Hiring a Coach

So you're thinking about hiring a coach, but you just don't know where to begin. It's a big expense, and there are so many different ones. They all seem to have "THE WAY". How does one navigate the banner ads, books, and testimonials to pick the right coach for themselves? After some measure of success this year, I've received quite a number of inquiries about who I'm coached by, how I picked this person, and what I do and don't like about this person. As a result I've been brooding on this topic for some time now. So, I thought I'd jot down some thoughts on the subject.

Knowing what you need

The first thing you need to do when thinking about hiring a coach is a "come to Jesus" moment with yourself. When you hire a coach it should be for a reason. the impetus may start from a statement as broad as, "I want to get faster" or be as specific as "I need to improve the catch phase of my swim stroke mechanics". Either way, there are a few things you need to do before you start evaluating coaches. You're going to need a pen and some paper. Turn off any outside distractions, get yourself a cup of something warm w/ a bit of sugar to keep you awake and on target, and get ready to get up close and personal with yourself. Your ability to find a coach who truly meets your needs will be, in large measure, based upon your ability to be honest with yourself as you answer these questions:

• What are your goals:
1. For your next "A" race
2. For next season
3. For the next 3 years
4. For each individual sport (swim, bike, run)
• Why do you train? Is it racing, or is racing a side effect?
• Why do you race? - what are your motivators?
• How do you perceive your body - fat, slow, fast, lean...
• What aspect of each sport do you think you're good at?
• What aspect/s of each sport do you think needs improvement?
• What you expect to get from a coach - is face to fact time important? is it just a schedule? Are you looking for a teacher?
• What is your financial commitment for the year for sport - this includes races (entry & travel), gear, and coach.
• How much time can you spend each week training?
• How do you take direction? Bobby knight style, or kid gloves and subtle direction?
• What inspires you - what makes you dream big?

If you are married, or in a committed relationship of any kind, you need to review this document with your partner. They need to weigh in on just how much time and money will be spent in this other relationship. Once that is done, you've got a document that will help you find a coach that can help you. Additionally this document will be a great way for your coach to get a baseline on you. It should be noted that this is an exercise that you should do for each season as this list should change over time, just as you will.

Who shouldn't be considered?

Alright, let's get a level set on who should not be considered, as knowing what you don't want is almost as important as knowing what you do.

• Your friends. A coaching relationship is much more like a parent/child relationship than anything else. While it's important that you like each other, you need someone who can provide impartial positive and negative feedback.
• The "tip o' the month" guy. Your coach's advice should be built on reliable information that is built from both coaching, research, and personal experience. The guy who's full of neat information he just read about in this month's issue of triathlete isn't bringing a unique perspective to you... you could just have easily purchased that magazine and read it yourself.
• Your spouse. Like your friend, this person will have a hard time unbiased and impartial in the advice/direction they provide. unlike your coach, your spouse is (ideally) forever. :)

Selection Criteria:

When looking for a coach, you should not look for another you. You've already got you! Instead, look for someone who brings a unique set of experiences/skills/insight you don't have. You will be best served when you use specific coaches for specific problems or challenges. This also means that the coach who is right for you this year, may not be the coach who's right for your next. It's ok to move on... remember, this about helping you grow.

1. Do they believe? The coach has got to believe in you. Nobody likes to work for a dead cause, so they must see potential and believe in you.
2. Do you believe? For you to believe, it's important for you to see your coach as someone who provides a unique service. Information is only reliable and available to those who are trusted by others. My father once said to me, You are judged first by what you look like, second by what comes out of your mouth, and third by those who choose surround you. Apply this same reasoning to your coach.
3. Can they be both teacher and student? Does this person have a true love of helping others to grow and learn? Do they view you as a learning opportunity? Are they secure enough to be challenged? Does this person have the patience to "teach you how to fish" as opposed to handing you all the answers?
4. Is there a desire to see you succeed? A coach is your biggest fan. Period. The reasons aren't important (money, self interest, reflected fame, etc.). If at all possible, your coach should try to make it to one race... to see how your deal first hand, to be the fan, and share in your success.
5. Gut instinct. If everything else seems in line, then it comes down to your gut. They may make sense on paper, but if your gut says no, then it's no. Period. You are entering a partnership, you'd better be comfortable with this person.

You're part of the "contract"

So you've taken the leap. You've found a coach who meets all of your needs. Now you're done! That coach is going to "make you faster, better, stronger...". Think again. There are five major things you'll be responsible for in this relationship, and they're much harder than you might think.

• Give it a year: Your first year will be about you and your coach establishing a baseline... for communication, trust, what your body can handle and how it responds. This will take a season at minimum, so be patient.
• Build trust: Work hard to develop a deep level of trust with your coach. You are placing your season, your hopes, thousands of hours of dedication and work in their hands. If you can't trust this person it's a waste of money and time on both sides.
• Follow the plan: If the coach has you doing something... then do it. This is closely related to #1. If you feel like you don't want to do it ask yourself why. If it's just motivation on that particular day for that particular sport then be strong and get through it. If it's because you don't see the value in the workout or don't understand why you are doing it, then get on the phone to your coach and get answers fast.
• Over Communicate: I once had a discussion with someone who was being coached who said, "he's just pushing me too hard. I can't get through all my workouts, and I'm feeling dead. The plan doesn't seem personalized to my needs and schedule." I said, "Hmm... that's not good... have you told this to your coach, or asked him to work with you to modify the plan to meet your needs?: He looked at me... shrugged, and said, "no". UM... DUH! You and your coach are essentially performing ongoing experiments with your body, and your are the ONLY way he/she can evaluate the results of the experiment. YOU MUST TELL YOUR COACH WHAT IS GOING ON. You are paying for his/her attention... so use it. I call my coach all the time. Sometimes to tell him I'm freaking out, others that I'm tired.... others seeking a little smack in the ass, and still others about how great my last workout went.
• Focus: It's important that you keep yourself and your coach focused. If you feel as though you've gotten the help you initially needed, do you still need your coach? Are you now just getting a series of workouts without specific intent? Each time you write a check out to your coach, ask yourself what the focus of that pay period is. It's both your jobs to define these and keep yourself growing. See my thoughts on the value of experimenting.

That's all for now... I might come back and update this based on my second season, and as I continue to learn & grow. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers, Justin Magurie III