I no longer have to even think about the answer to this question… Coach for sure!!! I will never tackle a race without a coach again. Now is the time of year when athletes are planning their 2016 race schedules and setting their goals. I believe that if you are serious about your goals you should hire a coach. Hiring the right one is the key. Here are some things to consider:
- How much of a budget do you have? Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend. And realize that having a coach may save you money in that you end up at your race, healthy and prepared. instead of injured and eventually DNFing.
- You get what you pay for. Be wary of very inexpensive plans. You may be getting a generic plan that you could have found online. Coaching can range from $100-$400+ a month. If you want an individualized plan and the ability to talk to your coach on a regular basis be prepared for at least $150-$200 per month.
- How much interaction do you want? Some people need very little coaching and others need more. Only you know the answer to this. You may not need someone in your geographical area. Online interaction can be very effective.
- Ask your friends if they have a coach. Especially those who are meeting their goals. Referrals are the best way to find a coach.
- Ask to talk to some of the coach’s other athletes. Ask them about their experiences good and bad with the coach.
- Be realistic with your time budget. Make sure you are realistic with yourself, your family, and your coach about how much time you truly have to commit to training.
- Commit to at least 6 months to a year. It takes time and you really need to trust and listen your coach. You have to make a commitment to them after you have made a decision. Of course, if you know right away that it is s bad match, get out right away. But, you really need to listen to your coach. They do this for a reason.
- Do your job. Your job is to do your workouts and provide feedback. Do that and everybody benefits!
I am starting my third year with Jen Mathe from One 10 Performance and Nutrition. She has helped me achieve Ironman times I really never thought I could. I think with her by my side I can get to Kona one day. There are many reputable coaches out there and probably as many shady ones. I recommend Jen with all my heart (even though I hate her for single leg drills on my bike). If you are serious about your training, find yourself a good coach. Your time is worth it!
See Becca Try to Tri 
Totally agree… I’ll never not have a coach, for as long as I race triathlon. Excited to follow your year!
Your year will be a bit more exciting!
I had a coach, but was ALWAYS injured…I don’t think she read the comments I was putting into Training Peaks to make adjustments for my training. I am the type of person who is going to do what is in TP and not question the coach…much. I finally got to the point where I decided to go it alone (as a certified coach myself, I know what to do…the accountability factor is what I’m missing). I have gotten stronger, faster and have stayed relatively injury-free as a result. With big dreams on my horizon, I have a feeling I am going to be looking for a coach again soon 😉
YIKES! That coach wasn’t listening to you. The accountability of having a coach and using something I am paying for is really important to me.
Now that I’m self-coaching, I definitely find the value in it! I think it might go back into the budget for 2017 😉
I regret not getting a coach sooner – I think (or know) that I would be so much further along than where I am now. But, starting out without a coach was also good because I got to know myself as an athlete which has helped me work well with someone. The times that I have REALLY depended on my coach are when I’ve been injured, especially last year a few weeks before my IM. It was amazing to have someone to talk to about whether I could continue or not. Had I been on my own, I think that I would have been so tempted to either call it quits or try to train through it, and both techniques would have been wrong.
Sounds like you’ll have a great year working with your coach.
I happen to know that your coach does what she does because she TRULY loves what she does and TRULY loves helping other people achieve great things. I think that’s rare in a world where lots of people enter coaching and training just for dollar bills. 😉
I be starting up this year but not sure if I have a coach. I have to find a pool that is reasonable price since I moved into a new area. happy training! here to a great 2016