What coach or training plan is right for you??
There are many considerations that come into play as you begin training for a triathlon. The main one I hear is... Am I training correctly? There's training plans available everywhere as well as triathlon coaches, clubs, and groups each able to help you achieve your goal of racing a multisport event.
Deciding what option is right for you can be challenging. Knowing what each is might help you decide which is right for you. Over the years I've trained with off a plan, with a coach, with a team, and while being a member of a triathlon club. I'll start off by giving my definition of each.
A training plan is a series of workouts designed to help you achieve a particular distance race.
A coach is person who designs and customizes a training plan to a particular individual and their goals.
A team is often a business where a coach creates plans that are specific to races and offers team training sessions throughout the week as well as clinics.
Finally a club is a group of like minded individuals that are part of an organization similar to a club, but usually training plans are not provided, coaching is not included and training sessions are usually set up by members.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
The training plan is relatively cheap as it is a one time expense. Price varies depending on who designed the plan, how long the plan is, and what race you are training for. Once you buy one you can use it for all races of the same distance. However, you do not get feedback about how the plan is going and if you are adapting. You also might not know how to make the plan fit into your life and schedule.
A private coach is usually a monthly fee. They create a plan for you and give you feedback based on your training. Or at least that is the intent and reason for having a private coach. A drawback of having a private coach is you usually miss out on the social aspect of training with a group. You will get feedback and assistance if you need to shuffle your training schedule as well as learn if you are training too hard or not hard enough. This typically comes at a cost. To allow a coach to have this level of contact with their athlete few numbers are required.
A team is often considered the best of both worlds. At least initially. A team provides you with a coach to ask questions of and a training plan designed for a particular race. In addition you often have multiple team training sessions that allow for a social outlet in a largely individualized sport. The biggest complaint I've heard time and again is that the training isn't customized. The plans are "generic" and there isn't enough feedback from the "coach". That level of contact and customization typically is not part of the package when it come to triathlon teams. The Coach typically has a larger number of athletes so they can offer a plan and workouts at a lower price to the athlete.
Finally type I mentioned is the triathlon club. I'm not sure if this really belongs as an option because it doesn't actually fit. A club does not generally provide training plans or coaching instead it is a community to discover these options as well as organize training sessions among other members. This is typically the least expensive option, but often you will find yourself spending money on one or more of the other options I mentioned above.
There is one that I forgot to mention. That is self-coaching. This is obviously the least expensive of the options. However you must keep yourself accountable to your workouts, and be in tune with your body to know how you are doing.
During my triathlon career I have used all these options and they all fit at different times. There have been times when I wondered if I was using the correct option. It was usually shortly after I started questioning if that option was working that I would switch and try a different option.
Think it over. Think about expectations both personal and that of your training program, think about budget, and pick one and give it a shot for three to six months. If it isn't working try a different one. It would be good to give whatever option you choose a chance to work for you. Most people don't like change and are a bit resistant to it at first.
Triathlon is a hobby form most of us. Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed. Choose a training regiment that allows you to continue to enjoy the sport.
If you're looking for a coach, a training plan or a team to train with feel free to reach out to me. I can answer your questions as well as give you suggestions. www.mercmultisport.com
