It has always been a concern of mine that the vast majority elites who become coaches pose a risk - especially to the new triathlete and the intermediate triathlete (which is to say, nearly every body in the sport). A risk that they speak over the head of their athletes or coach too narrowly to reach many different needs of athletes. This is probably true for all sports but let's stay with triathlon for a minute.
I was watching this clip of John Oliver being interview by Seth Meyers. They were talking about Oliver's recent piece on cryptocurrency, how he knew nothing going in, wanted to keep it basic even as his knowledge grew. John Oliver made this statement: "you have to remember what you were like before [you knew anything]...." and this is the crux of my concern. You can see it here if you like
I've been thinking about this more lately for 2 reasons...
1) Because Slowtwitch Coaching is doing two day clinic that gives coaches the skills to teach new and intermediate (and advanced) triathletes how to be better swimmers. We're doing in D.C. on May 18 & 19 (you can read more about there at http://www.slowtwitch.com/coaching/) and I'm hoping that more elites who are either retired, retiring, or trying to do both at the same time - race as an elite and coach, will attend this clinic.
2) Because I was leading coaching education three weeks ago and Michellie Jones was in the course. I have such respect for any coach who chases knowledge, yearns to be better, who stays on the never ending pursuit. AND even more from a former elite turned coach to keep on the path of improving themselves in this vain. Michellie is perhaps an extreme example of this because of the quality of her resume. Also, at the last Slowtwitch Swim Coaches Clinic (at Tri Business International in Tempe), USAT Level 3 coach Mike Ricci was in the room and that was just brilliant too because he's such a venerable, respected coach - and that's probably due in part to the fact that he keeps on with his education.
So, here's my shout out to elites who have turned to coaching...keep learning, stay open to other concepts/styles/systems. The path you walked to great success might not be the best path for the athletes you'll come to know.
Ian
Ian Murray
http://www.TriathlonTrainingSeries.com
I like the pursuit of mastery
Twitter - @TriCoachIan
I was watching this clip of John Oliver being interview by Seth Meyers. They were talking about Oliver's recent piece on cryptocurrency, how he knew nothing going in, wanted to keep it basic even as his knowledge grew. John Oliver made this statement: "you have to remember what you were like before [you knew anything]...." and this is the crux of my concern. You can see it here if you like
I've been thinking about this more lately for 2 reasons...
1) Because Slowtwitch Coaching is doing two day clinic that gives coaches the skills to teach new and intermediate (and advanced) triathletes how to be better swimmers. We're doing in D.C. on May 18 & 19 (you can read more about there at http://www.slowtwitch.com/coaching/) and I'm hoping that more elites who are either retired, retiring, or trying to do both at the same time - race as an elite and coach, will attend this clinic.
2) Because I was leading coaching education three weeks ago and Michellie Jones was in the course. I have such respect for any coach who chases knowledge, yearns to be better, who stays on the never ending pursuit. AND even more from a former elite turned coach to keep on the path of improving themselves in this vain. Michellie is perhaps an extreme example of this because of the quality of her resume. Also, at the last Slowtwitch Swim Coaches Clinic (at Tri Business International in Tempe), USAT Level 3 coach Mike Ricci was in the room and that was just brilliant too because he's such a venerable, respected coach - and that's probably due in part to the fact that he keeps on with his education.
So, here's my shout out to elites who have turned to coaching...keep learning, stay open to other concepts/styles/systems. The path you walked to great success might not be the best path for the athletes you'll come to know.
Ian
Ian Murray
http://www.TriathlonTrainingSeries.com
I like the pursuit of mastery
Twitter - @TriCoachIan