Finish picture from Pardeeville Sprint Tri July 2016
I am not a multisport newbie. Over the last 11 years or so I have done 15 duathlons, 17 triathlons and participated in 15 or 20 relays. The dus and tris were largely "super sprint" distance (also called mini tri, try a try, teaser tri, starter tri, etc) along with a few sprint distance tris.
What I have never done before is personal coaching. I've had a coaches for running and I've taken part in triathlon programs. I've been a member of a number of running and/or triathlon teams. But when I hired a coach through my current tri team starting September 1 that was a new thing.
Always in the past I have pretty much thought of myself as a runner who does the occasional du or try. As such, I have concentrated on running and used biking and swimming as cross training. Even when I was part of the Tough Cookies, a women's tri team in Austin, TX and sort of following their tri training program this was my mind set.
Oh, of course I did some masters swim sessions, and a few open water workshops. And yes, I did a series of bike workshops several years ago...and some group rides. But it was always a bit of an aside.
It isn't that I haven't had success in duathlons and triathlons. For example, in 2013 I was third masters Athena at the Fast and Furious sprint duathlon...enough to get me an invitation to du nationals (though I didn't compete in Nationals)
Glenda and I in 2013 waiting for Fast and Furious awards
And I've done well in a few tris, like....
This age group 2nd at the Ranger's Mini Sprint Tri at the School for the Deaf in Austin, TX
Or this age group first at the Earlybird Sprint Tri in Whitewater, WI in 2017
I've enjoyed my past triathlons, and I don't feel any need or desire to be an Ironman or a Half Ironman...or even to do Oly. A sprint is a stretch for me, in terms of both race and training time.
So if I have done these before, and I have had success in the past, and I don't want to do a different distance...why pay for personalized coaching? It is simple. I want to train for triathlon...not be a runner who is dabbling. I want to get to a start line at least as confident about the swim and bike as I am the run. Many people can do that by following a plan in a book, and many do. Many people can do that by participating in a training group and doing a set plan, and many do.
But for me a coach is important. Having one adds a layer of accountability. There is also the fact that I do have some restrictions, physically and personally. A coach can both personalize a plan to accommodate these restrictions and give a little nudge when I lean into them too hard. It is the case that these limitations are real ...but that does not mean that I should not push to be the best I can despite them.
So I've started early, my first race next season is the first weekend in May, I have another mid-July and I'm looking for something in August or September. Right now I am building base...which means I'm swimming and biking more than I ever did. And doing workouts that are structured. I've already moved beyond dabbling runner status.
I know many people may wonder why I started so early. I don't think that is necessary for everyone..but for me I knew I would need some time to navigate the relationship with the coach. Physical issues need to be discussed and worked through...and personalities enter in to it. I knew this from working with run coaches in the past and I am very glad that I can afford to start early and work through everything in to a comfortable working relationship.
I am now nearly 2 months in...and there is still some coaching relationship navigation going on. But so far, so good!
