Got back from our roadie group ride last night just in time to watch Survivor and see Alex get voted off the show. He’s got the boot, didn’t win the million dollars, so I guess it’s back to coaching.
Hey Cerveloguy,
I have never heard of this Alex guy…is he legit or is “tri-coach” just one of those romantic dream jobs that gets you on TV?
david
"one woman was a “resort tester”
Now that is a cool job. About ten years ago I went thru a divorce. sold my practice and moved to another area. I really didn’t know what I wanted in life and was quite confused.
A friend of mine was managing a scuba dive operation in St. Kit’ts and offered me a job as a dive instructor/boat captain. Would have paid a whooping $1000. per month plus tips and a free room at the resort.
It would have been fun with a new group of divers and female tourists in bikinis every week. My kids were small at the time so I turned the job down and returned to openning another chiropractic office. Just as well because that winter a hurricane went thru the island and wiped out the resort.
Still, that is my definition of what would have been a fun job - scuba diving and driving a dive boat all day. Maybe i missed my calling!
He must be dreaming. That guy is not much of a triathlete. He was 88th in his age group in the 2001 Wildflower short course. I’m faster than him and I’m a Clydesdale and I suck.
He was 243rd out of 490 finishers in the '01 Santa Barbara County Long Course. He’s a hack.
Nothing against hacks, I’m one of 'em. I just hope people don’t think he’s some great triathlete and/or great coach.
Big EE
From what I know he is a TNT coach and the producers probably thought “Triathlon Coach” sounded cooler than whatever his full time job is.
(disclaimer: I have yet to see an episode of Survivor, to include this one. I know nothing about any of the contestants.)
Hmm…
Are you saying that in order to ba a coach of good repute, you must have had a stellar athletic career?
Interesting theory. Does this apply only to triathlons, or to all sports?
Hockey coach Scotty Bowman didn’t ever play a full season of pro hockey, yet he is regarded as the greatest coach of all time. Lou Holtz illustriate college football playing career lasted all of 2 years. I can’t find Joe Friel’s name on the list of triathlon or cycling immortals, yet a countless number of people swear by his advice.
IMHO, athletic ability and coaching ability are 2 different things. Sure, palmares are a definite plus in gaining respect, but they are not required. The ability to teach and inspire are far more important.
I recognize you have the right to your opinion. I just thought you were being unfair and were making a blanket statement about coaches in general.
Can you tell I’m in a bad mood today?
I noticed that some earliet posts were pretty harsh on the guy just because the network chose to label him ‘triathlon coach.’ Even if it were what he labeled himself and/or felt pride in being identified with, I don’t think it is fair to be so negative toward him. He shouldn’t have to claim to be an elite for crying out loud!
I would love to be in the top 10 of my age group, but alas I am a MOP. I train and I try to better myself. I am not a hack.
Ease up a little,
Colleen
Yeah, I figured somebody would hit me with that argument. You’re definitely right, you don’t have to be a great athlete to be a great coach.
When it comes to triathlon, though, how much coaching credibility does a 31-year-old guy really have when he runs 9-minute miles and bikes 17 mph when he enters races? Just my opinion, but he’s pretty fake.
The ultimate deciding factor when it comes to a comes to triathlon coaches is whether they can beat the Big EE. The Big EE is big and slow. Any 30-something coach wannabe who can’t beat me should live in shame. In fact, there should be some licensing test where you have to beat me in a match race to acquire your coaching credentials. 
That’s right, I’m calling Alex Bell out! Come to Wisconsin Alex, you big poser, and we’ll strap it up and have a little race. Just the Big EE and the Survivor castoff! Well, he can bring Jenna and Heidi if he wants.
– Big EE
I’m with you Big EE. If I hire a coach I want him to be able to kick my ass!