Looking for a coach (kinda)

missing said:

I normaly lurk here trying to soak up information but I do have a question. This spring and summer I plan to start racing. I would like a coach but cant afford one (seems like they start at about $100.00 a month and rocket up from there). What I'm looking for is someplace (reputable) that will set me up on a training programe for a one time fee of about $100.00 or so.

Thanks in advance

If you are a beginner, why not just ride and ride? And with the abundance of training information on the web and forums, can't you work out a program yourself?

Alternatively, join a cycle racing club, often there are coaches or very knowledgeable fellow riders who can assist you within the club framework.

missing said:

What I'm looking for is someplace (reputable) that will set me up on a training programe for a one time fee of about $100.00 or so.

The problem is that most coaches operate on a monthly basis as they adjust your program based on a large number of factors. Such as the time of the year and your racing schedule. If you are new to racing, you'll likely improve very quickly and accordingly your program will adjust as you improve, that is what is right for you today may be be what you'd consider to be too easy in 3 months time.

Maybe try Joel Friels book on training and see if you can tailor your own program (it's not really that hard) around your schedule for the year. Once you've done that, paying someone to give it the once over to make sure you are on the right track may be of benefit. Alternatively as Sogood points out joining a club and talking to other members etc is very useful.

--brett

missing said:

... I would like a coach but cant afford one (seems like they start at about $100.00 a month and rocket up from there). What I'm looking for is someplace (reputable) that will set me up on a training programe for a one time fee of about $100.00 or so....

That's a tall order, you can buy training plans for about a hundred bucks each at: trainingpeaks.comtrainingplans.aspOpen ↗ but they won't be taylored to your particular strengths, weaknesses or lifestyle. I'd go with the other suggestions to join a local cycling club and buy some books on the subject like:

amazon.com1884737218Open ↗
amazon.com1931382794Open ↗
amazon.com105 9809918 4897224Open ↗
amazon.com105 9809918 4897224Open ↗

None of these are perfect IMHO (actually I haven't read Kendra's book yet, but have worked with her husband, a top coach, before so I'm curious) but they give a good albeit sometimes conflicting overview of training and racing. You should also peruse the back threads in the Cycling Training and Power Training forums. Even if you don't currently train with a power meter (it's a great investment, wish I had one and some understanding of how to use it twenty years ago) there's a lot of great info in the power forum.

The problem with a one time coach if you can find one for your price is that he can't very well taylor a program to your lifestyle and changing fitness, experience and recovery with a one time visit. I agree with the previous poster that you really don't get the value of a coach with a one time visit, especially just as you start training. If you do things right your fitness, skills and overall racing ability will change fast in the early going and a lot of the value of a good coach is regular feedback and a voice of objective reason to help you adjust to positive and negative training adaptations and the challenges you'll face such as falling short of goals, getting sick, and getting hurt (it happens). They cost a fair amount, but it's a great investment if you can afford it.

If you just can't afford a regular coaching arrangement, then do as the previous posters suggest; ride a lot, read about various training schema, find and join a local club and get thee to some cat. V races to gain experience.

Good luck and keep the rubber side down 🙂

Thank you very much for the advice and direction.

missing said:

I normaly lurk here trying to soak up information but I do have a question. This spring and summer I plan to start racing. I would like a coach but cant afford one (seems like they start at about $100.00 a month and rocket up from there). What I'm looking for is someplace (reputable) that will set me up on a training programe for a one time fee of about $100.00 or so.

Thanks in advance

Why don't you have a chat to peterwright - [email hidden] and make use of the favourable exchange rate between U.S. dollars and South African Rands. I live about 1400km from him and have no problems whatsoever.

Missing,

Send me a private message and perhaps we can work something out.

I am and NCCP Certifited road coach in Canada.