We've all had those moments where you think, I need something that will fit right with me. I need something different, this isn't enough. Well, that was me and being coached. I just wasn't getting what I needed.
I guess some people believe that only those who are already great and proficient at their chosen sport get coached. I did! But, I took a leap of faith and jumped in with both feet and I've totally changed my view. I now truly understand and respect the place coaching has in my world.
For my whole life, I have enjoyed participating in and watching sport. I would describe myself as the classic mid-pack performer, rarely last but never first and for years I was happy with this. It kept me fit and I made some great friends along the way.
But going back to my opening paragraph, I wasn't really happy. Somehow when entering races I knew that stood at the start line I wasn't properly prepared and I had no clue how to manage myself in the race. I was in the dark about what I was capable of.
My interest and passion went beyond just exercise and keeping fit. I had never really explored my own potential and this started to become a very strong and positive motivator and challenge to me to look for a coach to help me go on this journey of discovery. I looked for a coach with no real idea of what the journey might be, but knowing I was intrigued and determined to find out.
Finding the right coach has been fundamentally revolutionary to me and my performance and me as a person, and I do not use those words lightly.
When your coach invests in your improvement and you invest in your improvement the results are clear to see. Yes, I had all the negative demon thoughts we all have about being good enough and what if.... Trust me, as a woman in her forties, I had them all going on. But finding the right coach, who knows how to take you specifically, on your journey and not just a one size fits all approach (been there got the t-shirt) is absolutely vital.
I did not know what good coaching was, I knew what I didn't want, and what was not helpful. But I could not have told you what good looked like right at the start. Now I can!
In my first run, I stopped pretty much every 5 minutes. Within 12 weeks of being coached by Rodger, I ran my first 10K in over 3 years and knocked 6 minutes off my previous time. Now don't get hung up on the numbers, I am telling you this because the important factor here is that by being coached I learnt, trusted and then followed the tailored practised process specific to me and trusted in my coach. That is what gave me the performance on race day.
In a recent Watt Bike session we began exploring my potential. The session was difficult, it was meant to be! It pushed me to dig deep and explore what I had both physically and mentally. Here is another way I know now what great coaching is. Having someone who is invested in encouraging you and challenge you. A coach who, (if you are willing) will take you on a path of discovery to access the potential you have. I say willing, as it's always a two-way street and takes commitment and patience. If you put the effort in and you get a coach who does too - then the magic starts to happen!
In my experience having this quality of coach massively outstrips all other coaching options out there. If you want more and are committed to learning how to be the best that you can be, then I wholeheartedly believe this coaching is for you. I will never regret this decision.
Priscilla