First, when do you need a walking coach? You need a coach when you want to tackle a walking project where you need some guidance. This could be participating in a marathon or other endurance walking event (such as the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk or an extended hike) or a speed event, such as a local 5K race or a national 20K race walk. Sure, you could probably train for these events on your own and do quite well, but if you are looking to increase your level of performance, a coach can help you get more out of yourself than you thought you could.

Here are the things to ask a walking coach:

Experience: Has this coach ever coached people for this type of event? Has this coach ever participated in this kind of event before? Although not absolutely mandatory, it is best if the coach knows from personal experience what you'll be going through and has seen what other people have tried in the past.

Workout planning: Any big goal has intermediate steps. Can this coach develop a plan to get you from where you are now physically to where you need to be, without making you a physical wreck? Has the coach put together workout programs for other people (and not just one's to lose weight, increase muscle, etc., but to improve walking performance)? Can the coach explain to you the different types of workouts you'll be doing, and why you need to do them?

Mental training: The physical training is the easy part. Can this coach keep you motivated? Can he or she get you prepared as possible to know the route you'll take, what kind of clothes you need to wear, what to eat, etc.? You can be in great physical shape, but if you don't have the mental toughness, you can fall apart at the first thing that doesn't go as planned.

Certifications (optional): What kind of official training has this coach had? While certifications as a fitness instructor are fine, they usually don't have experience in training people for an event. Look for a certification in coaching, such as a USA Track & Field Coaching certification.

One more important factor in choosing a coach is finding someone you feel comfortable with and someone with whom you can build a trusting relationship. If you don't have the trust that this person is there to help you, nothing else matters.

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