I have been searching for a coach for help for the 2007 season for awhile now and I want to make my decision by Thanksgiving so I can get started on a training plan asap. I am only considering coaches who have systems based on communication and are not simply online training plans. I was looking for some help from those of you who either are coaches or have experience choosing a coach. Here are the two different options:
coach 1:
Level 1 USAC coach, Level 1 USAT coach
Owns his own athlete performance company and frequently works w/ high profile big name athletes
His cycling/triathlon coaching program is run just through him. He works w/ approx. 20 athletes/year in order to be able to spend time on each training program.
Requires VO2max and LT testing on a frequent basis (free for me) for analysis purposes
He is the senior cycling coach in my area
Unlimited communication
Very friendly over the phone and knows his stuff. Seems flexible enough to work around my needs but also firm enough to let me know where my training should go.
Cost: 100$/4weeks (training given on a weekly basis) and 29$ startup fee
coach2:
USAC level 2 coach for 10+ years (specializes in working with juniors and cats 5-3) also certified through the NSCA
Free twice yearly computrainer tests
Utilizes trainingpeaks as a means for uploading my data (cost is included in his fees)
Very friendly and seems genuinely concerned with an athlete's progress and enjoyment/improvement in the sport
Cost: 75$/month (mandatory to pay first 3 months up front)
I am a college student and my max amount I can pay for coaching is ~100$/month. Onviously less is better but I want to get the best coach I can afford. I have spoken in depth with each coach and I like each of their coaching philosophies and attitudes towards coaching and athlete success. Both coaches are less than 3 hours away from me (I live in an area where there are no registered coaches withing a 90min drive). The benefit of coach 1 is that he is in my state and lives in a town I frequently visit. In addition he has worked with olympians, nfl players, pro tennis players, etc. He knows his stuff and is very committed. Both coaches were recomended to me. On the other hand, coach 2 is cheaper, utilizes trainingpeaks which will make uploading my training data from my edge 305 easy. They both have years of experience. Coach 1 does organize some group rides and free instruction sessions for his athletes, as well as some discounts at local stores for his athletes. If prices were equal, I think I may go w/ coach 1 but coach2 is 25$ cheaper and does utilize trainingpeaks which I could see being a valuable asset. My main goal is to reach cat3 in the next two seasons. Any advice is appreciated.
~Nick