umd

I've been flirting with the idea of getting a coach for a while now. There are a few local coaches for some of my teammates and some other guys they have seemed happy. But for some reason I just hadn't been excited with the idea of being coached by them. Just a few days ago I found out that another local guy, an ex-pro tour rider (but still a current pro) was thinking of getting into coaching and the idea of being coached by him does excite me. So is it silly of me to want to go with someone with more personal and professional experience but no coaching, over established coaches?

10 Wheels

You don'r need a coach. Just max up your PSI and ride.

Yes you are silly. But you asked.
Have fun.

umd

Wtf are you doing in the racing forum old man?

Frunkin

I think you should try it out, but don't keep the coach if things arent clicking just because they're a pro.

ridethecliche

You're in Socal, can't you find someone with experience with both?

Edit: HE LIVES!

umd

One of the aforementioned coaches is also a successful pro, just not at as high of a level. It's really not that their profressional success is such an important criteria, it's more that I really respect this guy and enjoy riding with him and talking with him and the idea of having him as my coach seems really interesting.

ridethecliche

I'd def try him out then. If you can ride with him and respect him, then it might be worth a shot. See if it works.

Also, context: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10125157

txvintage

Four positives already going for you.

1. He's local = he probably knows the races you have as list on the "A" list.
2. You respect him
3. You already know you can ride with him, you would just be changing the nature of the ride at times.
4. You already know you can communicate.

Of course, having him as a coach rather than as an aquaitance or friend may be different, but it sounds like it would be worth giving it a go. It's not like you are signing a life time contract for his services.

Oh, and WB to the 33.

waterrockets 

As a non-coached rider, I'm giving a thumbs-up to getting a coach. If I could talk myself out of the money, I'd get one too.

ZeCanon

My only concern with being coached by an experienced pro who is relatively inexperienced with coaching is how quickly the guy would figure out how non-freakshow riders train. When what he thinks of as a moderately difficult ride kills you for 3 days, you have a problem.

Of course the easy way to solve this (potential) problem is communicate really well. Make sure he knows what you can and can't handle.

Allegheny Jet

I used a coach last year for the first time. For me it was a very good choice. I did not overtrain and did not need to question my workouts and build phase planning. The coach I use knows our local race scene and has a stable of athletes who range from National Champions down to individuals who do not race but want imporvement in their cycling fitness.

I was a college track and field athlete and coached HS track and field for many years but never could grasp the cycling specific training. My results from hiring a coach were substantual when compared to the prior year. I'm a 56 yr old who only has a couple more shots at racing and don't want to waste any more seasons.

umd, one piece of advice that I can give you is to make sure the coach you choose is capable of making you a better rider. Just because a guy can throw a 95 mph fast ball doesn't make him capable of teaching others to throw that fast. Find the guy who understands you, understands training others, can help you the most, and wants/can to listen to you.

umd

I think it will be a good fit, and I've talked with him on rides before about training and riding. This is what he sent me this morning:

"I know you ride a lot, and have good potential to get a lot more out of your riding/racing than you probably already do. It [the workout schedule] is based on your strengths, weaknesses, goals, time to ride, etc. I know I could help you get a lot more out of your time spent on the bike, and it would be fun to work with you as you have the time (and aren't afraid to put the time in), so that would be the kind of person I am looking to help."

gsteinb

It'll completely screw up your post count.

10 Wheels

I ride a race track once each year.
You do need a coach to help you get up with an old man with bad lungs and bad back.

Look I am way head of everyone.

umd

I don't think I want to "get up with you", whatever the hell that means...

10 Wheels

Just in miles

umd

Fortunately I don't really care. Although I'm JRA right now, during the season I made an effort to ride less and rest more. Still I think I've ridden nearly as far as you for the year, but in far less time

mollusk

umd, get the coach. I bet you can get stronger with fewer hours per week with a coach.

This is assuming that you want fewer hours training.