURANCE RUNNING COACH
$299
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify the three main components of the RunDNA Coaching Philosophy
- Identify the five steps in the RunDNA coaching systematic approach
- Articulate the difference between aerobic and anaerobic energy systems
- Articulate how the envelope of function relates to training and injuries
- Interpret testing results to identify Minimum Effective Dosage
- Discuss the difference between Type I and Type II muscle fibers
- Identify two variables that limit performance in distance running
- Explain how training load is calculated using duration and RPE
- Identify the times that using pace over perceived effort would be beneficial
- Discuss the difference between the base versus build phases of an annual training plan
- Discuss the RULES acronym and how it plays into successful coaching
- Discuss how the results of a 2-mile efficiency test will help with run training planning
- Identify four variables that can be manipulated when designing a workout
- Articulate the difference between the main types of workouts (i.e. long run versus tempo)
Running Gait Analyst Certification Level 1
$299
Be confident in analyzing gait and providing programs to improve motor control, mobility, and technique specific to each runner, or athlete who runs, based on their movement patterns.
- Runner Readiness Assessment
- 5 Categories of Running Gait Impairments
- Detailed corrective programs
- 5 CEU Hours
Running Gait Analyst Certification Level 2
$399
Become an expert in treating and training runners. Learn to address complex cases, work with specific injury types, add jumping assessments, and provide detailed strength programs.
- 12 Categories of Running Gait Impairments
- Loading Levels
- Detailed strength, jumping, and injury specific plans
- 7 CEU Hours
MEET YOUR INDUSTRY LEADING INSTRUCTORS
Doug Adams
PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS
Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to gait. Doug has taught thousands of professionals his systematic approach to providing personalized plans for runners through the Certified Running Gait Analyst and Endurance Running Coaching courses. He also designed and created a portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running and walking form that is used widely throughout the Department of Defense and commercial sectors.
- Team PT for Tinman Elite Professional Running Team
- Adjunct faculty for the 711th Human Performance Wing of the US Air Force
- Co-Founder Omega Project PT in Wilmington, Delaware that specializes in treating endurance athletes
Frequently Asked Questions
Become a Certified Running Coach Today
Enrolling in a running coach certification program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in endurance running coaching. Join us now and become the coach every runner aspires to have.
FAQs
How long do I have access to the training program?
After signing up, you’ll gain lifetime access to the course. You can use our website and the mobile app to view the entirety of the online course, allowing you to view and learn at your own pace.
Who are these courses for?
If you want to understand the principles of running training, this course is perfect for you –– this course offers a systematic strategy for creating personalized plans that are known to deliver excellent results.
For those in the Medical and Fitness fields, including physical therapists, familiarize yourself with terms and ideas to help your clients achieve their peak performance.
Many running coaches are self-taught, so it’s essential to be informed to avoid hitting a plateau or, even worse, sustaining an injury. You don’t need any prior background or specific technology to benefit from this course.
Are they approved for CEUs?
For States and organizations that allow licensees to submit courses for approval, please download our course details handout with all the information you need to submit with your certificate for approval.
Below are States and Organizations that have approved this course.
RunDNA is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards for 7.5 CE hours.
BOC: The course is approved for 7.5 Class A CEUs through the BOC.
ACSM: The American College of Sports Medicine’s Professional Education Committee certifies that “Run DNA” meets the criteria for official ACSM Approved Provider status. Approved Providers and their content reflect the concepts of their respective organizations and do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of ACSM. 8 CEC. Providership #876886
NSCA: The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved 0.7 CEU(s) or 7 Contact Hours in category C for certified individuals who successfully complete this course. Please note: NSCA completion certificates for this course must be requested by email at Education@RunDNA.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY STATE ASSOCIATIONS:
AZ: 8 hours
CA: 7.5 hours
CO: 8 hours
FL: 8 hours
(Accreditation of this course does not necessarily imply the FPTA supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors.)
IL: C.E. Approved Sponsor License #: 216.000356
MN: 7 hours
NJ: 7.5 hours
NY: 9 hours
PA: 7.5 hours
OH: 7.5 hours
TN: 7.5 hours
TX: 8 hours
WI: 8 hours
The following states do not require accreditation; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes: AL, CT, IA, ME, MA, MT, NE, NH, UT, WA.
The following states accept accreditation from other states; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes: AK, DE, HI, KS, KT, MI, NM, NC, ND, OR, SC, SD, VA
Have questions or specific learning needs? Please contact Education@RunDNA.com
All sales for recorded courses are final. We have no commercial relationship disclosures. Minimum system requirements: smart phone , computer, or laptop.
Skill Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Are there requirements to maintain the Level 1 Certification?
Although we strongly recommend that you pursue further learning (and we’ll offer chances to do just that), there’s no obligation to uphold the certification.