We all know that an Endurance Sports Coach will write you a training plan and offer guidance along the way, but a great coach will give you so much more.
A coach is a teacher!
You will be surprised how much you will learn during your coaching sessions. Early in your coaching relationship you will find that endurance sports training is very specific. Most athletes approach training in a far too aggressive way when training independently. The first step in coaching is often to educate the athlete and hold them back!
A coach gives you permission to hold back.
When coached, you will be surprised how often in your training you will be going easy. Coached athletes often log workouts at easier intensities so when the time is right, you have the energy and mental capacity to go hard! This focus on easier intensities is much more sustainable than the “go all out” approach many athletes begin with.
A coach is someone in your corner.
Family and friends are always supportive, but let’s face it, endurance sports athletes can be hard to relate to. Endurance athletes goals tend to be lofty and your coach can be the person who you’re “real” with. Has anyone in your life ever said in response to your endurance goals that you’re “crazy”? Well, you won’t hear that from your coach. Instead coaches are enthusiastic (but realistic) guides who help you reach your goals.
Take self-doubt out of the equation.
Nobody knows our faults better than we do! Self-coaching is great, but we tend to be too hard on ourselves. Often having a coach guide your training builds confidence in a training plan. Seeking the guidance of an endurance coach can give you the confidence to trust the process and take doubt out of the equation.
Accountability.
This is the key. The single biggest benefit of working with a coach is the increased level of accountability athletes feel. It can be easy to quit on yourself but when you commit to being coached, the athlete responds in kind. When you commit to coaching you set yourself on a path of accountability and execution.