So I got an interesting email last night (and a few subsequent interesting emails). It basically went like this (these are summarized):

Email 1 (to me from coach): Sorry Bryan, but I'm going to have to drop you as a client.

Email 2 (from me to him): Uh....why? Did I do something wrong?

Email 3 (to me from coach): It's not you, it's me. (That was seriously said to me) I'm just looking for someone that will represent me a bit better and advertise me.

Email 4 (from me to him): What do you mean? I've done well in my races this year (I've podiumed or won 9 out 14 this year and just missed the podium (by one or two slots) in 4 of the ones I didn't make it in). I haven't missed workouts, I've been doing everything you've told me to.

Email 5 (to me from coach): Yes, but I'm looking for someone to drive business to me and you haven't been doing that. I haven't had a single person come to me who referenced you as a recommendation and I haven't seen you wearing any of my gear at any of your races or seen any facebook or blog posts about me.

Email 6 (from me to him): Um....you DO realize that I PAY YOU to coach me, right? I'm not getting a free ride in exchange to promotional services. When did me promoting your services ever come into play?

Email 7 (to me from coach): It's an unwritten rule that all athletes do that. Maybe you will understand that when you get a bit more experienced. I will refund your money for the remainder of the year (I paid the full year in advance) and I hope you have better luck in the future.

I'm completely baffled at WTF this was all about. I was happy with the services - I'm having a much better year this year than last and am better able to cope with training (now that I have a one year old) than I was when my son was first born. My results have been pretty good and I'm entering the meat of my season.

I haven't received my refund yet (probably will today I guess?) but that's not what bothers me. Aside from being coachless, it's really kind of shitty that I was dropped because I'm not "good enough". I have a suspicion that there is more to it than meets the eye - but nothing to back it up (there are a few athletes that are coached by this coach who have complained that I was being put up on the site (race wins, wtc) and not wearing "their gear". As of this morning, all references of me on the site have been removed).

Maybe this belongs in the Whine Like A Bitch thread (probably does, definitely does) but I just find it weird and can't help but to think I'm missing something here.

The only scenario where I can think this would be appropriate is if in the original agreement/conversation, you & he/she said something to the effect of...

"....I'm going to be coaching you at a discounted rate, under the premise that you will be referring me 'x' # of new business /month...."


Otherwise, yes...sounds very bazaar.
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Surfinglamb i would be pissed if i were you. Not only does your coach seem to not want to train/represent a MOP age grouper (you arent one anyway) there are now apparently unwritten rules that one must pump up their coach on top of paying them? A good coach shouldnt need forced recommendations.

Sorry to hear that, that's lame of him. Maybe you're not Big and Sexy enough?

But thank you in advance for what I'm sure will be an entertaining thread. My week is never complete without some Friday Slowtwitch Drama.

Assuming that your account details the story well, I can't say that I agree with his position (or approach) ... but I can understand the logic from a voluntary exchange of services perspective. At the very best, it sounds short-sighted on his part (bad precedent, bad publicity, etc.).

He clearly has expectations that you're not meeting. Granted, that may be entirely due to his failure to properly inform you of them, but the balance of dissatisfaction remains. It's certainly a strange twist in the typical provider-client dynamic, so I guess the only takeaway should be that you were satisfied with the product while it lasted, but you're probably better off without the services of a flake.