Why athletes should be working with a coach.
It is easy to say that when an athlete signs up for an event or has a goal in mind there is usually an equal amount of excitement to nervousness. On the bright side, you don’t have to have it all figured out. A coach can support this journey; a good training plan can help steer you to your goals by providing structure, accountability, and support that makes daily training easier and stress-free.
Here are 3 reasons why a coach and a specific training plan could be exactly what you are after:
1. Structured workouts without the guesswork and a goal-driven outcome.
A coaching plan is periodized into phases that are carefully designed for you to reach a specific event. Along with the kind of race you have chosen, the two primary factors to consider are the race distance and time until the event. You don’t have to worry about how to structure your training when to change phases, and what to do in each phase. A training plan does all of that work for you - all you need to do is show up.
2. Working with a coach for total customization.
Fitting into a training plan comes with the challenge of it not being 100% suitable for you and your needs. Working alongside a coach to tailor a fully-customized training plan can be more beneficial. This is especially true if you have time constraints or want to see your best results faster. One of the many benefits of working with a coach is the support provided in adjustments in training when things like work, family conflicts, illness, or injury come up.
3. Accountability and support
Getting out to train sometimes proves to be more challenging than other times, but having a coach that can support you through this journey and holds you accountable makes it much easier. A coach is more likely to make your program achievable and realistic. Seeing the training boxes turn green or seeing your workout as complete gives you a sense of achievement and builds confidence that you are actually making progress. Training is also only one aspect of preparing for an event. A coach is able to support you through other aspects of concern including strength training, nutrition, recovery, gear, dealing with injury or illness, pacing, and the like.
A coach and a good training program can support your training and racing journey. It provides structure, accountability, and support that makes daily training easier.
