11/28/2024
Some days, coaching feels like I pour all my energy into the athletes I coach which leaves me feeling drained.
The pursuit of unlocking performance in athletes can feel like a solitary one. Analyzing data, planning and tweaking the programs, reviewing feedback, answering questions, researching and reading new methods etc. can consume a lot of time.
Athletes expect results as do I. Fatigue, injuries, illness, work, social, and life demands and pressures are not conducive to a smooth training process. We can lose perspective while mired in the present, forgetting the journey thus far. Emotions can create tension and perpetuate the cycle of doubt (for athlete and coach). Trust is challenged and needs to be regained on more than one occasion it feels.
This is not a gripe or complaint but rather, a reminder to those who say “but you’re just a coach” that coaching is more than telling someone what to do for training and more about sharing, teaching, guiding, and giving to others to help them become better versions of themselves.
Then, once in a while, that confirmation of “why” I love coaching appears and fills me back up…
***
Hi Jack,
It took me some time to sit down and gather my thoughts, but I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for everything you’ve done over the past year to help me prepare for this journey. It’s been nothing short of incredible. Your guidance, expertise, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping me into the best 45-year-old version of myself.
From planning my training schedule to setting high standards for communication and feedback, you’ve been there every step of the way. Your belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and I truly couldn’t have come this far without your steady hand and confidence in my abilities.
Thank you for not only helping me become stronger, faster, and more prepared but also for teaching me resilience, focus, and—most importantly—the value of trusting the process.
At the start, there was excitement about the race, but that initial spark faded after a couple of months. What you truly did for me was help me find joy and fulfillment in the process itself. It became less about the finish line and more about asking, How perfect can I execute this workout? Could I hit the exact TSS target or nail a pace without straying too far over or under? You showed me how to find fulfillment in the little details.
Soon, I found myself relishing the small moments: the feeling of my foot striking the ground, the sensation of the sun on my skin during a hard climb, or the rhythm of a well-paced interval. Sure, there were good days and bad days, but focusing on the process taught me not to dwell on the bad or get overly hyped about the good. The process became the goal.
Leaning into the process—even on those tough days—helped me realize that on race day, I’ll encounter similar challenges. There will be moments when I don’t feel my best, but if I stick to the process, I know I’ll come out successful. Every step, even the tough ones, has built resilience and taken me closer to my goal.
Tomorrow will be all about executing the way I know I can—focusing on the process, not the outcome. If I stay true to that, I’ll be proud no matter the result.
I can’t thank you enough for everything, Jack. Looking forward to celebrating over a few beers when I get back!
***
To this athlete…
Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts, feelings, and highlight what you learned. You truly “understood the assignment” and I look forward to sharing in your next athletic journey and continuing to challenge you to find the best version of yourself!
