Internet Coaching: Is it for You?

While Lance Armstrong helped make Carmicheal Training Systems a household name, there are hundreds of other lesser known internet coaches. And certainly, Carmichael didn't train Armstrong just over the internet. Their's was a unique relationship.

Can you build a successful training and competitive season over the web? As an internet based coach, I've seen a number of pitfalls from a variety of athletes.

The answer depends on you. Are you a writer or a verbalizer? Do you like to spend hours typing away the details of your day's work? Do you check your email daily or more often? Can you express in words exactly what happens and describe events accurately?

If you can answer yest, then internet coaching may work for you. That is, if you're a self-starter and don't need someone to give you the proverbial kick in the pants to get going.

If you hesitated over some of your answers, than the internet alone would probably not suffice.

Coaches have begun to recognize the limitations of the web. Some athletes are great at expressing themselves, just not in writing. For those who prefer to talk, seek out a coach that encourages phone contact. If you don't check your email regularly, then you want someone who will talk to you over the phone regularly. You'll also need to decide if you're good at taking notes when the coach makes suggestions or if you want a coach who will email you a summary of the conversation.

Secondly, it's easy to lie about your workouts over the internet. For any coaching relationship to work, the athlete needs to be brutlly honest, even if they didn't follow the coach's plan. Many people have difficulty doing this. To do otherwise is to cheat yourself out of the money you're paying to be coached.

Third, how committed are you? How flexible are you and how honest can you be? If you can't be honest, don't waste your money. If you're schedule is flexible, for example you work shifts that rotate, then you'll need a coach who will understand that and be flexible as well. If you're not committed, then yes, seek out a coach -- don't sign up for any lengthy term, but seek one to consult with. Sometimes just talking with a coach for an hour over the phone can help you set goals and decide whether or not you are ready or need a trainer. Many caoches don't offer this; many programs want you to sign up for 3 months minimum plus pay a set-up fee. As a coach, I understand the costs and time associated with bringing in a new athlete, but it's not fair to the athlete to force them to commit for an extended time when they don't know you.

Fourth, understand the dynamic between coach and athlete. It's a give and take relationship. You need to trust the coach and questions what you don't understand. You may work great with one coach, and not get along at all with the style or personality of another coach. Coach's are people -- we all have differing opinions and different ways of handling things. Don't let a bad experience with one turn you off from all of them.

Fifth, try to define what you want out of the coach-athlete relationship. Do you want someone to hold you accountable for your actions or just some advice here and there? The more you can do this before contacting coaches, the easier your search will become. Happy training.