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Brad Loescher Official Coach Thread

Here's your personal Coach Thread, as promised. This is where you'll return to post all your "coach" questions as responses; I'll see them and reply. This first post is here to guide you through your first year on EN, so you can always come back here.

As you'll see in this forum, I handle all manner of edits and changes. So post away, know that I reply here usually M/W/F each week.

Power User Tip: Click the Star icon by the Title of this thread to subscribe, and you'll get email updates when I do reply.


Coach Notes

I am glad to see you are back... If you are okay with it, I think we should transition you to our balanced Marathon plan through your race. If you don't want to do that because  of your current plan / progression, then no worries, we skip that part and move on.

The most important thing we can do for you now is establish a good rhythm with your training. Discipline itself is a muscle, the more you use it, the better it gets. We start small and then build up some momentum!

Your Races

  • 12/8/2018 - Marathon
  • 3/10/2019 - Marathon
  • 5/19/2018 - Chattanooga 70.3
  • 9/22/2018 - Augusta 70.3
  • 11/17/2019 - Ironman Arizona


My current plan is to build some fitness back through this marathon, and then another . After that, if things feel good, I will train for

Season Outline

These are your recommended training plans, including the date you should start each one (sometimes you won't complete a full plan but transition to another one). You can change your plans on Final Surge by clicking on Training Plans / My Plans. Learn more about each plan on the Training Plan Central Page.

>> Last updated by Coach on September 24, 2018

  • On 9/24/2018 Load the -- Marathon [Balanced], 24 Weeks to end on 12/9/2018
  • On 12/10/2018 Load the -- Post Marathon / Half Marathon Plan (2wks) to end on  12/23/2018
  • On 12/24/2018 Load the -- Run Durability for Triathletes 2 (8 months out) -- 4 weeks to end on  1/20/2019On1/7/2019 Load the -- OutSeason (Run Focus) Plan, 14wks to end on  4/14/2019
  • On 3/11/2019 Loa the -- Post Marathon / Half Marathon Plan (2wks) to end on  3/24/2019
  • On 3/25/2019 Load the -- EN*Half Bike Fccused to end on  5/19/2019
  • On 5/20/2019 Load the -- Post Half Iron Transition Plan, All Levels (2wks) to end on  6/2/2019
  • On 6/3/2019 Load the -- Get Faster Training Plan, 10wks to end on  8/11/2019
  • On 8/12/2019 Load the -- EN*Full Bike Fccused to end on  11/17/2019
  • On 11/18/2019 Load the -- Post Ironman Transition Plan, Trial Member Version, All Levels (4wks) to end on  12/15/2019
  • On 12/16/2019 Load the -- Run Durability for Triathletes 3 (7 months out) -- 4 weeks to end on  1/12/2020


Your Notes

I have been inactive in racing for the past 3 years, other than a few 5Ks.Currently swim with a Masters group M-F and am training on a 24 week marathon plan in preparation for a race on 12/8/2018.


Your Homework

Tell Me Your Season Goals

  • What will make you consider 2018 a success?
  • What's your biggest limiter right now?


Contact Points

As part of your journey to becoming a Self Coached Triathlete inside TeamEN, we are prepared to give you excellent support for your first 90 days. Our goal is to transition you from live, in-person support to using our digital resources and the Team to help you continue your progress as you execute your Three Year Plan.


These are all the key points in your first year where we must talk. Please remember to include your phone number.


  • Welcome Call in Week One (set it up here)
  • Coach Call in Week Two to talk about your season (set it up here)
  • End of Trial Call -- We review your experience & Unlock Year One / Race Execution for you (set it up here)
  • End of Season Call -- We review your year & Strategize for your End of Year Gap and Year Two (TBD in this Coach Thread)


Questions

  • Coach Questions - Right here in this thread. Always reply to this same thread, it keeps a record for us as we evolve together!


  • General Questions - Simple stuff can go to the Q & A Central Forum for the Team to answer. For example, Best Bike? How to improve run cadence? How to flip turn?


