Home› Coaching Forum 🧢

training plan versus coaching

Cathleen McGinnityCathleen McGinnity
in Coaching Forum 🧢
I used the 1/2 im intermediate training plan this year for my 5th im. I felt it was a great plan. I have signed up for im wisconsin 2018 and am interested in continuing with en. What is the difference between coaching and purchasing a plan ie: what will i get?
And i have raced for the last 7 years the last 5 completing 1/2 im should i be looking at an intermediate plan or a beginner plan.
thanks
cathleen
Tagged:

Comments

  • Doug JohnsonDoug Johnson
    Hi Cathleen, Coach P just raced in the IM World Championship this weekend and is still in Hawaii and asked some of us to help out.  He would be able to answer more effectively but the biggest difference will be as part of membership on the team you get access to the online community that is Endurance Nation.  In addition to Coach Patrick answering questions you may have, there would be 100's of athletes with varying backgrounds and experiences being able to answer any question you may have.  There are a plethora of topical forums where people have asked every question imaginable and provided answers and feedback from their own knowledge and experience.  There are answers to questions you haven't thought of but wish you had.  And if you have a question about anything you can post it and you're sure to have a number of people chime in to help out.  Another great perk is that we have race groups and training groups in the forum.  As you go through different parts of your season whether it be the outseason or race specific training, there are sure to be several others in the same phase of their season.  These groups communicate with each other to share their experiences and encourage each other.  This time of year coming up is one of the best parts of the season.  There is a lot of participation from a lot of different people on the team who you may end up racing with down the road.  This leads to another great aspect of being a member of the team.  You train with a bunch of different people online over the course of several months and then a lot of times you will get a chance to meet up with them at the race.  For some of the more popular races we will have 30 or 40 team members there.  There are team dinners before these races which provide a chance to unwind and discuss course strategy, etc.  And then on race day you cant take 5 steps without running into a teammate on the course or someone in the crowd that recognizes you from EN.  Being a part of the team is just a tremendous support system from the beginning of your training right through and after the time you cross the finish line.

    The training plan you use is based partially off of your historical race times and experience and your expected finish time.  The beginner IM plan is for someone who is just looking to finish or who expects to finish in a time of more than 13 hours (or 6:45+ HIM).  The intermediate plan is for people who would expect to go 12 - 13 hours (5:30 - 6:30 HIM) on race day.  The Advanced plan is for people who expect to go faster than 11:30 (5:30 HIM).
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @Cathleen McGinnity - @Doug nailed it.  I've been a continuous member of EN since 2009, am still learning and get great value from the team and online EN resources.  There will be at least several dozen EN members doing IM Wisconsin and your likelihood of a successful first time finish will be greatly increased as you learn about the importance of executing the race properly, as opposed to the physical preparation in the training plan.  Since it is clear that you are in the sport for the long haul, EN has a 3 year plan approach to develop your talents further should you wish to race IM again in 2019, 2020 and beyond.  I hope you'll join us.  
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    @Doug Johnson @Paul Hough THANKS!!!

    @Cathleen McGinnity - I am back so let me know if you have any questions!
  • Cathleen McGinnityCathleen McGinnity
    Hi Coach Patrick
    I plan on im madison 2018; need a plan. I have used the 1/2 plan last year and thought it was great. I am a self motivated person and not sure if i need a coach. Are the plans individualized for each person if i use a coach?
    or are the plans generic and the same as if i would purchase one. I am not sure how much how would interact on line. Just looking for pros and cons.
    thanks
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    @Cathleen McGinnity - Sorry for the delay on this!!!

    Yes the plans are the same, but you get to make adjustments, etc, inside the Team with me. IOW, we don't customize plans for people as there are far better ways to make you faster and stronger without moving a swim from a Tuesday to a Wednesday for you!  :D

    With monthly membership, you get:

    • The Coach Forum (me) as well as all the Team Forums (200+ posts a day) for learning and support.

    • Our entire Resource Library of calculators, articles, videos and podcasts.

    • Access to all 60 plans, including 40 that aren't publicly for sale (as part of the Season I would build for you)

    • Discounts to more than 50 sponsors totaling more than $7,500 in total potential savings.

    • And there is more.

    At the end of the day, Endurance Nation is what you make of it. If you only use the plan...then it's "just a plan." 

    I know you'll do better than that!

    Let me know what you are thinking!

    ~ Coach P
Sign In or Register to comment.