Chapter Twelve: Beyond Training Sessions
“I thought coaching was about being told what to do. Turns out it’s also about someone reminding you what you’re capable of.”
The Newbie had been hovering around the edge of the group since the first few sessions. Eager, a little nervous, always early, always watching.
It had taken a few weeks, but now she felt like she belonged. Mostly. She still double-checked the pace instructions. Still worried about messing up transitions. Still questioned – quietly – whether she was “good enough” to be here.
One morning, dressed in her new club kit, she sat near the Veteran while they all waited for the group ride to roll out. He’d seen her at enough sessions now to notice the patterns. Quiet determination. A good engine. But a tendency to be hard on herself.
“You smashed that set yesterday,” he said, reflecting on their swim together.
She gave a slight shrug. “Felt slow.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What did your coach say?”
“He said it was spot on.”
“Then maybe believe him.”
She smiled, but didn’t look entirely convinced.
Later, out on the road, the ride split into pairs and she found herself next to him again. After a few miles of small talk, the conversation turned to coaching.
“I just thought it would be all sessions and feedback and numbers,” she said. “But … it’s more than that.”
He glanced sideways. “What did you expect?”
She paused. “Honestly? That it would be strict. Like being told what to do. Push harder, try more. I didn’t realise there’d be this much … support.”
He nodded. “Good coaching isn’t about barking orders. It’s about helping you find your own way – and sticking with you while you do.”
She was quiet for a few moments, then said, “I had a bit of a meltdown last week. Nothing serious, just … life stuff. Couldn’t train for a couple of days. I thought I’d get a lecture. Instead, my coach just sent a message: ‘One session doesn’t define you. Keep moving forward. We’re in this for the long haul.’”
The Veteran smiled. “Sounds like a good coach.”
And then, more gently: “You don’t need someone to crack the whip. You need someone in your corner. That’s the bit most people don’t realise until they’ve got it.”
The ride rolled on. She rode a little taller after that.
Another mile behind. Plenty more ahead.
P.S.
So many new athletes worry they’re not “serious enough” for coaching. But coaching isn’t just for podium-chasers or professionals.
It’s for anyone who wants a bit more structure, a bit more confidence – and someone to talk to when things wobble.
Because they always do, eventually.
Coach’s Corner
When a new athlete starts coaching, they often expect precision. Plans. Progress.
What catches them by surprise is the reassurance.
The idea that coaching isn’t just performance-based – it’s people-based. That the hard weeks are part of the journey. That missed sessions don’t mean failure. That someone else is holding the thread, even when it all feels a bit tangled.
As coaches, we’re not just prescribing workouts. We’re guiding athletes through doubt, disappointment, progress, pride – and helping them come to see themselves differently along the way.
If you’re a newer athlete, it’s okay to feel unsure. But also: it’s okay to expect support.
That’s what we’re here for.
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