A triathlon is a competitive race that need serious considerations to undertake. It can take an “experienced” athlete and make a them feel insignificant. That is why triathlon coaching may be something that needs to be explore for athletes that are unsure of how to train for it on their own.
For those looking to find a coach to help you get ready for a triathlon, this piece will cover some general tips and approaches to help meet that need. The narrative will mainly focus on the coaches for longer distance varieties since they are the most intensive triathlons. Let’s get started.
Certified Coach Options for Certified Triathlete Training
Once all the training points are factored in, and it’s determined that a triathlon coach is necessary, it is recommended to go with a USAT-certified coach vetted by a reputable training organization. A certified coach may cost you some money, but the benefit will serve you beyond the time you spend with the certified trainer.
The first most notable benefit will be the education aspects. A certified triathlon coach will be able to cut to the chase on scheduling, training exercises, physiology, and overall safety. This will keep you in the game from beginning to start, and you’ll achieve the most important aspect, injury avoidance.
Also, a certified trainer will server you the most by providing the most up-to-date data on training points and techniques. If the coach holds a tier 2 or 3 certification, the knowledge base is even better.
A certified coach is a great recommendation for efficiency and effectiveness.
Tough Triathlon Coach Options
There are a variety of coaching options for a longer distance triathlon. It really will depend on the level of fitness and skill levels or a level that can be trained up too.
When searching for a coach, endurance race experience will be the first thing to confirm with a coach. A solid triathlon coach should have done the race multiple times. It is recommended that this requirement is met since real-life experience mixed with coaching skills will yield the best results from a coach. Also, if a lot of help in all three areas is needed, it’s highly advised that the coach has experience doing triathlons to help get past various impediments brought on by training.
An athlete may have the relevant experience in running, swimming, or long-distance running, and the training focus only needs some improvement in one of those three areas. A triathlon coach may not be the ideal choice. You may want to contact a swim coach only, if swimming is your weak point. Using a coach for one component will help you save on training and allow for specialized training.
Going Virtual for Tough Triathlon Training
Some athletes may be very fit and have tons of drive. Further, an athlete might have done other competitions and participated in track and field in high school. If these are the prevailing circumstances, guess what? An online triathlon coaching program where training can be independently managed is better suited.
Online triathlon coach and training programs are a great option for those who are very fit and fear just about nothing. This option is highly recommended for those who prefer to work independently, and it is not suitable for those who require a training group to utilize an online training platform. It may simply be needing the fellow encouragement, so carefully consider this option.
Now, for athletes that are all in on hacking it alone, there are a few elements to look for in an online training program. First weigh the price. If it costs a ton, shop around and see what various programs offer. Next, be sure the following three elements exist at minimum:
- The program has periodization. That is, a schedule is or can be established. Being able to establish phases and track them will give the most benefit to a triathlete.
- Customization is offered. If the program can’t be customized, the athlete may be stuck with a schedule they cannot keep, and the training may be sub-optimal.
- It has support tools. One particular tool is a resource library that offer options such as articles on specific training areas.
When opting for an online coach for a triathlon, the distance may play an important role. A full-length race will need full commitment from the athlete. This will require the highest level of discipline to achieve success.
Wrapping It All Up
All can be boiled down to what you are training to achieve. You might have the confidence to go at it without a dedicated triathlon coach, and the online options will be your best bet and most economical. The triathlon coaching costs can be kept to a minimum with an online program. On the other hand, you might lack some skill or ability to keep a strict schedule. If this is you, hire a coach or get with a training group to keep you motivated and focused.
It’s all based on what the triathlete would like to achieve, and whatever plan is chosen and implemented, try to have fun while pounding the pavement, zipping down the road on that bike, or stroking through that water.
Lastly, check out this article on building triathlete strength to further your journey.