MI based triathlon coach

I haven't found one, unfortunately, and I've been looking.

For an HIM prep, I did it by myself, supported by BT, and did just fine. But I had some background and didn't have that far to go in fitness terms. I especially already had SOME kind of swim technique, bike fitness, and run technique nailed.

I guess, without knowing WHAT you need a coach for, here are your options in Metro Detroit:

For the Swim tehnique:  Masters Swim. Latch onto a masters program (one of 'em swims at RO high school several nights a week, for one). That comes with swim instruction from many ex NCAA, and in some cases, Olympic swimmers. There's an excellent one at Oakland U that costs, but you get coached by an Olympian. Plus, they'll film your stroke.  Also, look into FAST (Ford Area Swim Team), which also doubles as a tri-club. Many, many solid swimmers there, and some informal coaching.

For the Bike technique: Unless you wanna go >22mph, all you need is time in the saddle - no coaching required. Consider group rides, or coming with the BT'ers to the metroparks (Stony, Kensington, Island Lake), or Hines Drive on the weekends. Also, there are a couple of group rides that leave RO on weeknights or weekends (google Michigan Bike Clubs, and it'll be one of the first couple entries, can't remember the name of the club).

For running technique: If you really need to improve your run FORM, go to Hansens. Luke Humphrey, and olympian, recently coached a slow buddy from 9+ to 7:30's over HIM distance, and got him in in less than 4 hours in an IM.  Also, BT's own Trixie is in the Lansing area, and she's SMRT. Smart.

For nutrition:  Lots of options, but I'd look into Marni Rakes, on the BT site. Check the nutrition forum. I haven't found anyone in Metro Detroit that's multisport-oriented.

For an overall plan (e.g., workouts, etc):  I checked the USAT site to find the certified coaches, and there are very few in the Metro area. So it's basically online that's your option. McCormack, Mark Allen, our own D3, Kurt Perham, tons of options. Basically you need to decide what your philosophy is, then find a coach that coaches in line with that philosophy (e.g., training fits your schedule vs. strict fixed workouts, HR / Power / RPE, ones that like strength training vs. not, how much feedback and contact you need, ones that are feelgood vs. drill sgts, etc., etc.). There are lots of variables here.

For motivation: Don't know about you, but most of what a coach could do for me is keep me from blowing off workouts...accountability. I'm pretty sure I'd need a local coach, or group events in swim/bike/run above, to keep me going.

And BTW, I did Steelhead and a couple other HIM's in my 2nd full year of tris, and did OK. Feel free to PM me (or post here) questions, glad to help. And look for group workouts, especially running through the fall and winter, and the other sports as the freeze lifts.

Good luck.