The job of a coach

"MAGIC

For some, there is a disconnect between ability and desire.

Even though some people want to create magic, they often find themselves coming up a bit short, and delivering more drama or confusion than magic.

Their heart is in the right place, but sadly, they just don't have what it takes.

Your job is to give them a little nudge and helping hand to see if you assist them in achieving their dream."

from: gapingvoid gallery

Inspiration is everywhere. Creatives have a lot in common with coaches (giving weight to the art vs. science of coaching discussion). Good coaches challenge and stretch their athletes, and their beliefs of what is possible. More than a 'little nudge' is required in some cases.

One year on...

I'm writing this post from our second national camp of the 2010 campaign. Will has a report on the happenings in Spain. We have a great group of athletes here, and all are getting on with the work, while having a few laughs. It's been interesting to explore new training venues on this side of the pond. A year ago I had just returned from a camp in warmer climes than we are experiencing here in northern Spain, however we have been extremely productive and a dose of HTFU has done the athletes good, and puts a new spin on 'winter' training camps: they needn't be warm and fuzzy vacations. Not much character is built laying on the beach...

I'd say I've settled into life in the UK, and my Loughborough home base well, although it feels like I've hardly been home in one stretch long enough to be 'settled', however being reunited with my chihuahua Napoleon moved across in September, made my new house feel like a home again. Elite sport is often all consuming and the process of becoming the best is not a 9-5, Monday to Friday job. The new challenges have been what I was looking for and more. Our team of athletes, coaches and support staff have made significant progress, and are beginning to put the pieces together. All in all, it's been a smooth transition and the support from my family, British Triathlon and my new team has been outstanding.

2009 was a successful year for British Triathlon in a number of areas, and I am looking forward to the action starting in 2010, knowing we can, and will, strive to be better every day.

I'll close with a fantastic quote from a close friend, Jordan Rapp, who had a breakthrough year in 2009, winning two Ironmans:

"It's about the process. It doesn't matter what you do tomorrow and it doesn't matter what you did yesterday. It's about today, and making today count. That's especially true in training, but it's the same mentality that I carry into racing. Focus on the task at hand, not on the finish line, or the next part of the race, but what it is that is right there in front of you in the moment."