  • Admin Questions - Billing or orders or whatnot? Use the red chat button at the bottom of the Members Site (not forums) or email us here.


  • Specific Questions about a Race or Power, etc? - You can post those into the targeted forum for that topic. Power questions to the Power and Pace Forum. Race questions to your specific race forum, etc. Not sure where to post? Put it in the General Discussion forum and we will sort it out. Whatever you do, PLEASE ask your questions!!


For short or last minute questions, we recommend you use the Red Chat Icon on the main Members website.

We have also organized a complete chart of the best ways to contact us online here


Your First Month on the Team

You have quite a few things to do when you start up. There are instructions on the top of the website, but you can review them under Resources / Trial Member Welcome.


Your First Year Inside Endurance Nation

This will be unlocked after your trial expires.


Looking forward to working with you this year,


~ Coach P

Comments

  • Options

    Thanks Patrick. I am planning on sticking with the running marathon plan as opposed to the balanced, because it best matches what I have working towards and will then transition to your recommended plans after my December Race.

    Great to be back in the house.

    Brad

  • Options

    @Brad Loescher - sounds good to me! Remember, I’m still happy to do a welcome call with you to get you back on track if that works for you. I know my schedule is tight right now because I’m traveling to Hawaii but don’t hesitate to reach out.

  • Options

    @Brad Loescher


    Welcome to your SECOND MONTH  inside Endurance Nation!


    To help you continue your progress, we have a few short questions for you. You can copy the questions and put your answers in your reply to this thread (no need to copy the questions, just keep the numbers the same!).


    ** Rankings **

    Please rate the following items on a Scale of 1 to 3 (1 = Unsatisfactory,  2 = Satisfactory, 3 = Great!):

    • Swim Fitness:
    • Bike Fitness:
    • Run Fitness:
    • Weight / Body Composition:

     

    ** Subjective Information **

    • What is Your Biggest Improvement So Far?
    • In What Area Do You Need Additional Support?
    • Would You Recommend Endurance Nation to a Friend?

     

    ** Additional Learning **

    Now that we are beyond the initial learning curve of Endurance Nation, it's time to give deeper into some additional resources that can really help you out.

    You have several options:


    ** Need Coach Input? **

    Don’t forget you can schedule a check in call with Coach Patrick online here: https://calendly.com/pmccrann/15min


    We are looking forward to your answers!

  • Options

    Brenda/Patrick,

    The following are my current rankings:

    • Swim Fitness: 3
    • Bike Fitness: 1
    • Run Fitness: 1
    • Weight / Body Composition: 1

    I have still have a lot of work to do on my run and weight/body composition. As I am currently in a Marathon - Run Focus, I have not been spending anytime on the bike.

    My improvements have been gradual in run pace and duration. I need to keep working and staying focused, which is probably the biggest challenge since my endurance training hiatus. And, of course I would, and do, recommend Endurance Nation.

  • Options

    OK, sounds good. The Marathon plan does have a lot of running, so please be mindful that we’re not overdoing it. Remember that an easy 30 minute spin after one of those in a hole sessions at night, or on your day off on Saturday, can help flush the legs.

    With regards to body composition, remember to nail that post run workout recovery. The protein you take there is critical for restoring your muscles and can also help offset any future “binge” eating that might take you off of your disciplined path.

    Remember we also have some good resources on strategies for body composition onto the learning tab/seminars. Feel free to read on/ listen over there and come back with some ideas that I can help you with.

  • Options

    @Brad Loescher

    Let's map out the year a little differently to ensure a smoother return back. Here's what we discussed:

    • 12/8/2018 - Marathon --> Switch to the 13.1
    • 3/10/2019 - Marathon --> KEEP this as Spring Focus Goal
    • 5/19/2018 - Chattanooga 70.3 --> Drop this early race
    • 9/22/2018 - Augusta 70.3 --> Keep this race, solid EN presence every year.
    • 11/17/2019 - Ironman Arizona --> I leave this to you...You can defer to 2020 if you aren't ready for it. IM allows transfers, but only to other events in the same calendar year...not really anything easy for you to make happen. You need to register within 90 days of it opening to have the Deferral Option.

