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I have a friend who is in the process of hiring a coach and it got me to thinking about why I hired a coach, what criteria I used for the process, and what ultimately directed me to choose one over another.
I hired a coach because I recognized that I arrived at my own level of incompetence. Actually a better way of putting it is to say that I had never risen above the level of incompetence but let's not split hairs here. Those are harsh words but honesty plays a big part in my understanding of what is holding me back.
To summarize my past training process, I would say that it involved whatever I felt like doing, in the time I had available, at one pace... fast. The problem with this type of training is that it lacks balance, structure, and assumes that fast is the best pacing option. [There's an entire blog entry on my past idiotic training process but now is not the time.]
I don't know what changed exactly but a change occurred and I decided I needed a coach. I interviewed quite a few candidates but none of them excited me until I came across a familiar face.
At my very first triathlon, there was a local coach who gave the newbie speech. She sat up on the lifeguard stand, explained the process, and calmed our fears. Even after shedding the newbie status, I continued to listen to her speech each and every time I raced that event. I think I like the energy or something.
When we crossed paths in my search, I was immediately receptive to the idea of having her coach me. We scheduled a call and after chatting for a few minutes, I was excited. I decided to take the next step -- I hired her. Although she had credentials, my decision was based more on familiarity and charisma than anything else.
While thinking about this topic, I thought about the reasons why my clients work with me and came up with an interesting list:
1. I personally work at each client site along with someone who works for me.
2. We answer the phone which is our preferred method of communication.
3. We explain the situation in a way which the client can understand and yet is not condescending... most of the time. :)
4. We have simple, non-binding contracts which basically state we will provide a service, for a specified amount of money, and if you don't like us or we don't like you, we can part ways.
5. We show up on time.
6. I take a genuine interest in my client's business.
What's interesting about the above list is that it has nothing do with our skills.
Not to get off on too much of a tangent but I should also point out that all of our clients have come from recommendations from existing clients. It's sort of like... well, my friend trusts you, so I'll trust you. And that's the key word... trust.
I chose my first coach because she calmed my fears at my first triathlon and I repeatedly heard her speak each time I had participated in that event. I trusted her.
When I started shopping for a new coach, I attempted to make a logical decision and came up with the following questions:
1. What is my preferred method of communication?
2. In what format would I like to receive my workouts?
3. Do I want a one-on-one or a one-to-many coaching situation?
4. Do I require credentials?
5. Will the training program scale as my fitness level increases?
6. Will I require heart rate and power training methods?
7. Will training camps be available?
8. Should my coach be a successful athlete?
Although my current coach met most of my requirements, my decision to hire him was again based on trust rather than the answers to the above questions. [Note to self... stop creating lists, they are a waste of time.]
When I was in the market for a new coach, I crossed paths with my current coach on a public forum where he made himself available for questions. In addition to that, he had a library full of podcasts which I devoured over the course of two weeks (I spend a bunch of time driving!). Between his book, the forum, and the podcasts, I was able to get a clear picture of who he was and I hired him. Despite throwing logic out the window, I am very pleased with my decision.
It's no shocker to discover that I also want to be a full time coach but rather than publish a book or make myself publicly available for questions, I thought a faster method would be to just create that "familiarity" I mentioned above...
 
It's an uncanny resemblance don't you think? :) Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... right?
I'm actually pretty fond of Chuckie V. as well but my wife won't allow me to wear my aero helmet on the toilet. Sorry Chuckie.
[Dude kills me.]
In all serious though, my friend is having a tough time choosing a coach and it's understandable because you're basically putting your athletic future in the hands of, in some cases, a perfect stranger. That's why I think it's important to get to know the person and make the decision with as much information as possible.
[g, I recommended you, she's looking for someone local.]
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