Critique me please (Page 2)

Powertap, no; but computrainer sessions maybe. And, yes, many coaches will provide you with access to VO2 testing and LT testing, etc., but you will more than likely be paying extra for that (unless you have a very hooked up/expensive plan). And, I am sure there are coaches in your area; you don't need to use one in MN or elsewhere. And, you can get VO2 and LT testing by someone other than your coach and give the coach the results; and a virtual coach can easily review your power files.

One concern that I would have with virtual coaching is that I would think getting your coaching in person might give you access to better equipment for measuring progress. >>> Not always

A coach might have a power tap I could go ride that I wouldn't have to pay extra to use. >>> I don't personally know any coaches who lend their power meters to their clients for training but maybe is possible if the coach owns many? Still I know many coaches who don't even know how to use a power meter or interpret the data 

A coach may also have access to VO2 testing >>> unless he owns the equipments (very $$) works for a medical center or have access to the local sport physiology department of a local university.  

or could get my lactic threshold HR more acurately estimated >>> see above. Yes there are portable LT blood analyzer but *I* wouldn’t trust that more than a filed test. Still LT or VO2Max can be done by the athlete at a local lab and the coach could obtain copy of the results and use it to enhance the training. (btw, VO2Max is not that important) Still many coaches out there won’t know how to take advantage of said data. IOW it is not a virtual coaching issue but a knowledge/experience issue.

Part of modern training is having access to this data to help an athlete reach his potential but all that data costs money to access. >>> if an athlete has access to a GPS, HRM, Power Meter or all and a computer, a knowledgeable coach can get A LOT of useful data to help him/her achieve better results. Yes one-on-one coaching is nice as the coach can get a better feel for the athletes response to training. But nowadays that is 1) more expensive and 2) not very realistic for many athletes with jobs, family, and other priorities.

Edited by amiine 2007-10-18 1:52 PM

My Race Log

Jorge,

Let me start by saying I think you can offer valuable services. It's just not for me. First, I really enjoy the self motivation and planning aspects as well as the personal satisfaction I get from having done both on my own. Second, since it's such an expensive sport I choose to spend my money on other resources. Third, I feel that given my abilities (or lack therof) and time restraints, a virtual coach (or an actual coach for that matter) is only going to provide limited improvement. In other words, I may just go from MOP to FOMOP and I think I can accomplish that on my own.

Again, that's just my choice and it works for me. I certainly don't mean to diminish your profession or imply that what works for me is right for others.

no worries, I didn't take you post in a negative way at all. I was just curious cuz I've heard that before from other people and many times is just lack of information of what some of us offer as coaching services and I figured it could be a good way to maybe discuss that. That been said, I don't think it works for everyone and there are certainly many "coaches" out there offering poor advice/services and responsible for such perception.

Anyway, good luck at LP, maybe we can hookup up there for a training camp! I am definitely heading up there a few times next year to train with my guys and just cuz it is a great place for tri-geeks

You have alot of good information here, so I won't go into much, especially since I am somewhat of a novice myself.  I did, however do TM this year in 5:15 and IMO, it is a fairly challenging course.  If you are not getting alot of hill work, then you should plan on it and rethink your position on not doing interval work. 

If you are not strong on the hills run and bike, and able to recover fast at the top, you will not break 5hr.

I completely agree and I didn't mean to imply that the BT plans were bad. They are quite good, especially for those who cannot afford a coach. But they are definitely geared towards beginners (nothing wrong with that, this is, after all, beginnertriathlete.com) and BOPers just looking to finish. Stuart has a good base of fitness and can do more than the beginner plans offer. A coach for him would be ideal. Otherwise, he can do what I did, because I can't afford a coach either, and do the plan for the next distance up.

SOME of the BT plans are geared towards beginners.  Some are most certainly not.

Here's my "flameable" opinion.

 1) virtual coaching is a waste of money if you want to truly reach  your potential; which you'll have to do to hit 5hr.

2) 5hr is a big goal, but not unreachable.  i've seen nobs get to that mark with good coaching and following (aka not skipping or skimping) on the workouts given to them

3) don't underestimate the swim.  many triathletes do.  they think since its the shortest part of the race they should spend the least amount of time at it...not true (in my flameable opinion) because there is a HUGE about of fitness that is gained from good time in the pool that transfers over to cycling and running (aka cardiovascular fitness).

4) I just PMd you my coach's info.  talk to him about the 3 points above and see what he says about it.  he's the pro...not I...I just know the results of doing what the pro says. 

irrespective of what you choose, good luck hitting your goal man!!!  You should be one proud son of a beetch if you hit it.  5hr is nothing to shake a stick at!