Off season? There is no off season.

Only "out of competition season."

A repost here from fellow coach and friend Chris Hauth.

I apologize for the format...blogger is not playing nice today.

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Offseason for those looking to achieve big goals? How is it athletes think that taking months off or with less training, unstructured etc. is preparing them for a better result/performance in the next season? How long does it take YOU to return to YOUR ideal fitness? How does an athlete improve if they get back to ideal fitness weeks/months later? Here is the frustration/observation of a coach: if we constantly return to the ideal fitness (par) at the beginning of the season, 12-16, even 20 weeks prior to the key event(s), and THEN focus/work really hard towards the event..how can the athlete improve? If we are always repeating the same training cycle, not the same training...the same training cycle/rhythm..then how do we expect to make significant improvements upon the Elite of the sport (whether AG or Pro?)...Athletes prepping for the Olympics typically work 18 months straight into the event. Sure, 2-3 weeks lighter, or more structured rest, or even 5 days off is a different story than 6-8 weeks off or unstructured. I know this sounds like a promo for coaching, but I am also the racer, athlete...and I know that my competitors are not getting slower...I know that to reach NEW plateaus of fitness and improvement, I can't stop training and making myself better.
What goals do YOU have for 2012? Do you think that re-engaging with them in January is going to make you that much better? Or do you want to start your 'in season' with a fitness level that helps you reach NEW levels, new results, new goals and faster times? Do you want to be the one that is treading water in one place or move up on the field while THEY are taking time off? Do you want to leapfrog your competition and reach your goals, or do you want to stay where you are with the same approach and structure as before? You can only move forward, progress, improve, get faster by.....moving forward - staying sharp, focused and executing your plan.

2012 Coaching. The New Year starts now.

Seeing as the inquiries are starting to stream in I figured I'd better get this out. Above all else that I seek in an athlete is one that I will get along with well and be able to communicate with easily and on multiple levels and one that can talk to me about everything. As a coach I work better having walked a mile in your shoes and seen the world from your point of view.

I work exclusively in a one-on-one arrangement. I have only one rate and dont have any levels of coaching. Communication, being the most important thing for our success, does not come attached to various tiers. I need it to be open and unencumbered.

The door is open on this. I know that many of you do not turn your thoughts to the new season till after the new year but if sustainable improvement, addressing weaknesses and the accomplishment of tall goals are on your agenda it's better to get in touch with your future coach sooner so that you can start moving in the right direction now.

To get rolling: Just send me a note and we'll get the conversation started. I'm not into formal applications and the like but much prefer an organic discussion. I do like it if you could give me a good background on all things you and particularly your ambitions in sport. We'll see how things roll from there. Chat soon!

Thanks very much and I look forward to working toward a great 2012 season with you.

Per month: 295

Extra:

Also included are discounts on an upcoming camp in Spring of 2012.

Powermeter and a pace watch are required.

As a primer for all athletes it is strongly recommended that you read Doctor Skiba's booksScientific Training for Triathletes and The Triathletes Guide to Training with Power.

Found this tidbit in the archives of the blog that makes for quite a good read.

Cheers!

MVA

MVA Racing: Onward to Kona and Vegas

I've been fortunate enough to work with a really great group of athletes this year. This weekend, and again in ~4 weeks time, we'll have a good crew taking on the respective world championship races. Two athletes in Vegas and nine in Kona (7 first timers). After some great "coaching" experiences making differences at races in Coure d'Alene, Boulder and Penticton I'll be attending Kona and cruising around on the run course taking stock of my peeps.

See you on the B.I.

Aloha

Growing Professionalism in Long Course Triathlon

To play on Mr. Clinton's quote.... "It's the media stupid."

Non endemic interest in any event can loosely be attributed to the purse that is available. When the winning total for an event is less than what the amateurs in the event make in a month then outside attention is lagely going to be absent, but when that total ends up meaning something to the outside observer then they start paying attention to what is going on as do those that want the buying power of they.... the non endemic marketers and companies. It is rather a lame outlook if your only growth opportunities on the horizon are limited to the equipment needed to participate. I mean really, how many pairs of googles do you really need (I need around 20, not kidding).

"The recent 5150 Championship race in Hy Vee is a superb example of how a high prize purse attracts a high class field, and media/sponsor interest.". -Ms. C. Wellington

Read more here