February 27, 2022
Like any learning experience, to get the most out of it, you've got to be receptive. Just as the class clown never got to grips with algebra, being engaged and making small changes can ensure you extract the most value from your coaching. Here we compiled our top pointers to help you be more coachable.
Sounds obvious right? You’d be surprised how often people skip over the information in workouts - and it’s a real pity. Quality workout descriptions give you not just the how of completing a workout, but the why. It’s understanding the application and adaptability of different training methods that makes for more versatile riders.
Read your workouts and you’ll be better informed, invested and motivated to complete your workouts.
You get the most out of coaching when you’re eager not only to learn, but receptive to what you hear. Trusting that your coach knows what they’re talking about is central - and though some suggestions may seem left field or counter intuitive, it’s only by following instruction that your coach can work out what works for you.
One of the biggest things a coach can do is help you connect, understand and intuit the messages presented by your own body. Riders who plough on and don’t stop to think about how they feel might be tough, but, they often can’t refine their performances or understand what subtle changes they can make to improve their riding.
By taking time to reflect on why or how you’re responding in a particular training allows you to identify and make the changes that can unlock new performances and cut out the things that are throwing your training off course.
Data won’t solve every problem, but it will help you build a better oversight and vision of what you’re doing, how you react and even whether you’re completing rides as prescribed by your coach.
Ultimately, the full complement of power meter, heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and speed sensors together with a mapped training dashboard will provide your coach with everything you need.
The final goal with all technology should be to interpret that data, and using it to plan your training around your life. This organized and methodical approach is what will produce more focused and precise training.
Not keeping your bike in order is one sure fire way to throw your training off, and it’s the dog ate my homework of cycle coaching. Of course, there’s some maintenance that’s unavoidably disruptive - getting a new bike, crashing. However, if you’re unable to make sure your bike is running well on a regular basis, your training is going to be interrupted more often than not, and this can lead to partially completed workouts