Why coaches matter: Running with heart and science

South Africa is running. From kazi streets to city pavements, the sound of shoes hitting the tar is becoming a daily rhythm. It’s a beautiful thing to witness—but behind every great runner, there should be someone quietly guiding the journey: a coach.

You don’t need to be elite to deserve a coach. In fact, if you’re new to the sport or just trying to improve, that’s when a coach can matter most. Coaching doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive. It can start with mentorship, with a WhatsApp group, with a friend who’s a bit ahead of you. It can come from a free online training plan, a YouTube video, or a podcast from a top endurance coach.

"Baleka ngenhliziyo, qhuba ngolwazi."
(Run with heart, train with knowledge.)

The power of mentorship

A coach is more than a program. A coach is someone who sees your potential and keeps you moving forward when your own motivation fades. In many South African communities, the idea of having a coach still feels like something for professionals only. But it shouldn’t be. Every runner deserves guidance.

Coaches help you train smart, not just hard. They prevent injuries, help you structure your rest and nutrition, and build you up mentally. Many athletes plateau or burn out simply because they never had someone to show them how to progress safely.

You can’t buy progress.

There’s a growing danger in the world of sports: the myth that performance can be bought. High-tech shoes, supplements, recovery boots, fancy watches… Sure, they help, but they aren’t the foundation. No gadget can replace a good coach. No gear can run your intervals for you. If your training doesn’t match your dreams, nothing you buy will get you there!

Your coach keeps you honest. And if you don’t have one yet, that’s okay. Start by becoming your own coach.

Coaching yourself starts here.

The internet has opened a treasure chest of running wisdom. Want to learn about VO2 max, lactate threshold, or how to fuel during a long run? It’s all out there. Learning to coach yourself is a powerful first step. Start with:

•            Coach Parry – South Africa’s biggest online running coach platform
•            The Science of Ultra podcast
•            Run Repeat’s beginner and intermediate training plans
•            The Running Explained Podcast – brilliant for everyday athletes
•            Tinman Elite YouTube – A great look into how young athletes build success

Running with heart

In the end, it’s about more than numbers. It’s about why you run. Whether it’s for health, for pride, for community, or just to feel free—it matters. Coaches can help keep that passion alive. They remind us that while splits and pace are important, so is showing up with heart. So is resting when you're tired. So is running for joy.

We at Anatomic Sportswear believe in building a culture where science, heart, and community come together. We want to see more runners from every corner of South Africa step forward with confidence. Whether you dream of running the Comrades, winning a 10K, or just finishing your first fun run, we want you to know: you deserve a coach.

Let’s grow. Let’s learn. Let’s run with heart.

...and if you’re already coaching others—thank you! South Africa needs you more than ever.