Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sleeping with my coach...

Triathlon is not an inexpensive sport.  When you add up the cost of gear, nutrition, race fees and everything else - it seems crazy to me that folks have hundreds of dollars to spend on coaches to guide them through to age grouper finishes.  On the other hand, having someone who has been through what it takes to finish an Ironman, who has a serious understanding of physiology and has a vested interest in seeing you succeed could arguably be one of the better investments in your tri-budget.
So here's my idea:  My wife, Heidi has had a pretty successful age group career so far.  She finished her first Ironman last year and has a history of experience and success in 70.3s over the past few years.  She recently earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  And she wants to be my coach.
As a couple, we have a history of taking on varsity level challenges.  We both do/train for triathlons.  She is a military wife.  We did a two year period as a long distance couple while I was stationed in Florida and she was in Pittsburgh for grad school.  We have a wiener dog.  I think we're up for the challenge - or am I crazy?
Could you let your significant other be your coach?
Would you be willing to coach them?
Speaking of my coach - I'd like to offer her congrats on being featured in this month's edition of Triathlon Magazine.
This was actually her second appearance - her first was in a Fuel Belt ad back in 2009.
We're still waiting for royalty checks from that first one.
Have a great weekend - good luck if you're racing!

2 comments:

  1. That's a great question! It reminds me of people asking "Can you work with your significant other?" It's a whole different type of relationship when you go into co-workers or coach and trainee.

    For me, I think it would have to be more of a mutual advice type of deal. I'd be fine taking advice, but ultimately I'd have to give my input as well.

    If you can get it to work, that'd be awesome though!

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  2. I don't think I could work with my significant other. He just doesn't understand my intensity so it is best someone else do it. However, I do believe it works well for some people. I wish you and Heidi the best!

    FYI, I know all about the long distance thing. My husband and I were separated for 2 years at the beginning of our relationship. I was stationed in Germany and he was back in the states. It was very hard! So congrats to you and Heidi for making it work!

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