While I absolutely LOVE working with my local athletes, I wanted to talk today about my online coaching services and how it can provide just as big a benefit as living local. In recent years the online coaching scene has exploded with both good and bad scenarios. Sometimes it’s hard to pick out the good from the bad, but let’s focus on the good today! We know that to complete or compete in triathlon, cycling or running at any level it takes dedication. Not only from the athlete, but also from the coach. So let’s discuss how a long distance, online coaching relationship can work, and work well.

Whenever I onboard a new client, I send them a document that helps them list out their goals for the season. In it I break down SMART goals. Their job is not just to come up with goals for their A race(s), but also goals throughout the training season. We break it down by Base Phase Goals, Build Phase Goals, Peak Phase Goals, and Season Goals. The roadmap becomes much more clear when we add checkpoints along the path to our main event. Were the goals hit in Base Phase? If so, then it’s pretty likely we can continue on and Build Phase goals are realistic. And so on. This also gives a chance to pivot throughout the season and hone in goals. Didn’t hit those Base Phase Goals? Okay, so what kind of detour do we need to take to get back on track? Are Build Phase goals still realistic? What about the season or A race goal?

Stumped on what to get that endurance athlete in your life? What can you possibly buy for the person that “has everything” and if they want it will just buy it? It’s tough. Believe me. But there are still a few things that every athlete needs…or doesn’t know they need.

Music blaring. Crowds roaring. The announcer’s voice booming over the microphone. The countdown was on. It would be just seconds before I dove into the cold waters of the Mediterranean Sea with over 200 other women in the 40-44 year old age group at the 70.3 Half Ironman World Champs in Marbella, Spain. As the final beep sounded, I ran into the sea to begin my journey of swim, bike, run.