This isn't a new topic but while I am not out training with my athletes on a daily basis, I am really using Workout Log, text, email and weekly calls to stay in touch!

Why Use a Log?
Use a log to communicate with yourself. And your coach. Workout Log is simple enough to jump on (even available from your web-enabled phones) and add your results - the workout, the level of effort, the duration and HR/Power data.

You (and your coach) can use this information to review workouts, to fine-tune workouts, and refine your training schedule for peak performance. The data is invaluable in helping to determine rest days or intervals, reviewing successful (or, not so successful) training blocks, for example tapers or builds, or base efforts.

A short comment is great, though I have always believed in the value of over-communication when using a coach that may not be someone you see frequently and have face-to-face interaction with. Training in a regular, sometimes rigorous way, is a an ongoing experiment with your body's capacity to take on these efforts. If you're like many of us, you haven't done this before. The only way to gauge what the results are is to tell your coach what is going on.

Plus, that check you have sent to your coach each month - hopefully you want to get the full value of it. Call your coach. Text your coach. If you aren't well, ask your coach what to do. Or, hey, I'm panicked that I can't do this because of work, family, friends. Maybe you need your coach to give you a kick in the butt, sometimes, too! (Sometimes you don't call because you don't want that??)

Also, tell your coach when you had a great workout! Had a milestone? Didn't think you'd be able to make that swim send-off? Be proud of yourself. Use your coach to give you the extra boost, too.

Using a Log Helps You and Your Coach Stay Focused

The on-going communication keeps both you and your coach focused. Do you remember the details of 3 days ago's workout? if you don't, what does the coach learn? Will your next individualized workout be as personalized if there has been no personalized input from you?

It's both your job and your coach's to keep yourself growing.

Also, your Season Goals. You wrote them down and reviewed them with your coach? They are also something you should be reflecting on in your logs.

Ok, I'm refocused !

In order for your training log to be most-effective and most-accurate, it’s important that you spend a few minutes to make an entry in your training log right after you finish your workout. The time to start tracking is now.

Don’t worry if you've been a bit quiet lately - if you start now, you’ll be happy you did.

If you believe you hired a coach to help you exceed your expectations, achieve your best and help make triathlon training fun and challenging, then make sure you work with them to get the best out of the partnership!

PS: I want to be out there with you all, soon!