Race Schedule and Results

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Picking a leader

I've not hid the fact that I've been a self coached triathlete for the last 5+ years.  There were a lot of reasons for my decision, and we all know that there have been tons of talks both ways on which is better.  It's definitely a personal preference in my opinion... all depending on so many factors - your goals, your objectives, your financial situation, your willingness to have someone else dictate your ass kicking sessions.  Being self coached has worked for me in the past.  I'm lucky to have an amazingly talented husband to train with and we have the flexibility to workout when we want. 

But I'll admit when there is something missing and lately I've felt it.  It's not the "off-season-I-don't-want-to-do-anything" feeling (yep, I have that too).  For me, I've been missing the structure.  I feel like a lot of my workouts don't have purpose.  Kind of like I'm winging it and definitely not pushing myself to my potential.  Looking at my race schedule the last few years, I've gotten by, but I am ready for a change.  And what's a girl to do when she wants to get better, have more structure and have more purpose?

Find someone to lead her, to guide her... aka hire a coach.

Welcome Sharpie into my life!  I'm so excited to introduce you all to my new coach, Carole Sharpless
I got to know her last year when I joined Team Trakkers.  She's who our team calls "Momma Bear" for so many reasons.  She the most caring, amazingly supportive woman, with the kind of personality that makes you think "is there anything I don't love about her?".  But what a lot of people don't know is that she's a kick ass triathlete. (click HERE if you want to see some of her results... I mean, hello... lots of podium finishes!!!) And when looking for a coach, those were two qualities I wanted... someone who knew they stuff (she has all the important coaching certifications, as well as a ton of experience) and someone who genuinely cared about the people they surround themselves with.

I started talking to Carole about some options of her coaching me, something I knew that she did, but didn't talk about much.  I wanted to make sure it was a good fit on my end and on hers.  I mean, this is a year long relationship.  And I wouldn't trust my season to just anyone.  Or my ass kickings.

After many heart to hearts (I'm telling you, I love her honesty and candidness with me about anything I throw at her), we both agreed that this will work.  I'm super excited.  I feel like my love for triathlon and for getting better is higher than ever.  I'm anxious to see what Carole throws at me and hope she knows that I'm going to work my butt off for her.  And like I told her... I can't wait to see what she does to me!



If you are looking for a coach and want to see if Carole might be a good fit for you, visit her website HERE.  And if you want a good laugh, make sure you stop by her blog and give her some love.  She's funny people... like snort out loud when you read kind of funny!


You know, coaching IS a very personal decision.  And I'm confident that I picked the right person to lead me through this year.

26 comments:

Steve said...

Good Luck with all your ass kickings this year. :)

Anonymous said...

Appreciate this blog post. Just started thinking about choosing a coach and am looking for anyone's input. Glad you found a great fit!! Happy Training!

Wes said...

I've met Carol several times. Good choice!

Jamie said...

Awesome news! Can't wait to hear how it goes under the loving care of MB.

Caratunk Girl said...

WOOOOHOOOO!!! You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE her as a coach, she rocks!!

Chris said...

Wow, great news! I'm sure Momma Bear will have you kicking some butt this year...congrats!

Meaghan said...

I'm so excited for you!!! Can't wait to see the progress! Woop!

Matthew Smith said...

Congrats on getting a coach! You're already smoking fast, and I can only wonder what the coaching will do. Good for you!

Unknown said...

So excited for you! Carole is an amazing coach!! Get ready for a season of PRs!!! Congratulations!

TriMOEngr said...

Just started following her blog. She is quite funny. Best wishes in your adventures with her.

Patty said...

Awesome! I don’t know how you went 5 years being self-coached! Holy hell, you are amazing. Good luck in this next season with such a great change for your ass kickings!

Matty O said...

Weird... I posted a comment last night and it didn't post.

Well here it is again summed up haha.

Congrats on the coaching speal, just thought it was odd that just a mere few months ago (Akron) you said you would never get a coach and loved the way you and Tom do things haha.

How does Tom feel based on having potentially different workouts? Does this fit your new schedule better w/ separate jobs now? I cringe at the thought of Heather and I not doing the same workouts simply due to the scheduling aspects of our life w/ work and everything.

As always, insanely curious how other couples manage life while training and need any info I can get haha!

She seems pure awesome and has one heck of a sense of humor, you guys should be a GREAT fit for this next season!!!

Christi said...

That is very exciting!

Jon said...

Exciting Colleen!

Jason said...

Congrats on the decision. As you know I'm coached and I love it. I don't know how in the world those of you who are self coached are capable of creating a training plan. Where do you start, what to do next? All of those things and more just frighten me and thus why I like having a coach.

I enjoy having somebody tell me what to do as I can follow instruction very well from someone I respect and who has the credentials in the same way Carole does.

Can't wait to see how 2012 shapes up for you with her and how much a$$ kicking you do at IMFL.

Carolina John said...

Yea, coaching is a very personal decision. I've got several friends who coach and help me out all the time, but picking one for a full-time gig is hard. Good choice!

Chloe said...

You are so right - finding the perfect coach for your is a very personal and tough decision. But it's great you when you've taken the time to pick the right one. I don't just want anyone to give me an ass kicking session!

Kim said...

awesome col! looking forward to reading all about your new training adventures!

Beth said...

I'd be interested in learning more about how you found/selected a coach! I'm in the processes of finding one, and its way harder than I thought!

Ironman By Thirty said...

Awesome news! So you and Mandy can now bitch about what a mean coach she is when she is whooping your butts! Haha

Good luck!

Molly said...

how exciting!! you're going to have a great year : )

Janet Edwards said...

Wooot, good for you! I am sure MB will take good care of you and kick your bootay! I have really found that I enjoy working with a coach and having a more structured plan!

Alisa said...

Yeah! This is awesome news.

Anne-Marie said...

Super cool! I think you'll love having a coach.

adena said...

Congrats! Finding a coach can be as tough as finding a hairdresser you love (totally serious here).

I just started reading her blog and oh my god she brings the funny. I love her outlook.

Can't wait to watch how you and Mandy change and hear about all those ass kickings. :-)

Maggie said...

Yes for the Colleen/Carole power team!! Hopefully she'll kick your butt but let you have the occasionally marg (or three...).

Can't wait to finally meet you at one of the upcoming Rev3s!!!