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

Should I be using a Coach... Do I really need one?

Attending a recent Northeast Multisport Expo ViF noticed one of the largest exhibitor categories was that of coaching and coaching related services.
One might think, "Wow, so many coaches and coaching programs or methods!
Can't an athlete just train on their own, do they really need a coach to tell them what and when to do things?"

The answer is Yes and No, as always, it depends.

ViF - Victory is Finishing is about finishing...but you define "Finishing".

Are you at the stage of your journey where "Finishing" to you is now more than reaching and crossing the finish line?
Has "Finishing" become defined more by how quickly you reach that finish line? Do you have a certain finish time or goal you want to achieve this season?

Could a tri or running club, strong training partner, or a coach help you reach your goals?

Kerry Sullivan of  Rock Star Triathlete Academy
might help you answer that question with his recent article -

What's the Point of a Coach?    

"I truly love coaching, and I believe it is important for everyone, even coaches, to work with a coach. I believe in this so strongly that I work with two coaches: one for swimming, and one for overall triathlon training. Yes, I am a certified coach and experienced athlete in all types of endurance sports, and yet I still utilize coaches.

Why?

1. Often, people can become so focused on moving in a particular direction that they do not even realize that they are headed the wrong way. Needless to say, I have done this and, as a result, I have run myself into the ground, even though I knew better. A coach can stand back, look at things from a fresh perspective, and help the athlete to realize that a different direction is needed. This is the same reason why many corporations hire consultants -- to help them run their companies better.

2. I love to read about top performers in all different areas, from business to sports. Most top performers employ coaches and or mentors, even though they already have a great deal of knowledge. Tiger Woods, for example, is very knowledgeable on golf, yet he still has many people around him who assist him with all areas of his game.

3. I once read that the two things that will have the most impact on a person's life are the books a person reads and the people with whom he or she chooses to associate with. If a person wishes to develop more strength in a particular area, it is a good idea to surround oneself with knowledgeable and experienced people. That is why many top athletes have coaches, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, and strong training partners.