

Here are the top 5 reasons why you need a triathlon coach:
1. Injury Prevention: This is what I believe is the main focus as a coach- injury prevention. If you are injured, you are not training and then the coach is not needed. The more training you do, the more susceptible you are to injury. Through the coach you will be able to train and race safely and confidently. A coach can also help you prevent cramps and dehydration by making sure the right balance of electrolytes are taken at the right time, (fortunately for you Ultima Replenisher helps with this department!) This is crucial for maintaining your performance levels. 2. Structure: Your program should fit your specific needs. From strength training to long easy runs, from rowing to gut-busting hill climbs, to recovery runs and days on the couch. Your program should cover all areas of training including nutrition and hydration. A coach can also help you with all of your caloric and nutrient needs, as this varies over the course of your program. 3. Correction: Every athlete needs correction, especially triathletes. The more you do something, the stronger the habit becomes. It is the job of the coach to make sure you are creating safe and effective training habits. If correction is needed, your coach will be able to spot it instantly and make the appropriate adjustments. 4. Motivation: So what if you have a bad training day and your motivation to train is nil? Your coach should provide you the motivation to get you back out the door the next day. 5. Success: Yes, success. Your plan should help you meet your goals in order to reach your max performance. As long as you follow the prescribed plan and abide by all of the nutritional guidelines the coach presents, then the program should work for you. If it doesn’t, sit down with the coach and ask questions, lots of them. You are paying for his or her help, so you should get answers you are looking for. Do your research, ask questions and select the right coach for you. Follow the prescribed plan and expect to train hard. Don’t expect it to work if you keep adjusting the schedule or if you keep skipping your long workouts. You need to work with the plan that you and your coach have designed. It’s never too late or too early to hire a coach, improvements can always be made no matter the time of year. ----------------------------------