[Bradley]

Who here uses a coach? I am getting back into full time riding and racing and I am thinking of getting one. I am looking at Carmichael Training systems; http://www.trainright.com This is the firm that the US Postal Team uses along with L. Armstrong. They seem very much to have their stuff together so I am thinking of giving it a try.

Anyone had experience with them or any other coaches for that matter and have any advise? Comments? Rants?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[RideMonkey]

I don't have a coach but It would help a lot. Carmichael Training systems is pretty famous, sure you couldn't go wrong with them.

 

[MegaMatt]

I've worked with coaches before, from both the coaching and athlete end of the spectrum. From the athletes' perspective, I think it is money well spent. If you do the workouts the coach suggests, you will see improvement in your racing. However, most USAC coaches are used to coaching road racers and some flat out refuse to coach mountain bikers. As a XC racer and all-around mountain biker, I feel many coaches who are roadies lack knowlege about the specific technical and tactical aspects of mountain bike racing. This is not always the case though.

Some good places to start looking are at the list of USAC certified coaches in your aera. THis datbase is online at http://www.usacycling.org/membership/?support/coaches_list.html Also asking the local road riders' list serv is a good place to find a coach.

Working with a local coach has many advantges, like personal attetion. I don't have any expierence with CTS, so I'm not going to say if their programs are good or bad. But I can imagine they are like the company Jerry McGuire works for in the beginning of the movie.

I am a a USAC certifed Club Coach, and am looking to start working with mounatin bike athletes. I have a B.A. in Exercise Science, worked as a personal trainer in a health club setting and am currently a candidate for American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor certification. I welcome any inquries.

 

[Spud]

Mrs. Spud is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a Spin instructor and more importantly my tandem stoker.

My question is how do you avoid coaching? No matter how I try, I still can't drop her on that tandem.

Smooth out that pedal stroke!
Spin Circles!
That cadence is too slow!
Wouldn't you rather have a piece of fruit?