Ok, so I’ve been participating in triathlons for 2 years now, 1/2 IM and shorter distances. Next year: IM (Wisconsin probably). Given that these past two years I’ve dealt with burnout and an injury I’ve realized that I need (want) a coach to keep me in check during the upcoming season. So, I’m looking at two coaching services, CTS or Michael McCormack (www.triathloncoach.com). Does anyone currently use or have feedback on either of these two coaching services? I’m located in SF, so McCormack I could see face to face from time to time as opposed to CTS where I’d have to sign up for a camp. The flip side is for McCormack I’d have to get a Computrainer which is $$. Thanks all!
When dealing with coaches and particularly mostly distance coaching it is most important to make sure that your goals and the coaches goals mesh. Remember, the coach does not know your history so you have to be very honest with yourself and your potential coach in your consultations. It is very possible that your training ideas and those of the coach don’t mesh, be prepared to ask direct questions about ideology and methods. There are a lot of good coaches out there that can get you to your goal, make sure you find the one that you feel will help you grow as a person and an athlete.
If you look on Gordo Byrn’s website, he has an excellent article on getting the most from your coach. A very worthwhile read. You can also look at my coach’s website, he has some very good information on training there as well. www.smartsportintl.com
Mark
I used McCormack for my first IM 2 years ago. I didn’t get a CT but instead used my Cyclops fluid trainer. Michael was okay with that.
I have mixed feelings about the results. Ultimately, I finished the IM but far below my goal time. I cannot blame that solely on Michael. It was only my second year of triathlons so I did not have a large endurance base at all. I followed his workouts religiously and ended up overtrained. My motivation was so high I didn’t even realize it until race day.
His workouts are intense but short. Tues and Thurs were intervals on the trainer followed immediately by track workouts. I just couldn’t recover fast enough. He didn’t work out for me but he is obviously doing something right as he cocahes so many successful triathletes.
That said, I know have a coach that I am much happier with. Don Fink, www.donfink.com, is an excellent age group athlete himself and coaches many people of all abilities as well. Very reasonable cost too.
good luck. And by the way, Computrainer’s are worth the money.
Mike Plumb - tripower.org
Best Bang for the buck coach out there, bar none! Good luck. Email with questions if you have any.
I have been using Michael McCormack for a few years now. His training program/ideas mesh well with mine. I don’t have a lot of time to slog out big miles, so shorter/higher intensity workouts work better for me. I had been making gradual gains until this year, when things have really begun to click. I qualified for Kona at Eagleman and have been doing really well on the local scene.
Being a coach myself, I’m biased… however I’d agree with another poster here and suggest contacting any potential coach before signing up. Many coaches would want to talk to you anyway to get a feel for your goals, and training history, so you could use that time to ask them any questions you have and get an idea of how they operate.
Here is website which lists many of the options out there:
http://swimming.about.com/cs/tricoaching/
Good luck,
Joel