Racers - with or without a coach

[sulis]

I have a question for those of you who race.

I tried racing last year but it didn't go so well. I just didn't feel like I knew what to do. If you had asked me a few months ago I would have said no way am I racing again. But part of me really wants to give it another try. However, the women in my area are amazing and in my current condition I don't think I could keep up. Coaches are expensive but I may be able to make a few budget shifts and scrape together some cash for a coach and a few races.

For those of you who race - do you work with a coach or not? What are the pros and cons? For those that don't work with a coach, how do you train and prepare yourself to stay competative?

Thanks