hiring a coach?

[chitownbelle]

Anyone ever hired a coach for a race?  I am starting marathon training next month (if my foot can handle it, i'm 3 months post ankle surgery and have no base mileage, hooray), but thought I could throw in a sprint triathlon into the mix.  It's a low key race the first week of August.  There was going to be a beginner triathlete course at my gym, but no one signed up, so the coach is offering me her guidance one on one (not sure at what $ cost).  She is an Ironman x a lot, and does this for a living, so will be very motivating for me.  Just don't know if it's silly to pay money to hire someone for just a sprint!  

[sadlebred]

I'd look at Beginner Triathlete and do a free plan if you don't want to spend the money.

beginnertriathlete.com/

[chw57]

I’ve never hired a coach for anything, and I feel like a combination of pre-made training plans from books (Pfitz, Be Iron Fit, etc) has worked out really well. I thinks it sounds like it could be great, I’ve just never felt the need to spend the money.

[emilyinchile]

If you want to do it and have the money, treat yo'self. I'm sure you'll learn useful stuff, and there's nothing wrong with splurging on your hobby even if it's silly!

[sadlebred]

I'll add to my earlier post that if you want to use a coach and can afford it, go for it! I worked with a cycling coach for 3 years and really enjoyed it.

[ktzmoh]

I've worked with triathlon coaches  and a running coach for the past 3 years and it's been a game changer for me. However, it's not cheap. So I tend to spend my money on coaching that moves me toward my big goals rather than the fun smaller stuff.

For a sprint, unless you are thinking of getting into triathlon long term, i would probably just download one of the plans from beginner triathlete and have fun with it, experiment on your own and see how it goes.

[mrshandy]

I had a coach last year for my 70.3. The first 3 months were free but the last 3 I paid for it. It was useful because it was my first. If I do it again, it would be with someone local I think. Virtual has its limit.

I probably wouldn't for a sprint or a non goal , but it can be useful. It would honestly depend on the price whether it would be worth it. 

I would just make sure that they know you're coming off of an injury so they don't go too crazy.

[Deleted]

My local running store offered a marathon group training program, where we had a weekly group meeting to go over topics and goals for the week, and an online forum to reach out to the coach with questions, updates, etc. in between. It was $120 for 4 1/2 months, which seemed really reasonable and it was great for motivation and troubleshooting. Maybe something like that would be available in your area?

[chitownbelle]

May 14, 2019 13:49:35 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

I've worked with triathlon coaches  and a running coach for the past 3 years and it's been a game changer for me. However, it's not cheap. So I tend to spend my money on coaching that moves me toward my big goals rather than the fun smaller stuff.

For a sprint, unless you are thinking of getting into triathlon long term, i would probably just download one of the plans from beginner triathlete and have fun with it, experiment on your own and see how it goes.

My goal this summer is to just cross the finish line for my marathon in October, since I haven't run distance in so long due to injury and had to sit out last year.  This will be a post-baby + post-injury redemption race.  But I've always had this goal in the back of my mind to complete an Ironman before I turn 40 (I'm 35), so I wanted to dip my feet in the tri water and see if I took to it.  I know I can squeeze a sprint's training into my summer, but I am so intimidated by the idea of transitioning, and the little details like what to wear for a sprint and running, etc, not an actual laid out training plan, that I like the idea of someone walking me through it. I'll see how much she'd charge, and likely turn her down if it's something outrageous, and consider hiring her for a 70.3 or something!  I could probably handle a sprint on my own if I had some support coming from elsewhere.  Thanks for the advice.

[emilyj]

I went for...4 or 5 years before I hired a coach? I can’t remember. I hired one finally for Ironman. I kept going with the first one for 5 months after IM, when I changed and hired my current coach.

To me, he’s invaluable. I won’t not have one at this point because while I can train myself, I am doing way better with guidance, and making some big gains in several areas (and slower ones in other areas). But I am also still racing longer distances so for me, it makes sense.

If you can afford it, go for it. Why not? You’ll definitely learn. But I think for a sprint you’ll be totally fine with a training plan. And I’m sure any of us that do triathlons will be happy to answer questions or give you advice on whatever you want!

[chw57]

Another thing that can really help with confidence and getting familiar with the sport (and be less expensive) is to find a tri club in your area. Just having people to train with can make a big difference.

[al320]

I didnt even train for my first sprint. I did one super short brick, and had a friend walk me through transitions and i did fine.

I have a running coach, but its because after years of injury id like to pr marathon. I feel like this is like hiring a coach for your first 5k - youll get something out of it, for sure, but might be overkill.

