So 2016 draws to a close, and I’ve got another 12 months of coaching under my belt. It has (and no doubt will continue to be) a constant learning curve. The biggest challenge is realizing that everybody is different and responds to different things. There are the riders who are into the numbers and upload sessions immediately to Training Peaks while they are still getting their breath back. Then there are others who are more old school and maybe struggle with the technical side of things. But this doesn’t mean that they both can’t reach their potential with the right approach for them as long as the enthusiasm and commitment is still there.
If you thought coaching was just a case of giving out a few training sessions every week loosely based around a target, then think again. The relationship between the coach and the athlete is one of the most important factors so if you’re thinking of investing in some coaching, I would definitely recommend having a look around at what is available and meeting them first for a chat. Speak to someone who’s been coached by them and make sure that you will be able to work together to achieve your goals.
Apart from prescribing training and motivating my athletes, my coaching year has also included – teaching how to fix a puncture quickly, checking and adjusting riding positions, helping to pack a bike into a travel box on the way to a World Champs, helping to select and enter appropriate races/events, regular testing and monitoring progress, nutrition advice for training & racing, choosing and buying equipment and even racing against some of my clients (which can get tricky!!).
So looking forward to 2017, we’ve got a great group of motivated athletes with different targets but a common goal to get fitter and go faster. I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve on how to build on what we’ve got including new software for better power data analysis, a new Facebook group just for the 1:2:1 athletes, training days out over some classic routes and strength sessions/workshops at Globogym.
I keep the group small so that I can fit in my own training/racing/family/job/social life … But there are still a couple of slots available for 2017.
If you’re interested in getting involved have a look at the website and get in touch.
AB
