Why Do You Need a Coach?

Many athletes have been successful and self-coached; however, it can be difficult for many people, especially people with busy schedules who do not have the time to plan out a training program or need feedback to correct some skill deficiency. The following will put forth an argument for hiring a coach.

First, consider the word "hire" at the end of the previous paragraph. USAT firmly believes that coaches should be paid for their time and knowledge just as other professionals are paid. We do not expect to learn other tasks and skills for free, why should becoming a better triathlete or more fit be any different? People pay both personal trainers and golf instructors to assist them (often with the dream of turning their kid into the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam).

Many people opt to buy a book with a training plan in it (or find one online).  That can be done, however, the particular training plan used from the book or online will not be able take into account your uniqueness in terms of fitness background, currently abilities, time restraints, illness, injury or other disruptions. If you want to get ready for a specific event or type of event, the coach can assist you in developing a plan to meet those needs.  Many USAT Coaches will ask, "When that (the book or online plan) doesn’t work what will you do"? This is what keeps the book publishers and online coaches who are fluent in social media in business.  

A coach provides objective feedback on how the training is going. The coach offers adjustments to the training plan as an athlete progresses or has set backs which allows them to keep the athlete on track and to a plan. Are you going to be able to call the book author to help you tweak your training program? Will that online plan/coach come out and watch your swim stroke?  Doubtfully.  Sticking to a plan, as long as it is reasonable, will lead to improvement, but people are often too willing to abandon one plan for the most recent plan they see in a magazine or book.

Coaching is much more than merely writing a training plan. Coaching involves developing technical and race skills and strategies. A book or online plan can describe how to improve or develop a skill, but having an observer critique the skill and provide feedback is far easier than trying to do it yourself. As someone who tried to teach herself how to race more effieciently, I wish I had had a coach during that time to save me some wasted time and keep me focused on what was important.  

A coach helps the athlete set goals and select events for which the athlete is prepared. The coach also challenges the athlete to push the envelope a bit and also can work with the athlete to hold back so as not to injure the athlete. Athletes can often be overzealous. Sometimes the 40 year old weekend warrior tries to train like he did when he was 21 despite the extra years of inactivity; a coach can help ease the athlete back into fitness and training.

Sometimes just having someone who will hold you accountable, or at least feeling that way, is a prime motivator in sticking to the training plan.  So ask yourself, does your plan address YOUR needs or is it just "what's cool".

See you at the finish line.

-Coach MJ

Do you want more from your training and racing?  Tri Smart Coaching can help!  

Whether you're looking to complete your first triathlon or get to Kona, finish your first 5K or qualify for the Boston Marathon, Tri Smart Coaching can help.  By meeting with Coach MJ, discussing your current abilities and evaluating your goals, Tri Smart will work with you to develop a plan that fits into your lifestyle and will give you the tools you need to improve where you need it most.

Need help in creating those goals?  Tri Smart Coaching can help with this, too.  Many athletes never realize their full potential.  With the help of an experienced coach, you can achieve more than you thought possible.

Everyone athlete is different, from ability to goals to time available to train.  We can help you assess where your time is best spent and put you on a SMART training plan for success.

 Contact Us for a free consultation on how we can help you achieve your athletic goals!