I wanted to share this because so many time I’ve heard athletes feel they weren’t “good” or “fast” enough to deserve proper attention or work from a coach so they accepted the red flags. But regardless of ability level if you have a coach you deserve their attention, communication and personalized plan.
As you know, coaching is a big investment, but it can be the game changer that helps you achieve your goals and reach new heights. The right coach can provide you with the guidance, support, and motivation you need to succeed, while the wrong coach can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck or worse off injured. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when searching for a triathlon coach. In this blog, we’ll talk about some signs of a great coach and some red flags that indicate you might have a not-so-great coach. So, let’s dive in and discover what you can expect from a great Cycling or Triathlon Coach!
Here are some signs of a good coach:
- Customized Training Plan: A good coach will create a customized and comprehensive triathlon or cycling plan that takes into account your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and busy schedule. Your coach should take the time to understand your individual needs and adjust your plan as needed. It should look a lot different if it is your first race and you are new to triathlon or cycling compared to if you are chasing World Championships.
- Communication: Your coach should be available and willing to communicate with you regularly. They should listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide feedback on your progress. As well as be able to answer questions you may have about training or racing.
- Support and Encouragement: A good coach should provide support and encouragement throughout your training journey. They should motivate you when you’re feeling down and celebrate your achievements. If you don’t need a cheerleader sometimes one of the biggest benefits of a coach can be knowing someone will know and care if you don’t complete the training for accountability.
- Expertise and Experience: I always recommend working with a certified coach that has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport as well as an understanding of exercise science. They should be able to help you with technique, training strategies, and race preparation when it comes to swim, bike, run or all 3.
Now, let’s take a look at some signs that indicate you might have a bad coach:
- Lack of Customization: If your coach provides you with a generic training plan that doesn’t take into account your unique needs and goals, it’s a red flag. If you see other athletes names or details in your workouts they are just copying and pasting not writing it for you.
- Poor Communication: If your coach is unresponsive or unwilling to communicate with you, it’s a sign that they may not be the right fit for you.
- Lack of Flexibility: If your coach is not willing to adjust your training plan based on your progress or changing circumstances, such as an injury or a new race goal, it can hinder your performance and increase your risk of injury.
- Unrealistic Expectations: If your coach sets unrealistic goals or expectations that don’t align with your abilities or schedule, it can lead to frustration, burnout, and disappointment. A good coach should help you set challenging yet achievable goals that motivate and inspire you.
To sum it up finding the right coach can make a big difference in your triathlon journey. When choosing a coach, look for someone who is a good communicator, provides customized training plans, offers support and encouragement, and has expertise and experience in the sport. If you experience any of the red flags mentioned above, it may be time to consider finding a new coach.
I was lucky enough to work with a great coach that took me from no background in the sport just having lost 50lbs to a World Champion and multiple Kona Qualifier. That’s why I changed my career from IT Project Management to a Cycling & Triathlon Coach to help others reach their goals.