**First, we want to disclose our biases here. At Endurance Mentors we work with most athletes on a virtual 1:1 basis.
With that said, below are some general thoughts on coaching models and pricing levels you will find when searching for a triathlon coach or training guidance. Let’s get into it.
Download a Pre-Made Plan
Downloading a pre-made plan is the place where many athletes start. Some of these exist freely and others require a one time (typically low) payment to get started. In our opinion the best use case for downloadable plans are experienced athletes who may be trying a new type of racing. They know their bodies, their tendencies, and how to manage overall load. The downloaded plan gives them the guidance they need and they can manage their workload from there.
Beginners beware: Often beginners will take this route because of the low cost, but they should be cautious. Without experience, this is a recipe for burnout or injury (especially because when we start out we always think we can do more than we actually can).
Use An AI Based Training App
There are some excellent App’s on the market today that provide an online platform and AI based training guidance. App’s come at a variety of price points (some even free to start) and the sophistication can be impressive. Typically you will find these end up in a subscription pricing model. If you love technology this is a great option.
The best question to ask yourself when dealing with an App is: Who is ultimately behind the curtain? Can you seek individual guidance from an experienced coach when a wrench gets thrown into your training gears? We promise it will.
The other significant factor to consider is accountability. Many athletes (author included) find one of the biggest benefits of having a 1:1 coach is personal accountability. Just ask…….Will you be able to hold yourself accountable to an App?
Coaching Directed Plans
Coaching directed plans are offered by many platforms where a specific training plan is written then you have access to a variety of online resources to have questions answered. This is often structured on a subscription pricing model and can be rather expensive. I have personally used these plans before and had great results. You will receive a real plan, written by a real coach, but at times the direct coach to athlete interactions can be lacking.
You can achieve great things using this type of guidance, but keep an eye on the fine print for when you can actually interact with your coach. You’ll be paying quite a bit for this so make sure it’s worth it for you.
1:1 Coaching
The gold standard and where most athletes end up when they want to reach their potential. This represents the top level of coaching support. There are variances in what 1:1 coaching means to different coaching programs, but one thing we always found important is to make sure there is unlimited communication with your coach. In our view, 1:1 coaching is about the coach/athlete relationship and we have never felt there should be restrictions placed on interactions.
Another key question to consider about 1:1 coaching is your comfort level with this service being virtual vs in-person. In this model you will be very reliant on coaching guidance. Will a virtual relationship work for you? Do you want to have a local coach to work with in person? Consider these questions before beginning the relationship.
Conclusion
There are really no wrong answers when you decide to start training with a plan or coach. It’s about what you’re looking for as an athlete. Be honest with yourself and your coach about how much you can handle and your coach should be honest with you about expectations for your performance.