Average sportive rider - how to improve

Alex_Simmons/RST

spokegeezer wrote:

Bigpikle wrote:

I didnt say they could turn me into one, I just said the plan would be the same regardless of my goals...oh were it possible

So the "plan" is the same for all clients regardless of ability? Interesting..........

I can't speak specifically about the coach in question, but what I can say is that coaching packages by good coaching businesses are usually defined by levels of service, not by the level of athlete. Pre-packaged stuff is not coaching.

Service level is typically differentiated by things such as frequency of contact, the nature of interactions (e.g. in person, telephone, email, online portals, skype, sms etc), level of flexibility in managing last minute plan changes, level of analysis detail and feedback, inclusion of specific services for performance management (e.g. use of special performance monitoring systems, event strategy, pacing analysis, aerodynamics assessments, performance testing, nutritional analysis, bike fit), level of planning detail, specific elements requiring support (e.g. do they need help with goal development, equipment selection, technique, mental/psychological support/improvement, or just to get their training right?).

Nevertheless, it is typical that the professional riders we work with choose to engage at the higher service levels, and most regular/sportive/amateur/masters riders tend to engage and lower to medium levels of service, although some do work with us at the higher service levels as well.

And to fill a gap for those on a budget that do just need a good training plan with minimal coaching interaction, but a plan that is suitable and customised for their fitness level, target event type and training availability, we'll be re-introducing such plans before too long. I used to do them before and they were very popular, but I couldn't keep up with demand and have needed to find a better delivery method (which I now have - it will be an online portal).

I know we have helped many a sportive rider achieve and exceed their riding goals. They really enjoyed the process, the improvement, and often go onto other more challenging goals, or racing.

But coaching is not for everyone. But if you do want to engage one, contact a few and take some time to find out how they work. You need to have clear expectations and establish a sound working relationship. Not every coach suits every person.

bigpikle

Thats exactly what I meant Alex - the 'plan' meaning the level of time, access, service from the coach...but I lost the will to live trying to communicate with an internet ***** determined to twist every word posted.

StefNor

Interesting thread, i'm in the same "situation" as the thread starter and also would like to improve my level.
Ive actually tried the "coach thing", first doing some fitness test and getting my thresholds levels and stuff like that and after that an 16 week program that I followed pretty good but and I think it raised my level a bit, but it wasn't that big improvement.
So I now start to wonder if age is taking its toll, im also over 40 and maybe this is my "top-level", or is it possible to improve stuff like Vo2max and FTP even at this age?

Alex_Simmons/RST

StefNor wrote:

So I now start to wonder if age is taking its toll, im also over 40 and maybe this is my "top-level", or is it possible to improve stuff like Vo2max and FTP even at this age?

Much depends on where you are starting from, but I would say yes, although lifting your VO2max might be harder, one can lift threshold over the course of several years. In 10 years of measuring power from my late 30s, my best threshold power was attained at age 47. 40 is the new 30 anyway.

bigpikle

I only really started cycling seriously at 39 and am 41 now. Still pushing my FTP up steadily with a good plan. My best 20 min power in Jan 2011 was 201w when I first got my power tap, and this week I hit a new best of 290w. I don't see age (yet) limiting my potential - just willingness to put the work in!

sampras38

spokegeezer wrote:

RoadMeridaBen wrote:

celbianchi wrote:

amaferanga wrote:

A coach for riding sportives?

+1. Beggars belief.

+1 might aswell throw your money away

I reckon all you need to improve is in this excellent book, from training, understanding the same, to nutrition and stretching guides etc etc. It really does have it all. A coach is a total waste of money he/she won't be able to tell you anymore than is in this and many other books. Good Luck.
http://www.cyclosport.org/30-Sep-2008/p ... tives.html

Ironic that the guy who wrote that book is a coach and a bloody good one too.

t.m.h.n.e.t

Bigpikle wrote:

I have a coach - started this year, after a good 2 years making solid progress. I pay for one 'package' of their coaching services, that is the same package I could choose whether my goals were riding the biggest sportives Europe has to offer or wanting to be a cat 1/2 road racer or top 10 tester. I'm buying time and expertise at the level I choose to afford. I get a 100% personalised plan session by session, week by week, updated every few weeks based on my progress, with weekly contact by phone and email and a review of the data gathered from every single one of my rides, for less than the price of a quality set of wheels per annum. The plan gives me a detailed weekly schedule based around my specific (unusual) working hours, with power targets for every ride, based on my goals and focus areas. I get structure, advice, feedback and challenge that I didnt have when I read the conflicting advice recommended in books and the internet.

Your coach contacts you via email? Do you physically see him/her?

Alex_Simmons/RST

T.M.H.N.E.T wrote:

Your coach contacts you via email? Do you physically see him/her?

I and my coaching colleagues "physically" see very few of our clients.

Hasn't prevented us from helping them set world records, win world championships, get selected into Pro teams, ride that Sportive in a new best time, upgrade race category, get on their local race podium for first time, set PBs, come back from serious injury etc etc.

There is a place for face to face of course (e.g. when working on specific skill/execution issues), but often that is unnecessary to get good outcomes for clients, particularly when such issues are not a high priority in their development plan.

Besides, many clients travel a lot and it's simply impossible to be face to face with them much. e.g. one of my riders in the past month has raced in Netherlands, Luxembourg, China, Canada, and trained in Italy. Heading to USA for more after next week.

Fortunately, technology now days means we can stay in close contact with them no matter where they are. To aid that we have developed a special online client management system to keep in touch with our clients, deliver training plans, update events calendar, training files, comments, provide information and updates, video tutorials and so on. Our clients span all levels of rider and are located in a couple of dozen countries around the planet.

bigpikle

T.M.H.N.E.T wrote:

Your coach contacts you via email? Do you physically see him/her?

I met them initially for a couple of hours, and had met them before last year, and since then its phone and email. Nothing else needed - calls are focused and effective and I send Garmin files for every ride/session as well. I've also been heavily involved in phone based business coaching, which has been just as successful.