[moreace01]

She sounds like a good person to get to know if you plan to do 70.3 in the next 5 years. For now - maybe a consultation would suffice? Especially getting through the OWS if you aren't used to doing that. Sounds like your goal this year is the marathon (Chicago?!) so getting through that is priority number one and coaching for that, massages, or good training groups would be where I'd spend my money right now. Coaching for tri in the future.

[chitownbelle]

May 15, 2019 5:02:46 GMT -5 al320 said:

I didnt even train for my first sprint. I did one super short brick, and had a friend walk me through transitions and i did fine.

I have a running coach, but its because after years of injury id like to pr marathon. I feel like this is like hiring a coach for your first 5k - youll get something out of it, for sure, but might be overkill.

Yes, I need to be walked through the little details like transitioning.  Maybe I'll just wing the training for now, or join a local group or take some classes.  I'll save her coaching skills for a bigger goal

[chitownbelle]

May 15, 2019 10:37:27 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

She sounds like a good person to get to know if you plan to do 70.3 in the next 5 years. For now - maybe a consultation would suffice? Especially getting through the OWS if you aren't used to doing that. Sounds like your goal this year is the marathon (Chicago?!) so getting through that is priority number one and coaching for that, massages, or good training groups would be where I'd spend my money right now. Coaching for tri in the future.

If I can get through the marathon (yep, Chicago #5) injury free, I will look into a 70.3 in the spring or sometime next year (IF I can handle a little sprint ;-) ) and then if that goes well....  :-)  

I had my eye on the CHicago sprint, but this coach said that is so big and T1 you are running so far to find your bike, and she recommended the Naperville sprint, which has registration up until the week of, so I think I will aim for that one.  

Are you running Chicago this year?

[chitownbelle]

May 14, 2019 21:20:09 GMT -5 chw57 said:

Another thing that can really help with confidence and getting familiar with the sport (and be less expensive) is to find a tri club in your area. Just having people to train with can make a big difference.

I found some tri clubs and some classes that I will look into.  Thanks!

[moreace01]

May 15, 2019 21:09:45 GMT -5 chitownbelle said:

If I can get through the marathon (yep, Chicago #5) injury free, I will look into a 70.3 in the spring or sometime next year (IF I can handle a little sprint ;-) ) and then if that goes well....  :-)  

I had my eye on the CHicago sprint, but this coach said that is so big and T1 you are running so far to find your bike, and she recommended the Naperville sprint, which has registration up until the week of, so I think I will aim for that one.  

Are you running Chicago this year?

Yep - I'm running Chicago - #4 for me. Hoping to get legacy next year. And hoping to make it through this one injury free. 

I did the oly distance Chicago tri (my first triathlon) same year as Chicago marathon in 2016 and it went pretty well. But I was injury free that year and had no goals for either race. I will say swimming in Lake Michigan is no joke if you aren't used to OWS (I have to psych myself up every time...). The following year I went all in and did the Madison 70.3 in June. A spring 70.3 is hard to train for here - our winters (and springs!) suck ass and make it really hard to bike and get any ows time in. Also, just an FYI that Madison is really really friggin hilly if you were planning on that one. Lol.  I'm thinking of eventually doing Steelhead or the new Traverse City one. Maybe two years from now...

The Chicago Triathlon is apparently the biggest in the world (which I didn't know that till after I signed up). I can't speak to the sprint, but the olympic seemed pretty well run even though it's so large. The transitions were far, but I have nothing to compare it to. I think the Naperville sprint is in the quarry? Still cold and murky, but not as freaky as the lake and would probably be a good first triathlon. 

Whatever you decide to do - good luck! Training season starts soon and I'm excited!

[ktzmoh]

May 14, 2019 18:26:34 GMT -5 chitownbelle said:

May 14, 2019 13:49:35 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

I've worked with triathlon coaches  and a running coach for the past 3 years and it's been a game changer for me. However, it's not cheap. So I tend to spend my money on coaching that moves me toward my big goals rather than the fun smaller stuff.

For a sprint, unless you are thinking of getting into triathlon long term, i would probably just download one of the plans from beginner triathlete and have fun with it, experiment on your own and see how it goes.

My goal this summer is to just cross the finish line for my marathon in October, since I haven't run distance in so long due to injury and had to sit out last year.  This will be a post-baby + post-injury redemption race.  But I've always had this goal in the back of my mind to complete an Ironman before I turn 40 (I'm 35), so I wanted to dip my feet in the tri water and see if I took to it.  I know I can squeeze a sprint's training into my summer, but I am so intimidated by the idea of transitioning, and the little details like what to wear for a sprint and running, etc, not an actual laid out training plan, that I like the idea of someone walking me through it. I'll see how much she'd charge, and likely turn her down if it's something outrageous, and consider hiring her for a 70.3 or something!  I could probably handle a sprint on my own if I had some support coming from elsewhere.  Thanks for the advice.

