Commentary on coaching in Triathlon

Why is that in the sport of Triathlon every moderately successful athlete decides that they are a coach?

I haven't spent too much time thinking about it, but basically I think with all of the equipment and balance of some pretty distinct sports, if a person enjoys a modicum of success they must feel pretty darn accomplished and ready to coach.

I don't know that I agree with that. First, I don't think a successful athlete equals effective coach; having been an athlete in a sport is only one pathway to gaining the knowledge necessary to have a positive impact on an athlete.

Anyhow, coaching is clearly both art and science; anybody can feed an athlete workouts but knowing what an athlete will respond to physically and emotionally is the key.

I was pondering coaches in this sport the other day quizzically because coming from running, my experience has been that coaches are usually very well respected and far and few between. I don't really count the Language Arts teachers who coach middle school Track.

I'm not sure what else I can say without pointedly calling folks out, but I wouldn't do that.

I do however have a great interview to share with Joel Filliol coach of the Canadian National Team who speaks on this topic and some others:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/A_chat_with_coach_Joel_Filliol_248.html