Recently, I have been approached by several triathletes for some coaching.  I responded, asking about what their expectations are related to coaching.  They in turn responded they would like a training plan written up for them, and that was about the extent of it.  As our conversation progressed down further avenues such as regular benchmark testing, bike fitting, etc. the triathletes soon realized that there is a difference between coaching and training plans.  Let’s explain some of the pros and cons of each.

Benefits of Coaching:

• training zones and future training can be adjusted without the need to wait until the next testing protocol
• it is designed for the individual athlete and the individual athlete’s unique physiology, schedule, and goals
• if an athlete becomes injured or ill, etc. the training can be adjusted moving forward to take into account the injury, illness, or otherwise missed training
• there is accountability for the athlete to one specific person

Drawbacks of Coaching:

• significantly more expensive that training plans.
• requires detailed feedback from the athlete on how the workouts went.
• requires the athletes to be committed and complete the workouts as prescribed.

At Moving Forward, we like to meet with our athletes as frequently as possible.  Whether it is to improve your swim technique, perform a power profile test on your bike, or to determine your run pacing, we want to see you!  If you have a busy schedule, perhaps the training plan is what will work best for you!   If you can schedule an almost weekly session (or something on a regular interval), coaching could be right up your alley!

Benefits of Training Plans:

• they are less expensive than individualized coaching
• they provide guidance for new athletes as well as those athletes that cannot or choose not to invest in coaching
• they generally lead to improved performance when compared to unstructured training
• they allow a wider range of people to experience the sport of triathlon in a more structured way than training on their own

Drawbacks of Training Plans:

• they only work to their full potential if you are exactly the same type of athlete (physiologically and mentally) the training plan was originally written for
• they ignore the uniqueness of the individual athlete
• they do not take into account that an athlete will have a sick day, an injury, an emergency, family trip, or any other reason for missing workouts
• there is no accountability to one specific person

To put it simply; Coaching is more specific than training plans are.  Training plans are part of coaching, but not the same.  If and when you decide to hire a coach, make sure to ask them about their philosophy toward racing/training.  At Moving Forward, we will be happy to write you a thorough training plan and provide you with some excellent coaching . . . if you decide you want that as well!