The Triathlon Journey

Got a recent email from an athlete asking about the benefits of coaching.  He was specifically interested in how I might be a bit different than other coaches in the area and how my history in the sport affects my coaching approach.  Thought the ideas would be worth sharing with others here...
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Thank you for contacting me.  I would be happy to chat with you about your long term goals and expectations.
I do take a longer term, more balanced approach to the sport of triathlon than many others in the community.  I did my first Ironman in 1994 so I have been in the game for a long time, seen coaches and athletes come and go.  I have athletes that I have been working with since I started coaching in 2006, many years longer than any other coach in this area.  I have athletes that I have taken through a multi-year progression, leading them from their first triathlon all the way to doing the Ironman.
I believe most people can accomplish the vast majority of their goals if they are willing to dedicate the time required, not only in the short term (this week/month/season) but in the long term, over years of training.  In my case, I had to work very hard over the course of a ten year journey to finally learn enough about myself as an athlete and about training techniques etc. to qualify for my first Ironman World Championships in Kona.  I believe that puts me in a BETTER position to coach age group athletes than others who were able to qualify for Kona at their first Ironman.  I certainly envy their athletic abilities but don't believe personal ability makes them a better coach for the average Age Group athlete.  Just as in any other sport, the best athletes aren't necessarily the best coaches.
This perspective is certainly one of the things my athletes tell me they get from my coaching and I have enjoyed watching people grow through the sport I love.
Two other benefits my athletes highlight are higher levels of personal confidence and accountability.  Ultimately they are the ones that must do the training and racing but knowing they have followed the lead of an experienced coach rather than trying to figure it all out on their own is reassuring.  Kind of like hiring a lawyer rather than trying to defend yourself in court... having objective advice is a better solution.  As for accountability, knowing that I am going to check their training log has helped my athletes do the things they know they should when motivation is perhaps lacking.  I can't force them to do the work but they know that I "know" they didn't do the session; sometimes that is enough to provide the extra push out the door :)
If you would like to discuss further or have specific questions please give me a call, happy to chat.
Thanks again for reaching out to me, best of luck with your triathlon goals!