    Current Focus:

    • Consistency is KEY. I don't always recommend a ton of swimming but it's your JAM so do that as much as you can to keep things rolling between the runs.
    • I would like to get you back on the bike at some point this winter...what's your set up For indoor training?
    • Ankle Mobility: Check out the MobilityWOD here. You can do this with a lacrosse ball while you watch TV. I also recommend doing some lunges with an elastic band If that dorsiflexion is an issue (watch here).
    • We need a daily strength routine for you. Something super simple with those dumbbells. Let's do this:


    3 x 1 minute - Farmer's Carry with dumbbells or even Cat Litter, etc.


    3 x Curl to Shoulder Press


    3 x Bent Over Row

    3 x Straight Leg Deadlift (3 on each side!)


    Then you can do some easy crunches in between those exercises.

  • Options

    Thanks Patrick. Indoor bike setup is a Wahoo Kickr with easy access to Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc.

  • Options

    Sweet! Make sure you join our team on ZwiftPower.com and set your category in your name so we can ride with you.

  • Options

    @Brad Loescher

    Welcome to your THIRD MONTH  inside Endurance Nation!


    This month we focus on helping you become more independent as part of your growth as a Self-Coached Athlete.  Whether you are planning your season, preparing to race or transitioning to a new endurance challenge...Team Endurance Nation is ready to help!


    If you haven’t done so already, please set up your Month Three Coach Call here.



    ** Training Focus **

    We consider anytime in your season when you are more than 12 weeks away from your event to be a training focus. There are different phases of training (OutSeason®, General Prep, Sport Specific), but they are fall under the same umbrella.


    Now that you are through your first two months of Endurance Nation, You have learned a few key “rules” of how we play the game, and you are ready to take charge of your experience.


    Training Lesson Recap:

    • No single workout is more important than your health, or your season goal.
    • Prioritize your “key” workouts each week, then fill the rest of your space.
    • We can always fix over rested. We can’t fix broken, exhausted or sick.
    • Have a specific goal for each training block - what is the desired end state?


    Taking Charge:

    • You should be comfortable moving your own workouts around at this point.
    • You can change plan ability levels as needed to keep yourself on track.
    • You can use the Test Week at any time to confirm a fitness change.
    • If you want to take a different path that we suggest...do it and keep us posted!


    ** Racing Focus **

    Once you are within the final 12 week window to your event, it’s time to really focus. From key workouts to nutrition to logistics, there’s a great deal to cover. There’s a fine line between a great day and a day where you want a total do-over.


    Key components of your final push should include:


    • Simulation Workouts to replicate the mental, physical and nutritional scenario you expect on race day.
    • A tried and true nutrition plan for your event; this is your last chance to lock it in!
    • Draft and review of a Race Plan to make sure you are 100% ready to take this on.
    • Optional rest as needed, and a defined taper in the last two to three weeks as necessary.
    • 13 Weeks out from your race you should be getting a race preparation email and an invitation to GroupMe - if you haven’t gotten that yet - let us know!


    ** Additional Support **

    In addition to The Forums and other Team-related support, you still have the chance to connect with Coach Patrick across your first year. Right now it’s time for your three month call with Coach Patrick; and you can book it here.


    Tip: Find all your other call windows across your first year, please visit the EN Staff page.


    Be sure to check out our Three Year Plan in Resources / Wiki so you can see how we recommend improving from season to season.


    Coach Phone Consults

    If you are looking for support above and beyond the traditional Endurance Nation experience, you can book a consult with Coach Patrick. These are billed at $100/hour and Can be on almost any training or racing topic. Please click here to learn more / get started.



    Congratulations for moving forward with you training as you build to your race goals. We can’t wait to see what you are capable of this season!

  • Options

    @Brad Loescher howzit going? Want to make sure you have momentum over the holidays.

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