|
|
Choosing a Coach
So, you hit the bid
and have signed up for Triathlon. You are excited and a little
scared. You “know” that you have what it takes to finish, but
want to get the most of out of the limited time that you have to
train. You have significant commitments in your non-tri life,
and would like to minimize the disruption on your family and
work colleagues. You need some advice to get you through your journey, and are thinking that a
coach could be the way to go. In short, you are exactly where I was a
few years ago.
I have been on both sides of the athlete/coach relationship, and wanted
to share some ideas on how to get the most out of your coach. Here are
some key things to remember when considering a potential coaching
relationship:
Trust
You will be trusting your entire season to another
person. You should check the coach's credentials, experience and
background. Ask for references and speak to current clients. Review
sample workout plans, and discuss the coach's approach to building the
season.
Goals
Communicate your key goals for the season. I have
found the best results are achieved by having a limited number of
quantitative as well as qualitative goals. Set the goals early in the
season, and tailor the year towards achieving them.
Personality
and Style
There are a lot of coaches out there, and just as
many training philosophies. Different strategies work for different
folks, and you should make sure that your coach’s training style matches
your needs. Particular things to watch for are the approach to
intensity, volume and recovery. This is where the variation can be
greatest, and will have the most significant impact on your performance
(both positively and negatively).
The Plan
Many coaches offer different levels of service and
price points. Make sure that you choose the plan that best fits your
needs. If you are looking for frequent interaction, make sure that your
coach will be happy with the level of assistance that you require. Make
your expectations known in advance, and see what the coach recommends.
Share of Mind
If you are paying for individual coaching, make
sure you will get an adequate share of mind. Find out how many athletes
are currently being coached. Discuss your coach’s other commitments. Be
sure that you are confident that your plan will get the focus it
deserves. Once again, make your expectations clear in advance.
Over
Communication
You are buying your coach’s advice, experience and
support. Ask a lot of questions. Understand what lies behind the yearly,
monthly and weekly planning. You will become a better athlete if you
understand the reasons behind each session. It is also your job to make
sure that your coach understands how you are doing. Take advantage of
every opportunity to update on your progress. You need to be totally
honest. If you were so tired you couldn’t get out of bed, make sure that
message gets across. Be totally open and clear with what is happening. I
think this is even more important in an on-line relationship because of
the lack of visual feedback (tough to hide overtraining at the track,
easy on the keyboard). Don’t BS your coach! This is essential when you
are tired, injured or not coping. Know when to back off. In my opinion,
if your interaction is limited you are not being coached.
Belief
Once you have committed, paid your cash, built the season up... do the
program. This sounds easy, but in fact, many people second guess their
coach and adjust the plan. There should be a reason behind every
workout. If you have doubts, ask questions until you are satisfied. You
are paying for expert advice, so use it.
One Plan
Coaches should have the ability to create and enhance the ability of an
athlete in their ability to achieve their goals. The power of belief is
one of the most powerful forces in life. The best coaches, friends and
training partners all share a unified belief in the ability of the
athlete. People that do not serve this power of belief are best avoided.
In my opinion, creating and enhancing the power of belief is the central
role of the coach. It is also the most important attribute for success
in ironman distance racing.
Structure
Due to their experience, coaches should have the ability to provide the
athlete with a structured environment that will enable them to move
safely and consistently towards their goals. Structure gives the athlete
a feeling of control and confidence – thereby strengthening the power of
belief as well as increasing the probability of success.
Clarity
Two aspects of clarity: (a) coaches should be able to explain goals,
sessions, technique and strategies in a clear manner that the athlete
can understand; and (b) coaches should strive to remain independent from
an athlete’s results, thereby being able to offer the athlete the
benefit of an objective opinion.
Knowledge
Coaches should be constantly seeking new training techniques and
expanding their knowledge about all aspects of training, nutrition and
recovery. The goal of every coach should be to become a mind-body
master. Likewise, athletes that want to perform at the highest levels
should make it a priority to understand the purpose of each session and
to become mind/body masters in their own right. Gaining a clear
understanding of a coach’s philosophy will strengthen an athlete’s power
of belief.
Open
Coaches should be open to (and with) their athletes. Athletes should
know that they will not be judged by their coaches. This builds trust
between coach and athlete, increasing the effectiveness of the
relationship.
Responsibility
Coaches must take full responsibility for the programs that they create.
Likewise, athletes must take full responsibility for executing the
coach’s program to the best of their ability. When doubts arise, coach
and athlete should review them together and agree to the overall
strategy. This builds trust and strengthens the power of belief.
If you are interested in our different coaching programs please click here:
If you would like to speak with one of our coaches please complete the following form:
|
You can also find TriNow here
   
|
|
|
|
