Fedofsky Friday

Fedofsky Friday: Is it time to can your coach?

A few Fridays every month, Elizabeth Fedofsky, a top age-group fast rising professional triathlete and national age group champ, drops in to answer your training questions and to brighten our day with her witty wisdom.

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Question: I started reading your blog and noticed that you’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling. I’m considering flying to a race later this summer and was wondering what hard-earned travel tips you could share. - Cyler

Fedofsky: Great question!

It’s hard to make a decision to move on from your coach when personal feelings and friendship is involved. In my case, I actually had to step back from the friendship I had with my coach and look at our relationship as athlete and coach. As an athlete, I felt my needs had changed and this prompetd my decision for the change.

It may be useful for you to make a list of 5 - 10 qualities that you would like your coach to possess. Then, look at your list and rank the top 3 important qualities. Now, consider your current coach - do they have these top 3 quailties? If so, then look more closely at the relationship itself and what you feel is not working with it, carefully approach the coach with your concerns and suggest ways the relationship can positively change.

If they do not possess those 3 qualities then you may have just found the reason you are looking for a change. Understand that as athletes we change and our needs change - at one time these qualities may not have been what you were seeking in a coach but perhaps that is what you need now. In that case, it’s ok to tell your coach that you are looking for something different now. Coachig is like any other service business - there will come a time where people are seeking a different type of service or something else to meet their needs. The most professional coaches understand this and accept it as a natural part of their work.

As athletes, we change and grow in body and mind. One coaching approach may be suitable for a certain part of our athletic career or goals but at a certain point you may feel it is time to move on to pursue a different path, to meet your new needs or to simply take the chance - as you say above - of being better with someone else. Be honest with your current coach and do your homework for finding a new coach. The transition will not be easy but one if made for the right decisions you will likely not regret.

Question: If you had $250 to spend for anything related to improving your triathlon performance, what would you purchase? What would you recommend an average age grouper purchase with that money? Shoes? Bike gear? Speed suit? Coffee? — Mark

Fedofsky: What a fun question!

$250 to improve my triathlon performance - easy! I would spend the money getting a detailed/videotaped swim, bike and run analysis from an expert in the sport. Though it would probably cost more that that! There is no toy that will make us fast - although there are lots of fun toys that look fast! We all know how to get fast - not by working harder but by working more efficiently. Triathlon is a sport of efficiency. I would have a swim instructor identify 3 things that I need to improve and teach me the ways to get there. I would have a cycling fit specialist look at my fit and my pedal stroke and help me make adjustments. I would have a run coach assess my form and give drills or strengthening exericses to improve. Now that I’ve thought about it - I just might put the money down and do those things!

As for age groupers - I suggest doing the same thing with $250. Honestly, I think seeking feedback and critique from experienced instructors is critical to improvement and becoming the best (and most efficient) triathlete you can be.

If you have triathlon-related questions for Liz, or just want to know more about the ways she drives her husband nuts, fire ‘em off to us at questions@theoutdoorjourney.com. You can read more about Liz’s adventures on her blog at http://elizabethfedofsky.blogspot.com/

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