Without belonging to a team or club, how does one go about finding a tricoach? I’m not looking for a tremondous amount of hand holding, just some guidance and focus.
With plan of doing IMFL next year looming, I’m finding it more vital that I take advantage of every minute I spend away from my family. I’ve always heard quality over quantity and perhaps a coach can provide that guidance/balance.
Thanks for the input,
Paul
I think the most important thing is that you and your coach are on the same wavelength. I believe for the coach/client relationship to work there coaching philosophy must match your training philosophy. When I was looking for a coach I called several and talked to them on the phone. Even though I knew 99% of my coaching would be done through emails, I felt it was important to get to know the person before the coach. Good luck. I did tri’s for 4 years before getting a coach to do my first IM, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have made. I get much more out of my workouts and I am a much stronger athlete.
Hi there,
I hope this helps if you are looking for one in your area. There are many online programs and they can range in price and service. Get a few referrals and options. http://www.usatriathlon.org/Coaches/coaches.htm
Good luck at IMFL!
Hey Lee. That was me on the bike fit via Computrainer question last night via E-mail. I’ll E-mail back to schedule something as soon as we figure out this hurricane. I always start to worry when it is too late to do anything. Can you do week day appointments?
Tri-Wog,
There are many variables which will affect the type of coach you should pursue. I think the best thing you can do is take a LOT of time to define your goals, explore many companies, and speak with coaches.
However, I would be careful with any program that tells you it’s possible to “replace volume with quality.” Having raced 7 Ironmans and trained more than 25 athletes in the past 4 years, I can definitively state that for LC racing, volume matters. You can’t replace a 5-hour Zone 2 ride with a 2 hour Zone 3 ride. It just doesn’t work that way. If you honestly don’t have the time to train, don’t choose to race LC.
With that disclaimer, volume is still VERY personalized and will be a function of your athletic/triathlon background/base as well as your race goals.
Best of luck with your search.
Jonathan C. Puskas
Tri-Wog,
I felt the same way when I decided to do my first IM this year. Not having an abundance of time I didn’t want to waste workouts on stuff that doesn’t matter and I didn’t want to second guess my training the day before the race. I went with Mike Plumb. He posts on this site and his web site is tripower.org. Mike’s a great guy and will give you what you need at a reasonable cost. The workouts aren’t fancy or complicated, but just the stuff you need. I know there are many good coaches out there but Mike did a good job with me and my first IM went very well so he’s my recommendation.
Paul Klingenberg
hey-
i think coach plumb is a solid choice. i was with him for a couple of my first years and it made a huge difference. now i work with a guy by the name of marc becker. solid dude and REALLY knows his stuff.
there are plenty of so called coaches out there who don’t.
best,
j
As an age-grouper, you might want to try a coach who understands your lifestyle - 40 hour work weeks, family and training for an Ironman. I would recommed Jeff Cuddebeck. Great guy, great age-group athlete, proven record of coaching age-groupers at Ironman events. Z
I can also vouch for Mike Plumb as an excellent coach
J
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