Pros/Cons of BT online coaching

Not sure if the lack of response is a good thing or not! Did you take a direction with the online coaching? I am starting to lean in the direction I need something but not sure what, and really somewhat limited in funds so some options are limited. $200 per month seems excessive to me and would put me in the dog house quickly.

I haven't used BT coaching, or in fact any tri coaching except for swimming maybe four weeks a year with a masters program coached by a triathlete and tri coach, but just a thought....Does the coaching include video analysis of your swim form? If your main reason for getting coaching is to be a better swimmer, and it doesn't include that, it seems kind of silly. With weaker swimmers, the more critical issue is usually form rather than exactly what workouts they are doing, It's hard (though possible to some extent) to work on form by yourself; but fairly simple to set up more challenging, structured workouts and do them without having to hire a coach. Even video analysis is generally not as useful as having a live coach on deck who can evaluate your form, give advice and demonstrations, and then give you feedback as you try to make changes. Without that feedback, one tends to slip back into bad habits, or think you've made changes or are doing something correctly when in fact you're not.

If it's just more high-powered, structured workouts you're after, then you can find a ton (with videos for drills, etc.) on websites like Sara McLarty's or Magnolia Masters, for free that are oriented toward triathletes and suited for all levels. There are also some coaches (you can find ads for them in tri magazines) who do stand-alone video analysis of swimmers for a one-time fee, either in person at their location or remotely. Depending on your budget, those might be other options to consider.

Edited by Hot Runner 2015-01-24 5:45 PM

I have no experience with BT online coaching, but I'm currently doing swim lessons and I highly recommend that. I bought 5 lessons and after my first one i dropped 10-20 seconds off my 100. I went from 1:45 to 1:25-35. I can't sustain the 20's for long, but it's way better than before.