Accountability
Athletes come to Plumb to hold them accountable for their training.
"Knowing that a coach is checking your training log to see how specific sessions went and knowing that you have a certain training regimen to follow are all motivating factors in terms of why a lot of individuals seek out coaching in the first place," he says.
While it may be easy to forego that second workout of the week when there is no one to answer to, the thought of letting down a coach is often enough to motivate you to go to the gym after work.
If you're thinking about hiring a coach, seek someone out who understands your lifestyle and training goals. Some coaches specialize in working with new triathletes, women, kids and professionals. Consider the type of athletes your prospective coach is working with and determine whether you think he or she would be a good choice for you.
"A good coach-athlete fit is like a relationship," Plumb says. "There needs to be excellent communication on both sides, a certain level of respect, and the athlete needs to have confidence in what the coach is prescribing."
If you buy into a coach's knowledge and expertise, you're much more likely to feel like the training is worth investing your time into.
More: You Hired a Coach, Now What?
Availability
Plumb also suggests considering logistical concerns when it comes to the availability of the coach.
Does the coach work a 9 to 5 job, come home, do their training, then spend time communicating with clients? Or is coaching their 9 to 5 job?
While coaches can be effective regardless of their daily schedule, you want to make sure it works with what you're looking for. Before you hire someone, schedule a phone meeting or sit down with the individual face-to-face.
"One of the most important aspects of the athlete-coach relationship is communication," Plumb says. "One way or another, as an athlete, I would want to find out how good at communicating a particular coach is."
More: 7 Training Mistakes That Make Triathlon Coaches Cringe
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