That message was all about him, not you. He's bragging. He wants nothing less than for you to train to win. In other words, he doesn't want what you want.

There's something to be said for a coach who is encouraging and pushes you beyond your limits. But if that's not what you're asking for, then it's not helpful at all. I think what Wahine said is right on.

On the other hand, there must be some potential he sees in you that you might not realize, or he wouldn't have been so pushy about coaching you, I think. He's obviously full of himself, but not without some merit. I think you should use that to inform your decisions about how you compete. (IOW, it's a compliment that he thinks so highly of you that he's willing to push you.) But fire him. He's not listening.

Karen