Is a Cycling Coach Right for You?
Hiring a cycling coach can seem like an unnecessary expense but let’s talk about why it could be a good idea. Before we get too far, we understand the hypocrisy of a cycling coach telling you to hire a cycling coach but just stick with me here!
Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Coach
#1 - Accountability
The real reason so many cyclists go the route of hiring a cycling coach really comes down to accountability. Anyone can find a random training plan online; the program most coaches use even sells them, but having the drive to get out the door every day is another story. Knowing someone is looking to see if you completed your workouts is a huge motivating factor for so many people.
#2 - Direction
A coach can also provide you with the right direction to be moving your fitness in to meet your goals. When you hire a cycling coach they should help layout a map of where they want you to go and why. So often people come to me, and they have been riding big miles every week but with no purpose, just lots of long easy rides. That type of riding has a purpose and place but if you are looking to find an XC mountain bike race then we need to focus our energy on a different type of workout.
#3 - Performance
This is likely the most obvious reason you would think people come to hire a cycling coach. A coach should help your performance in a variety of ways including a dialed training plan, on-bike nutrition, and some stress/life management to help you find the time to get it all done. However, once you drill down why most athletes seek a coach, the first two above are the real driving factors. When it comes to your performance your coach should be able to tell you “why” you are doing a workout and not just because it worked for them. If they can’t clearly define the reason then what will be your motivation to go out there and kill yourself completing it.
#4 - Experience
Chances are your coach will be more experienced than you. It can be worth even tracking down coaches who specialize in specific events such as Unbound Gravel but it isn’t always necessary. Their experience at other events will carry over to almost any race and that time spent helping others prepare for events can help bring you up to a knowledge level of an experienced cyclist and give you a different perspective of your event, training plan, or race strategy. It can sound small but having someone to guide you on exactly what to do the week before the event or carry in your saddle bag can help you rest at ease some race day.
#5- Companionship
Cycling is a unique sport because how it can be incredibly social but also isolating even during the same ride. Having someone to talk with about the ride or how training is going is a nice bonus of having a coach.
How to Hire a Cycling Coach
Once you are ready to give a coach a try reach to a couple different coaches and make sure it’s a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or testimonials. If they can’t provide you with that it may be a bad sign. It is also worth asking about credentials. Being fast doesn’t make you a coach!
If you are still looking for a coach and want to talk about what we offer feel free to fill out our free consult form! It’s free and has no obligations.