I am often asked by athletes (not coached by me) to evaluate & comment on the training plan that they have chosen to use. Since I’m a coach, you’d think this would be a no-brainer: take a look & give a quick opinion. And you’d be correct – it’s fairly easy for me to opine on the myriads of available (often free) training programs. But…my answer to this request is generally “no”.
Why? Well, it’s really quite simple. I decline because I strongly believe that the training program isn’t what brings success to athletes. Rather it’s the athlete’s TRUST in the training program that works the magic. In simple terms: TRUST = SUCCESS.
Here’s how this basic equation works.
Most training programs (be they out of a magazine or written for you by a coach) are backed by meticulous research & expert experience. Are programs different? Can they have seemingly contradictory philosophies & foci? Absolutely. Each program creator will have their own ideas about what aspect of training is most important. These differences are what give training programs their own unique “personalities”.
It is critical that the athlete’s personality matches the “personality” of the training program. This match is even more important if a coach is directly involved. (This is why it’s important to put a goodly amount of time into interviewing coaches before you choose one.) But, coach or no coach, a good athlete-program match ensures the likelihood that the athlete will trust the program.
Here’s an example. Athlete A places a lot of importance on learning proper running technique. Athlete A signs up for a training program that has little to no technical skills & drills workouts. Although Athlete A will certainly improve fitness, Athlete A will have a nagging feeling that a key training component is missing – technique. Nagging feelings = mistrust.
Once an athlete has selected a program (or coach) it is imperative that they believe in the efficacy of that program (or coach) – they need to believe that that program will work. To think otherwise would simply be a waste of time & energy.
This is why I decline to comment on the training programs that athletes have chosen. What would be the point? They’ve chosen it…and once they’ve done that they need to wholeheartedly trust that the program will provide the results they seek. Pointing out the aspects of the training program that contradict with my coaching philosophy would only put doubt in the athlete’s mind. Again, what would be the point?
Your takeaways:
- Investigate the philosophy or the “personality” of the training program or coach. The better the match, the better it’ll work.
- Once you’ve decided on a training plan or coach, commit for a full season. Go all in. Give it 100% of your trust!
- If you do want my opinion on various training plans, the best time to ask is BEFORE you’ve made a decision. I’m happy to offer up my thoughts while you’re in decision-making mode. But after you’ve made your decision…see #2!
Happy training, all!