Personal Coach

If any of you are serious riders/racers......... do you have a personal coach? What are the benefits of hiring someone as opposed to training with an existing team?

I know of someone in my area that has coached/trained a lot of riders on the amature and pro level. He'll be expensive, but it may be worth it to work with him for a short time a few days a week and then move to once a month.

I'd like to hear some oppinions on this subject. Anyone have a coach and think it's great...........anyone think it is a waste of money?

Kim in TN

Hi kim

I have a coach for my mountain biking training. i felt like my training was all over the place, and i wasn't really getting anywhere. my coach has helped me focus on what i need to be working on and we meet once a month to look at the previous months work to see how things are going (i also have the option to meet with him for training sessions as well). i think its awesom and well worth the money. my body just doesn't respond well to group training, and this more personalized approach i think has helped my performance a lot. hopes this helps

Han

I am a new cyclist. I don't want to develop bad habits that will have to be fixed later. I'd rather start off correctly. I would LOVE to race! I think working with someone on a temporary basis would get me where I want to be by next Spring. And, it would add a little accountability.......do what he says or it's a waste of money!

My family doesn't think I need to be spending money on a hobby. My husband and kids think I am nuts for even wanting to ride a bike. I don't care.........I'm hooked! They have school sports, and little league, youth football.............I have cycling! That is the way I look at it!

Thanks for answering.....I am going to talk to some area coaches and find something that fits in with my plan!

Kim in TN

Hey Kim

what kind of riding are you into? a lesson or two would definitely help. here in ottawa, the OBC offers workshops on racing, group riding and organizes regular outings as well. I am a mtb instructor myself. i love to see the improvement in my students over the weekend clinic. i have also taken lessons, because like you said, its very easy to pick up bad habits.

good luck!

Han

I like to ride road bikes. I have tried riding a mtb, and didn't get much of a thrill out of it (sorry!). I love riding on the road, though. I like to push myself up hills, beat my time from last time... I'm reeeeeeeeeeal competitive!

I have contacted the coach for the team I am going to ride with. We will start as soon as MY BIKE COMES IN! I have a TREK 1500 on back order. It should be here any day........or so he says! I am riding someone else's bike right now.........can't wait to get mine!

Kim,

Good for you!!! I know my husband would prefer that I not ride, but I was riding when I met him so he bought the whole package! I have good friends who tell me that they worry about me, etc., and I thank them for their concern. And get back on the bike.

I love riding. How many times have you been on a stair climber at the gym and said, "Gee, I'm having so much fun, I think I'll stay on another 45 minutes?" I bet never. But, on my bike, I'll be out and find that I want to ride farther than I originally planned 99% of the time.

It's the difference between brocolli and chocolate. How many times have you craved brocolli?