Sucking the fun outta you

In one of my recent posts I hinted that I personally disliked the coaching profession (though not the coaches themselves); it's not helpful to me.

From my limited experience as a non-professional athlete in both team sports (football, baseball, track, etc.) & individual sports (triathlon & cycling) coaching provided for a disciplined schedule of training & tactics in exchange for the loss of spontaneity.

No longer were you just out running, throwing, dodging cars, outwitting the neighbor dog, and otherwise having fun with your friends on an all day adventure into several activities at various levels of intensity, covered in grit & grim, with a tired satisfaction (of not accomplishing anything per se) enjoying the day.

Now everyone is focused into the minutia of particular (and sometimes peculiar) tasks to maximize your potential (in whatever skill). The person being coached (especially if they're a paying customer) feels compelled to follow the tasks to the T, otherwise they're wasting $$. So its interval this, split time that, repeat! Monitor your intensity, wattage, HR, minimize junk time, rest! Analyze & adjust.

In the one year I was using a cycling coach, he asked me at the beginning what my major goal was? When I told him, "too have fun" (rather than a particular race or placing), & I think it confounded him. Some people need coaching, they need the guidance, impetus, and feedback that their coach provides. Others, like myself, are self-motivated and prefer a different approach.

I like to employ the fartlek method in my lone wolf training, as it keeps me fresh and ready to tackle the miles & intensity at my own whim - do just enough, with frequency, but not too much, have fun, eat & and rest!