As the subject line says I am looking to start working with a coach, particularly someone with experience coaching for the swim, and am trying to track down available coaching resources in my area.
I don’t know how to put this properly, but I am not a older doctor/lawyer/businessman with a large amount of disposable income who wants to finish an Ironman (nothing against anyone who may fit that description), so I do not fall within the target market demograph of the majority of commercially available coaching services.
I am a locally/regionally competative athelete, new to the sport, and just out of college. I would like to be a nationally competative age-grouper with the reasonable expectation of turning pro within two years. I believe I have the talent and work ethic needed. I am looking for the type of coaching that the guys living in VW buses and working at bike shops so they can train and really go after it might be able to access.
Thats not to say I am not willing to pay what I could afford (25-30$ per month maybe). I just mean to emphasize that I am looking for more team/group coaching resources, but with experience coaching higher level athletes.
I live in the SF Bay Area (I know that this is not a great place to live if you are of modest means, but thats where I’ll be for the next couple of years for personal reasons).
Michael McCormack is out your way. Why don’t you contact him, explain your situation, and ask him if he can cut you a deal if you volunteer your services to him for manning a booth, etc.?
www. triathloncoach.com (I have no affiliation w/ him, but I like what I see)
Join a local tri-club and leverage the coached group workouts would be an economical way to approach getting info and guidance. GGTC does a great job with this. (I have no affiliation)
Or you can try: “anyone else training for ? Can I join you on your next ride? Oh, you’re coached!?! Mind if we train together? I’m okay with doing whatever your coach is having you do.”
You won’t get the hands-on, but you will get the high-points of the program. Below $50/mo you’ll likely end up with a generic limited-access plan. But who knows, maybe there is someone just breaking into the business and willing to eat Top Ramen to build their client base. Good luck.
You need to talk to the Lombardi Sports guys. Not sure how they work (club/coaching/etc), but there are some really fast guys in that group, including one of my GGTC clubmates.
Also, what distance are you talking about–Oly, IM, ???
Not sure where in the SF bay you are at, but there are also some pros in the East Bay you may be able to get some tips from. Check out the “House of Pain” ride from Walnut Creek every Saturday at 9:00. One of the best group rides I’ve been on - fast and pretty controlled.
Thanks for the leads. I’m not sure what the Desert_Dude SAC package is, but I picture it involves being dragged into the desert in a sack, possibly kicked or bludgened, and left for dead. The “House of Pain” ride sounds not much less intimidating, but has got me interested - any more info.
Thanks for the leads. I’m not sure what the Desert_Dude SAC package is, but I picture it involves being dragged into the desert in a sack, possibly kicked or bludgened, and left for dead.
The “House of Pain” ride sounds not much less intimidating, but has got me interested - any more info.
about 55-60 miles averaging 20-23 depending on who is there (the Lietos, lot of cat 1-3s, maybe Wendy Ingraham, etc.). Your riding skills will improve greatly going on this ride!
For swimming, I’d suggest Walnut Creek Masters in WC, Burlingame Masters in B’game (or wherever Coach Doug went), or there are a few good programs in Berkeley/Oakland (Brian Stack for one).