That's so awesome! I think I went from no bike/ no idea how to swim to Ironman in 3 years? Something like that. First season I just learned how to do everything on my own and did my first race just kind of winging it. I got lots of advice from a friend who did triathlons on transitions and gear and valuable race-day tips. Second season I joined a team and hired one of the coaches to train me for a 70.3. Then the third year I continued working with that coach to Ironman. I then stayed with the same team, but worked with different coaches to improve my 70.3 performance.

Triathlon is really fun and exciting! Good luck!

[chitownbelle]

May 15, 2019 21:37:24 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

May 15, 2019 21:09:45 GMT -5 chitownbelle said:

If I can get through the marathon (yep, Chicago #5) injury free, I will look into a 70.3 in the spring or sometime next year (IF I can handle a little sprint ;-) ) and then if that goes well....  :-)  

I had my eye on the CHicago sprint, but this coach said that is so big and T1 you are running so far to find your bike, and she recommended the Naperville sprint, which has registration up until the week of, so I think I will aim for that one.  

Are you running Chicago this year?

Yep - I'm running Chicago - #4 for me. Hoping to get legacy next year. And hoping to make it through this one injury free. 

I did the oly distance Chicago tri (my first triathlon) same year as Chicago marathon in 2016 and it went pretty well. But I was injury free that year and had no goals for either race. I will say swimming in Lake Michigan is no joke if you aren't used to OWS (I have to psych myself up every time...). The following year I went all in and did the Madison 70.3 in June. A spring 70.3 is hard to train for here - our winters (and springs!) suck ass and make it really hard to bike and get any ows time in. Also, just an FYI that Madison is really really friggin hilly if you were planning on that one. Lol.  I'm thinking of eventually doing Steelhead or the new Traverse City one. Maybe two years from now...

The Chicago Triathlon is apparently the biggest in the world (which I didn't know that till after I signed up). I can't speak to the sprint, but the olympic seemed pretty well run even though it's so large. The transitions were far, but I have nothing to compare it to. I think the Naperville sprint is in the quarry? Still cold and murky, but not as freaky as the lake and would probably be a good first triathlon. 

Whatever you decide to do - good luck! Training season starts soon and I'm excited!

I was looking at Steelhead, since I heard Madison is so hilly.  I miss the lakefront path SO MUCH.  Like you have NO IDEA!  The prairie path is not my jam, and for bike riding distances, the pavement of the path would be so much more comparable to a road that it'd be easier to train on.  Good point about the OWS training here in the spring.  I'm going to try to head out of a long run on Saturday morning so I can try to feel better about training starting in a few weeks!  

[chitownbelle]

May 16, 2019 17:19:57 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

May 14, 2019 18:26:34 GMT -5 chitownbelle said:

My goal this summer is to just cross the finish line for my marathon in October, since I haven't run distance in so long due to injury and had to sit out last year.  This will be a post-baby + post-injury redemption race.  But I've always had this goal in the back of my mind to complete an Ironman before I turn 40 (I'm 35), so I wanted to dip my feet in the tri water and see if I took to it.  I know I can squeeze a sprint's training into my summer, but I am so intimidated by the idea of transitioning, and the little details like what to wear for a sprint and running, etc, not an actual laid out training plan, that I like the idea of someone walking me through it. I'll see how much she'd charge, and likely turn her down if it's something outrageous, and consider hiring her for a 70.3 or something!  I could probably handle a sprint on my own if I had some support coming from elsewhere.  Thanks for the advice.

That's so awesome! I think I went from no bike/ no idea how to swim to Ironman in 3 years? Something like that. First season I just learned how to do everything on my own and did my first race just kind of winging it. I got lots of advice from a friend who did triathlons on transitions and gear and valuable race-day tips. Second season I joined a team and hired one of the coaches to train me for a 70.3. Then the third year I continued working with that coach to Ironman. I then stayed with the same team, but worked with different coaches to improve my 70.3 performance.

Triathlon is really fun and exciting! Good luck! 

I love this, gives me hope that with the right training and dedication an Ironman CAN be done with little prior experience   I'll chat with my "future" coach about saving her for bigger training.  Thanks for putting pep in my step about it.

[kams]

If you’re concerned about things like transition and what to wear, consider checking in with your local tri and/or running shops to see if any of them offer a beginner clinic. They can be really informative, everyone will have the same questions, and they are typically free & social.