I have been coaching successfully, but my success has been based on objective feedback, consistency with athletes and their drive/ability. I feel that the certification has helped me to more fully understand the coach/athlete relationship and to understand more of the why behind what coaches prescribe. The why is really the difference in coaches; after that I would say communication. Based on what I learned, I have a new perspective on some coaches and their methods.
The clinic wasn't ground breaking for me in knowledge except in two areas: nutrition and running form.
Thursday started with an extra session with Bob Seebohar. Bob is the USOC nutritionist who was with the triathlon team in Beijing. I have worked with Bob in the past as a client when I was really fit. After talking with him for about five minutes I realized one thing, I was doing everything 180 degrees from correct nutritionally. My Florida 70.3... the things I wrote off to neck and fitness issues? Nope, nutrition and heat acclimatization mostly. One of the things I didn't blog about was the intense swelling in my hands during the race. It was so bad that for four days after the race I couldn't get my wedding ring on and I was pouring salt on everything I ate (uncharacteristic for me). Anyone know? Bueller? Anyone? Hyponatremia. The salt tablets I was using (a popular brand) are actually LOW in sodium. Interesting. I bought the marketing and the peer pressure to use this product. I will be changing salt tablets for hot races effective immediately. I have changed my eating effective last Thursday. Since the change is just a shift of nutrients and not a "diet" of any kind, success is just a matter of time.
The second big "mistake" was not doing enough heat workouts early enough. In 2006, I started six weeks before the race. This year two weeks. 14 days is normally about right EXCEPT when you live in a cold climate. Our year has been exceptionally cold and judging from my results, I should have started earlier. Though my fitness wasn't what I would call good, it wasn't poor either; which is what I would call my race result.
The clinic ended with Bobby McGee. Arguably, the world's best endurance running coach. Looking at my run pictures from races when I was running well versus today - simply put, oh my. Bobby reminded me of what I was doing when I was more "successful" (using that term rather loosely). Since working with Bobby a little bit, I can FEEL the difference in my running already. Last night, I was working 1:1 with an Ironman athlete of mine on his running form. We started working on efficiency and form immediately. I will be contacting Bobby to set up sessions for my athletes as well as me.
Lastly, I figured out that I haven't been very "coachable". That changed yesterday. More about that another day.
I used to buy the "I don't need a certification" from some pro athletes turned coaches. I don't anymore. In the end, I feel like I am growing again in the sport. That hasn't happened since 2003. I am renewed.
PS: I know it is Tour de France time when I get text messages from my wife saying things like "THOR!" I hope you are enjoying the race. I think this year has been really great thus far.
Can you let me know which salt tabs you are switching TO? I'm likely to be racing in the heat in almost 3 weeks and have been using one brand but am curious if I could do better :)
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