Coaching: Seven Years On …
The start of 2024 brings up the 7th year of my triathlon coaching journey.
Seven years?!
It’s been quite a ride!
Here are ten things I love about my swim & triathlon coaching business …
Being Trusted
Trusted with people’s goals and ambitions, with their time, with their money, with their personal stories and circumstances. There are plenty of options for swim, bike and run support out there – so to be trusted by athletes is a real honour.
Being Part of an Adventure
Being part of adventures – whether that is taking first steps into triathlon / running / swimming or chasing lofty goals. Being part of the team is a privilege. And no two adventures are the same. It’s always exciting. Nobody knows the ending!
Plotting Journeys
Planning the process, from starting out to ‘unimaginable’ end goals, taking life into account along the way! When looking at the Swim Squad Awards recently, the journeys we go on and the destinations we reach are quite amazing.
Seeing Big Improvements
Watching athletes make a breakthrough, both in training and in races. “I’ve never swam so fast in my life” or “that time was a dream for me” or “if you had told me last year I’d be able to get up hills like that I would never have believed it!” or even “last year I couldn’t swim a couple of lengths, this year I swam 5 miles non-stop!”
Being Appreciated
“I was recommended to you by …” or “I have heard great things about …” are some of the best phrases ever! “Thank you for showing me …” or “I couldn’t have done it without your support” are two more. It’s lovely to be in a job – run a business – where there is so much positivity and appreciation.
Solving Problems
Whether that is as broad as “how can I swim faster” or “I’m on a four week shift pattern” or “I’ve broken my collarbone” or “I want to run a marathon and do two Ironman triathlons this year!” or even “I’ve entered Ironman Wales next year but can’t actually swim!”.
No two athletes and no two ‘problems’ are the same!
Coaching – A Business Not ‘Just’ A Job
Coaching is so rewarding for all of the reasons I’ve already mentioned – but developing a coaching business – and using various business skills – is challenging and super exciting!
Bringing People Together
We have a squad of swimmers who had never met each other before, but now find themselves good friends. We have coached athletes who share their journeys, meeting up for rides and using each other as motivation and inspiration. Bringing random people together, sitting back and watching them develop these relationships is so satisfying.
Meeting More And More Athletes
Each year I meet new athletes – swimmers, triathletes, runners – who are eager to join me and develop their potential. Progressing from unknown strangers to trusted athletes to good friends.
Telling (Really Positive) Stories
One of my favourite things is reflecting, looking back at progress, writing stories about athlete success. Putting their medals into the context of their life and their starting points and sharing that to inspire and educate others – I love it.
So there you go. A little reflection and some of the reasons I love doing what I do so much.
If you would like some support with your swim, bike and run – I’d be happy to help!
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