I know when my A race is (IMUSA), but I’m having problems figuring out if I want to pay a coach for the “maitenance months”.
I don’t want to train vigerously now to prevent burnout, so is it worth it having a coach now or should I wait until ~Jan/February?
For an IM, I’d recommend starting with a coach at least 26 weeks before.
Well that would put it “at least” in mid january. What do I do til then? Is it worth getting a coach for the months between then and now, or should I just use my own knowledge until I get them?
Why wait? Get a coach now… Have him tell you when to start using his services.
I am very happy with my coach and would probably do nothing without him. So, it really is a question of what gets you out of the door the most. It is hard to periodize a race for more than 26 weeks, so it could give you an opportunity to just get to know each others styles better. If you have problems with off-season they can also give you things to work on…
22weeks>program<12weeks
Hows your base right now? whens the race? Im doing some experimenting with my own training this coming season as well.
I started working with my coach 15 weeks before my A race (IMWA). Have been very happy with the results so far. Starting earlier might have been nice, but I don’t know if it was necessary, would have yielded any major differences at this point…
Teege — 6-8 months out would be a good point to start formally. It’s probably wise to choose your coach well in advance, get to know each other, and have some expections/guidlelines/outlines of where this coach would like you to be upon “starting”. This coach may even give you a sample of how a “normal” training week should work until then and some simple benchmarks to achieve by then. I’ll often draw up or set guidlelines and have the athlete provide feedback in the interim (“maintenance months”)… i would include this in any start up fee that i charge. Really helps me get to know the athlete in advance!
Enjoy Lake Placid … great place for an event!
My Best …