Why a TV marathon is not a real marathon

[Andrew A.]

http://www.womentalksports.com/items/read/789/779725/why-a-tv-marathon-is-not-a-real-marathon

Though RRCA certification may not be all that Sarah Stanley believes it to be and she apparently sees no point in actually racing marathons, there are some interesting and valid views here.

[Ryan]

Very good views overall, I would say. I agree that I think she puts too much emphasis on any certifications (I've researched these certifications, some are better than others but they are generally a little class time then a multiple choice quiz - hardly as reliable for ensuring adequate knowledge of training and racing as experience). However, the points she makes of taking your time to build up to the marathon, making it a lifestyle, racing up through the distances. These are refreshing to read.

[Andrew A.]

Agreed.  Unfortunately her credibility is compromised when she presumes to 'defend the integrity' of the marathon yet freely admits that she runs marathons as training runs and identifies herself not as a runner but as a "professional endurance athlete" (what a country).  Also, USATF's certification is far more rigorous than RRCA's is.  Which is not to say that there are not RRCA-certified coaches who know far more than the RRCA requires, it is just not the automatic trump card she imagines it to be.

[Ryan]

Yes. In my research, RRCA certification seems mostly a matter of wasting money at a hotel in a far off city and then forking over a couple hundred dollars to the RRCA. USATF certification seems much more comprehensive in requiring knowledge of how to coach.

As with you, I'm not saying there are not good RRCA and USATF certified coaches out there. Heck, depending on where things go for me, I'm not even ruling out the possibility of getting one or both certifications myself if I think they would be of some kind of benefit. However, personally, I'd put much more credence in the words of someone with a wealth of experience in the sport, whether or not they have certifications, over the words of someone who has little other than certifications to show.

[Andrew A.]

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the RRCA certification is getting listed in their coaching directory.

[Ryan]

Yes. Also, for one who is in coaching or similar services, the RRCA certified logo is a promotional item.