08/11/2024
Oky. So after a week Ive had some questions asked. Interestingly over half are around the same theme. Not specifically physiology or tactics etc
Typically around how a coach could benefit them personally since theve been self coached for a while or can purchase ready packages and the like.
I know im biased, but even with my knowledge I have used several coaches over the years because I fall into the same trap as most.
fYI I was coached first by Arthur Greenwood, then my University Physiology Professor Brian Horn ( also national canoe coach). This was followed by several years with the legendary Eddie Soans and more recently with Tom Bell.
The main benefits I found and I beloeve most people will find:
1. A hidden audience at the back of your mind that helps one be consistent.
2. Someone to stop one doing too much too quickly.
3. Someone to ensure your training has an impact on performance- feeling tired does not usually always equate to getting stronger.
4. Someone to look at ones personal physiology and adapt a plan to make the best of it. Generic plans fail miserably here.
5. No one can fully predict the impact of a weeks training. It is impossible to plan beyond a week at a time effectively. Each weeks plans should be based on a review of the previous week and its impact on tiredness etc. A good coach can do this, a lazy coach will download from training peaks!
5. Cycle training is surrounded with myths and complexity. Multiple prescripted sessions with 10 sec here And 120 seconds there actually provide similar benefits. It dousnt look sexy though. A good coach keeps it simple.
6.Finally we ride bikes for achievement and fun. A good coach keeps it fun.
Hope this helps.
The other predominant question is "How many hours. Well it depends!! Its an individual thing. For one of my Continental Pros cycling in the Sun all year 25 hours of various sorts. But this is not all year round.
For a lady I am working with starting from scratch with a job and family living up North- well she can give 7 hours a week. However we are only ready to use 4.5 hours at the moment.
Can You train less but harder- yes definately. Its a well used but often overused strategy- it comes with increased risk. Eg overtraining. The body can only take so much a week Im afraid.
However I have coached riders who have won long elite Road Races without ever riding more than 3 hours in any one session and 12 hours a week max.
Rob👍
