As I am readying my athletes for the upcoming season I'm often asked about my coaching approach
and ideas. In my opinion, there are two fundamental types of athletes: those that prefer to concentrate
solely on training; and those that want control of their program. The later being a self-coached athlete,
and the former being a humble student. The uniqueness of these two types of athletes allow them to
focus on different aspects of their own development yet satisfying the mental requirements involved in
a focused and structured training program. Both are equally effective, its more or less a matter of
personality.
Common pitfalls associated with these two types of coaching:
Self Coached:
1. Underestimation of the mental skills and knowledge required on Race day.
I've seen this happen to myself and many other experienced athletes on the big day. Everything
is in check, HRM has new batteries, water bottles prepared, food schedule laid out, and
countless hours of training in the bank... yet we've never rehearsed “how” we are putting the
plan to action.
2. B urn-Out
With information being readily available these days, and event promoters trying to maximize
exposure by getting dates out early we run the risk of mental breakdown, overtraining, and the
dreaded burn-out before the event even takes place.
3. A ppropriate Intensity
The combination of volume and intensity is what makes a training session difficult, not the
volume or intensity alone. Often these are considered independently of each other when they
should be considered together.
Coached:
1. I mproper Bio-mechanics
This can include pedal stroke, bike fit, and weight training. Injuries develop from overuse
and/or improper bio-mechanics. We must correct the mechanics before the body can repair
itself. Even with close supervision from a Coach this area is often overlooked.
2. P erceived Effort
A steady ride is not necessarily hard, and a 4hr ride may not challenge you either, however, a
4hr steady ride will challenge most athletes. Communication between Coach and Athlete often
breaks down here.
3. S cheduling
Life in general is a balancing act, and time contraints are always an issue. This part of the game
is largely up to the athelete however a fair amount of patience is required for success.
The primary role for a self-coached athelete is time management. Furthermore, applying the
appropriate amount of intensity vs volume to avoid burnout while being prepared for the big day.
Coached atheletes often over-estimate the amount of supervision they receive and will under-estimate
the importance of bike fitting, and keeping a simply diary. The coached athlete is not immune to some
of the short falls of the self coached athlete, or vice versa, rather the two personalities offer different
approaches to solving these problems. Which type are you?
Call Matt Goforth @ On Your Mark
Performance Center to find out – 561.694.6090 or www.oymbike.com
