The most important relationship in cycling: Finding a coach is hard enough without being clear what you want out of the relationship. These questions get you ready to be coached and help filter out the wrong candidates.
Most of us want reassurance that what we're doing is going to make a difference to our fitness and once we have that confidence our motivation grows. I’ve had 5 coaches over my cycling career, and while yes, results are the goal, the process and personalities are a major factor in getting you there. To help you filter out the coaches that just won’t work I’ve put together 15 questions to ask yourself before looking for a coach. I have these questions in the show notes, so don’t worry if you don’t pick them up now.
1. Why do you want a coach?
If you are changing coaches: What are/were the reasons for the change? It is important you clearly understand why you are looking to change and what contributed to this (positive and negative)
- Personal – Misunderstandings between you and the coach? A difference of opinion, expectations, etc. Were your expectations realistic? Did you do the work needed to achieve the goals you had both set?
- Professional – The coach lacked the skills and knowledge to help you meet your goals
2. What’s your budget?
3. How much contact do you need or want from the coach at training sessions?
4. How important is it that your coach also be your cheerleader?
5. Do you want to be associated with a club or a group?
6. Do you want a highly personalized training plan?
7. Focus on where you need guidance.
8. How much contact, outside of actual training sessions, do you want with your coach?
9. Do you want the coach to be present at races?
10. At the end of three months, six months or a year, how will you and the coach know that the coach/athlete experience was successful? How long are you willing to give it?
11. How important is it that your coach be very data-driven and open to conversations with you regarding your device data?
12. Do you have a coaching gender preference?
13. How important is it that your coach be similar to you in age or other aspects of your life?
14. How important is it that your coach also be racing or have raced in your sport?
15. What method do you want the coach to know?
Where to start looking?
Mentioned
