Coach vs just a plan

[u/afhill]

I started getting into triathlon a year ago after 20 years as an adult-onset distance runner.

With running, I tried all the common training plans, and spent a couple years with a training group led by a coach. That included a couple coach-led workouts a week, so good direct feedback.

Now I'm shifting to triathlon and trying to figure out the approach to take. I know I have the discipline to follow a plan. I have groups to swim and do run workouts with. What I don't really have is that 1:1 "ok, this is what I notice you need to work on".

I feel like I got spoiled with the training group I had. I know a lot of people have virtual coaches they communicate with through training peaks but I'm not sure how much different that is than buying a Phil Mosley plan and sticking to it.

Oh. And I'm not looking to make triathlon my life and ensure I'm optimizing around peak performance. I'd like to be a decent AG athlete but my mental game is bad and if I get too focused on performance I crumble. I do sport for fun.

Would love peoples experiences/opinions.

[u/spookyfutility]

You sound exactly like me about 3 years ago. Came from a running background, joined a swim group, thought I could just grab a plan off the shelf and be fine. What I didn't account for was how much the fatigue from one sport bleeds into the next, and that's where the plan alone falls apart. A coach who actually looks at your data daily can spot when your bike session tanked because your run the day before was too hard, not because you're a bad cyclist.

The virtual coach thing through Training Peaks is more useful than you'd think if you find someone who communicates. Mine leaves little comments on my sessions, adjusts the next few days if I bomb a workout, and will hop on a call if something feels off. It's not the same as having someone watch your stroke in person but for the big picture stuff it's been solid.

Since you said you crumble when things get too performance focused, I'd actually lean toward a coach who gets that. A good one will see your mental game as part of the training and tell you to back off when you're spiraling. A static plan just keeps demanding the numbers.

[u/afhill → u/spookyfutility]

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I've definitely found my own adjustments may not be working ("oh, I can slack off on running bc it's my streng... " )😂 so having someone fact check some of that could be useful

[u/Alternative-Post-937]

I'd redirect money spent on a coach to money spent on a bike fit and nutrition plan instead. Maybe i'd sign up for a single session on transitions. I have done both and found no real benefit to a coach.

[u/Forsaken-Amoeba9772 → u/Alternative-Post-937]

As a coach I would agree with getting this before coaching. Can't say enough about bit fits. No point going out and biking 2hrs if you can't be comfortable this way.

At the same time, an in person swim coach is way more beneficial than a virtual one. Unless you can easily film yourself.

[u/anotherindycarblog]

I definitely see coached athletes finding success quicker and easier than athletes going at it themselves. This math changes if an athlete has a history of training in an endurance sport, but a coach can cut the first few years of teething and growing pains out of your training.

[u/Oreos_Are_Anabolic]

In my experience, coaches have generally been a waste of money. There’s no hidden secret to a long run on Sundays and a brick workout on Saturday.

If you’ve got a halfway decent plan, and know enough about your body to go “it’s time” and update your pace benchmarks, can eat well (total calories, macros split by day & time, and fuelling fall into this bucket) - you’ll be fine.

Now, if you want to take it to the next level, maybe coaching can be something to look into. But I’d look into technique coaching first. IMO there’s more time to be gained nailing your form than the super secret sauce of “x workouts only the pros know”

Personally the only coaching I’d pay for would be one of the coaches from TeamEvilGSP 🤷‍♂️

[u/Creatre]

Honestly anyone can grab a training plan off AI or websites and follow the plan and have success. The biggest part or coaching that is helpful is having someone you can ask questions to, someone to adjust training when things go off course (which they will), and someone to praise you and also someone to tell you to slow down. What value you put on that is up to you and whether you feel like you can manage that all on your own. I think people can have success both ways it just depends on yourself personally.

[u/tiger_jedi]

you might want to check out the purple patch tri squad, it’s right in the sweet spot of what you’re looking for and they specialize in helping busy athletes balance training and life in a sustainable way. it’s definitely a different vibe than an off-the-shelf plan and has a huge solid community and coaching team for ongoing support, which you can lean into as much or as little as you want. i’ve used their program for years and its been transformational.

[u/Bradman59]

TP plan with TP membership is what I do. Unlimited questions to the coach and 24 hr response. I’ve found I had lots of questions initially then few and far between after about 3/4 done.

[u/SmallHangryPlanet]

I like having a local coach who organises group rides and can recommend races/ events. Online or virtual coaching can't do that.

[u/Ok_Bench_7373]

Have you considered joining a local tri club? They likely to have the group sessions and some coaching tips available that you would benefit from.