So the title doesn't mean in anyway that I meant me to become a coach but whether one should decide to get a coach or not.
I have been thinking about writing a post such as this, because over the past 10 months roughly, quite a few people, actually a lot have approached me via social media or face to face about what my thoughts were.
Having a coach is a very personal thing I have found. It depends on so many factors, such as: -
* your ability, their ability
* their background, your background
* personal goal
* cost/affordability
* location
* online, hands on or both
* relationship
For most people it comes down to affordability, because I think in most cases if people could afford it, they would take advantage of the expertise, even if was just a one time thing.
I can only explain why I chose a coach from my own experience.
When I decided to increase my distance and take on the illustrious ironman distance, I knew I needed help and it needed to be from someone whom I respected, was going to give it to me straight and hold me accountable. Plus I had no idea how to train for such a distance, so I definitely needed help.
I was fortunate that I got to see my coach in action. I had no idea he did private clients at the time as he would never speak of this when training myself and others at my tri club. I got to know him, see how he trained us, the kind of language and tone he used and I found out that he was an extremely experienced athlete, he knew his stuff. So I decided to research him as you do using the internet.
Regardless of who I chose, I was definitely getting a coach. For me cost was not a deciding factor, I needed someone who wasn't going to sugarcoat stuff but knew also how to communicate with me, to ensure I understood what was required of me, knew his/her stuff and also had raced and understands the pressures and what is needed to succeed. From the research I did, I liked what I read so I approached him and asked if he would consider taking me on. (I should have warned him before he took me on that I am a nutter lol)
I filled in a very detailed questionnaire, I guess most coaches do this so they can understand your history, ambitions, goals etc. We had a long conversation, where we discussed what I had submitted via the questionnaire. All in all it was a good process. Although admittedly I had no other experience to compare. I have since been with this coach since May of last year and I have not looked back. We all have our moments but I 98% of the time listen to my coach, although I am sure he will beg to differ lol. I guess I am the athlete that does listen, cause at the end of the day its his profession. Come talk to me about improving your business, or selling your brand etc then I am the person, but when it comes to heart rate zones, power, FTP, Lactate threshold, pacing etc etc I have absolutely no idea.
So overall my thoughts on having a coach, in my situation is yes, it has been invaluable to my journey to my first Ironman and I will continue with him until I decide I want to reduce my racing or something happens and I can no longer afford it. I consult him most of the time in regards to races to ensure it fits with my overall plan. I have a tendency of wanting to race everything and don't give myself a chance to rest.
Being coached is not for everyone, as a coached athlete you need to be disciplined, you need to listen and take the advice that you are indeed paying for. If you don't feel you can do these things, then I highly recommend that you don't get a coach, as you will only frustrate each other and the experience won't be a good one.
Thoughts are my own.
Till next time
Smooches x
My coaches details can be found under 'My coaching and physio team' header on my blog.