its that time of year… where i buy myself something(s) nice.
But there is just too much to consider…
computrainer, and no outside power? or maybe an ibike for outside? (any one using this thing?)
srm and a fluid trainer, and some spinerval DVDs?
or maybe nothing but a coach for the upcoming year?
Thoughts, opinions?
What do you have already, and where do you live? If you live somewhere cold, a good trainer is an excellent investment.
Aside from that, I say get a coach for maximal improvement.
If you are seriously considerring any of the very $$$ items you listed and don’t have a coach…GET A COACH, join a competitive masters swimming program, and run the bottoms off your shoes in that order.
God forbid you think of others
.
Live in New York. I have a indoor trainer. I mostly watch sportscenter or basketball while on it. I get outside when I can in the winter, but thats mostly just saturday and sunday.
Is a coach going to give me something more than a canned plan (maybe with some minimal adjustments)?
8 years of HS/college swimming, more than that of HS/college/post college running. I’m skeptical of a coach showing me much improvement in either of those…
But I am not great on the bike.
I have a Powertap and just recently purchased a computrainer. Even though I live in California and I ride outside alot, I strongly believe that if I had to make a decision between the two I would opt for the computrainer. I’ll incorporate the CT into my regular workouts, especially for quality sessions.
You can ride long outside, you can hammer hills outside, but to ride all out for 30min+ in the time trial position is almost impossible with traffic. I started my montlhly CT 10mile TT last night and next time I will have yesterdays performance race me. It’s an awesome training tool!
A canned plan that has worked for numbers of athletes is exponentially better than no plan. It is up to you to stick to the plan to give it the greatest potential for success.
You are not marrying a coach, but hiring a coach. If things aren’t working out you’ll know relatively quickly and you just fire them. If you go through more than three or four highly recommended coaches in a year or two, rest assured that the problem lies within you, not their abilities to coach.
8 years of HS/college swimming, more than that of HS/college/post college running. I’m skeptical of a coach showing me much improvement in either of those…
But I am not great on the bike.
You should have an incredible head start on your competitors.
None of the top pros will gain 1-2% improvement in any of the sports this year, but all have one or more coaches. A good coach’s experience, objectivity and guidance will carry you further and faster than trial and error will on your part. Sometimes a quality outside point of view can see an issue or spot a flaw that is just developing or maybe has been there for years. Figuring out an ideal balance of training between the three sports for each individual athlete is something a good coach provides based on their experience and knowlege that is well worth the cost.
Good luck. Sounds like you are headed in the right direction.
No plan is a mtn bike from Wal-Mart. You can get the job done.
A canned plan is a used road bike you picked up at a bike swap. Might not fit all that well, but MUCH better than no plan at all.
A (good) coach is a top of the line tri-specific bike that has been custom fitted/built to/for you, with trick race wheels and an aero lid. The best option if you’re serious/can afford it.
A computrainer is excellent, but expensive, it does allow power workouts, or just ride many courses loaded into program, such as you can ride the IM Hawaii course if you want. It also allows for downloading into Cycling Peaks or Training Peaks.com, as many coaches use these for sharing data. I use them year round. As far as a coach, the two I have used work mostly on bike training primarily, then running. Since your already a good swimmer, they will probably just leave you alone for this. Remember, triathlon is a different sport than just swimming or running, and coaches know how to incorporate all three disciplines. With the advent of more power training, a powermeter such as ibike, ergomo, srm, etc are probably going to be the next big ticket item on the horizon alot of us are going to need to get. Good luck…
So the consensus so far says coach…
What can I expect out of a coach? where will they differ from a canned plan?
It seems like most of what i’ve read is that they send you a plan for the week, you do it. Do they make up a different plan for every single one of their athletes? How many athletes will a coach coach?
I dont skip workouts and am good at following directions, so i think i’m coachable.
“but I am not great on the bike”
Start with a top-notch bike fit if you don’t already have a great one, then think about a fixed gear for wintertime suffering that will pay nice dividends. You can either convert your old bike like John or buy a cheap new one. It’s more fun than you would think and will make you strong like bull.
good point. I did get a bike fit in the middle of the past race season… it was the best investment i’ve made in this sport yet…
where would i get a cheap (used) fixed gear bike? Its a road bike frame, right?
I have the same problem with considerably less funds. I was thinking of getting a pair of gloves to keep my fingers warm in the morning or a new water bottle.
So the consensus so far says coach…
What can I expect out of a coach? To improve. where will they differ from a canned plan? A can can’t give you feedback. A Coach can objectively quantify your abilities with some tests and along with you set short and long term goals. The plan, canned or not, is the road map to achieving the goals. If something is not working, a coach can tweak a plan to better suit your schedule, needs or both.
It seems like most of what i’ve read is that they send you a plan for the week, you do it. Do they make up a different plan for every single one of their athletes? How many athletes will a coach coach? Who cares as long as you are improving, staying healthy and injury free.
I dont skip workouts and am good at following directions, so i think i’m coachable. This is good. This is pretty much your job description as a coached athlete, if you decide to hire a coach.
I should add that the undeniable best use of all of your funds is hookers & blow.
thats how i’ve been spending so far… the rashes and nose bleeds are affecting my saddle time though. and no better tempo run than running from a hooker who aint been paid.
Buy a new mattress. My new bed really speeds my recovery cuz I sleep so good.