Hiring a Coach

Seemed like an easy thing to do when I started. I mean how many professional triathlon coaches could there be out there?!? A hell of a lot more than I expected thats for sure !!!

I thought it would be easy to decide. Check their record, results, philosophy, programs, .... and done. but instead its like buying a new car (or bike!!).

So you start with a budget and compare all the ones in and around there. You look at their credentials, race results, testimonials, .... and rates. And of course all the ones you want are just a bit more than your budget, but somehow you think you can justify it.

And this is where it really like buying a car - you start with a budget of X, and then see a car thats just a bit more expensive, but its got more horsepower, or better breaks, or looks better, so you justify it to yourself that you can afford that little extra. But then at the next dealer you see a car that is just a little more than the last one you convinced yourself you could afford but it drives soo nice. So you justify that little bit extra for A/C and traction control .... and pretty soon you have justified to yourself spending way more than you initially intended.

And it begs the question - especially with a coach. Are they better just because they were faster as a pro and are more expensive ? In our society if it costs more, it must be better. This applies with everything from cars and bikes, to jeans and wine. But is that $1200 bottle of wine really better ? Or has some popus ass just told us its better and therefore worth more ?

And with evaluating coaches its even more subjective. We already know that sometimes great althletes make terrible coaches. One only has to look at Ishia Thomas. Great basketball player. Terrible coach. Same with Wayne Gretzky, or Micheal Jordan. All great althletes with terrible coaching records.

And can you really believe everything you read on a website ? Have they all coached IM winning athletes ? And if so how come none of them give full names ?

I guess when it comes down to it, its going to be a bit of a leap of faith. I'll let you know who I decide on, and how soft the landing is.