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What type of running coach is right for you? Discover the 8 profiles that punctuate your progress

Is your coach yelling, motivating, calculating or toasting to the red?

September 5, 2025
In the world of running, a coach can transform a simple training routine into a real performance strategy. But not all coaches are the same. From the precise tactician to the motivating mentor, from the scientist to the track veteran, everyone has their own philosophy. Here are the 8 profiles of running coaches that you are bound to meet one day on your way.

Summary

1. The boss of the track: Philippe Lucas version 🧱2. The manager: Didier Deschamps version ⚙️3. The motivator: Aimé Jacquet version 🎙️4. The Technician: Dave Brailsford 📊 Version5. The runner-coach: Kilian Jornet version 🐾6. The AI coach: the algorithmic version 🤖7. The old-fashioned coach: Zatopek & red version at the club 🍷8. The researcher of the effort: version Véronique Billat 🧬In summary: each coach has his strengths

1. The boss of the track: Philippe Lucas version 🧱

The authoritarian coach. He screams, he rhythms, he doesn't let anything pass. He wants you to sweat as soon as you warm up. Inspired by the Philippe Lucas style, it embodies raw rigor and intensity.

Method : minimum recovery, maximum load, maximum intensity
Personality : dry, direct, demanding
Referral coach : Philippe Lucas (swimming)

Why do we like it : you progress the hard way.
What it brings you : discipline, mental, power gain

Typical sessions :

2. The manager: Didier Deschamps version ⚙️

The rational coach. It follows your evolution step by step, dose your efforts, and adjusts your goals. By his side, you are progressing without injury. Everything is under control.

Method : progressive shots, well-calibrated tempo, precise pace
Personality : reassuring, methodical, attentive
Referral coach : Didier Deschamps (soccer)

Why do we like it : regularity, trust, structure
What it brings you : a clear plan and real stability

Typical sessions :

3. The motivator: Aimé Jacquet version 🎙️

You're coming to run for him. He speaks to you, motivates you, motivates you, motivates you. Each session becomes a quest. What he gives you exceeds the numbers.

Method : work on the mind, unite the group, create meaning
Personality : charismatic, passionate, sometimes unclear
Referral coach : Aimé Jacquet (soccer)

Why do we like it : you surpass yourself without realizing it
What it brings you : an extra soul

Typical sessions :

4. The Technician: Dave Brailsford 📊 Version

The stadium engineer. It talks to you in VO2max, FTP, Z3 or PMC. Your curves are more important than your sensations. And it works.

Method : data, thresholds, burdens, surgical plan
Personality : calm, analytical, methodical
Referral coach : Dave Brailsford (cycling — Team Ineos)

Why do we like it : it optimizes everything.
What it brings you : the control of your training load

Typical sessions :

5. The runner-coach: Kilian Jornet version 🐾

He is sharp, always in front, but never in the demonstration. It simply inspires you with its consistency. You want to follow him. You want to do what he did.

Method : show, never impose
Personality : humble, fast, smooth
Referral coach : Kilian Jornet (trail/mountain)

Why do we like it : silent model, natural engine
What it brings you : the desire to progress without pressure

Typical sessions :

6. The AI coach: the algorithmic version 🤖

Your plan is automatically generated by an app: Garmin Coach, RunMotion, Nolio, Strava... He has no mood, no eyes. It is still there. Always ready.

Method : automated load, targeted areas, standardized progression
Personality : neutral, rigid, reliable
Referral coach : Garmin, Strava Premium, Nolio

Why do we like it : efficiency, simplicity, zero headaches
What it brings you : immediate structure

Typical sessions :

7. The old-fashioned coach: Zatopek & red version at the club 🍷

He knew the ashen trails, the plans on a paper notebook and the championships with aperitif. He infuses you with a passion for sport without fuss. And a little taste of nostalgia in each lap of the track.

Method : common sense, pure effort, recovery at the bar
Personality : gruff but endearing, memory of the stadium
Referral coach : Zatopek, Michel Jazy, your uncle from 78

Why do we like it : tradition, authenticity, simplicity
What it brings you : a return to basics

Typical sessions :

8. The researcher of the effort: version Véronique Billat 🧬

She talks about VMAs like others talk about love. She knows your VO2max better than you do. Scientist and pedagogue, she takes you far away thanks to an individualized and ultra-precise approach.

Method : VMA, intermittent intensity, physiological protocols
Personality : rigorous, passionate, innovative
Referral coach : Véronique Billat (physiologist, coach)

Why do we like it : it makes progress quickly, without hurting yourself
What it brings you : a vision of sport based on science... and people

Typical sessions :

You may hear about it on the platform... 😉

In summary: each coach has his strengths

Whether you are guided by a “track boss”, inspired by a motivator, or addicted to the data of your AI coach, there are as many coaching styles as there are ways to progress. The important thing is not to find The best coach in absolute, but one that fits your running profile, your goals and your current state of mind.

Because basically, it doesn't matter what the method is: what matters is to stay motivated, regular, and to keep the pleasure of running.

And you, what type of running coach is right for you today ?

Share with the community 🏃🔥

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