Ten Key Traits to look for in finding the right coach for you.

   Multisport is growing and so is the number of coaches and coaching services being offered to you, both hands on and online.
   How do you know if the coach you are considering is right for you?    
   Do they offer you a value for your training time and expense?
  Will they guide you to reach "Your" personal training goals?

Six-time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott shares 10 key traits to look for in a coach.

1. A combination of education and experience.

2. An understanding of the fundamentals of workload.

3. An ability to cross-reference key training indicators such as speed, heart rate, watts and perceived exertion.

4. The ability to design a program for the full training year (periodization, micro-cycles, rest, etc.).

5. An attention to the details of your training and the astuteness to recognize when it's time to make changes (e.g., to recognize symptoms of over-reaching/training or mental burnout, etc.).

6. An understanding of the biomechanics of swimming, cycling and running and the ability to prescribe drills and exercises to effect corrective changes.

7. The knowledge of the principles of endurance nutrition and supplementation and the ability to prescribe a fueling plan that is tailored to you.

8. Any advice and guidance for your individual race-day tactics.

9. Excellent communication skills.

10. A motivating personality that fits you.

"Shop around carefully, check for USAT-certified coaching credentials and ask for references. You'll be a better athlete for it. "

See Dave Scott's full article at Active.com triathlon