USAT University
by rchackman
Learned a lot of things when I put my coaching hat on this past weekend at the USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification Clinic. It is interesting how a shift in perspective can really bring some training issues to light. Better yet, the Certification Clinic was in my back yard, Hollywood, Florida. I had been waiting months for this weekend.
Since I am currently the only athlete I coach, here are 3 things I took away:
- Really need to address strength issues and incorporate strength workouts into the annual training plan. A strong CORE gives you MORE…. balance, flexibility and power. These are THREE key ingredients to a solid TRI athlete.
- Who am I kidding??? I have ZERO swim skills. I have known this for years and I have not taken steps to address it. Haven’t had a single swim lesson in my life. I really need to develop my swimming skill set.
- Last but certainly not least… Recovery is a continual commitment and, deceivingly enough, comes in many guises! Be aware. Train smart.
How will I address these issues? Good question.
- TRX Training to improve my strength, flexibility, and balance
- Swim lessons to assess and then develop my swim skills (perhaps join a swim club)
- Oh recovery! Manage: sleep hours and quality, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), active warm ups before workouts, proper cool-down, improve flexibility, and very importantly, stretch.
- Surprisingly enough, daily nutrition might have actually been my biggest improvement. I managed a very balanced diet throughout the training season! Need to keep it up. Also managed proper race nutrition, especially, as my training and races got longer.
- Excellent season of training! Stuck to the plan and hit my goals.
Also, learned that there is so much more to learn……and I certainly plan on continuing to expand my swim, bike, run experiences and knowledge! Thanks to Bob Seebohar, Shelly O’Brien and Dara Wittenberg for the informative classes and discussions! Much appreciated. Also thanks to Loryn Cozzi at USA Triathlon.
The General Prep phase of my 2012 season begins this week. Hello, Great Floridian!
I hear you on the weight training. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less but I know it’ll only help. Eventually. Not sure how close you are to Miami but my team runs an awesome swim program through Hurricane Acquatics at UM. Tri-specific technique all taught by UM swim coaches. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll pass along the info.
LIke a 40 minute drive! I actually commuted from Hollywood to UM for all of grad school.
Not my choice location but I am definitely interested in hearing more. Would you mind emailing me the details? r.chackman@yahoo.com. Big thanks.
sure thing. will do.
I wish I could see things in black and white like you. I think that we are always learning and resting is one of the hardest things to do, there is always a little voice saying a little run would not hurt…..!You are lucky to be so upbeat and positive. Keep it up!
very true! We always have to listen and take good care of the body.
I wouldn’t wig out too much over swimming but do get out there and work on it. And learn those flip turns! I swam for 5 years as a teenager and I never really perfected the flip turn. To this day, I sort of just turn into the wall and creep over to my side. What I really need to do is go into the wall strong, flip and burst off the wall. It never really happens. Don’t do what I did. Learn it right the first time! Sounds like you know what you need to work on.
hahah. I will pay attention and make a good attempt to learn it proper the first time around !
you are so lucky to have such a wonderful girlfriend!
she knew exactly what to give you for your birthday, swimming lessons!!
you are very fortunate to have Helena, so in tune to what you want!!
THE BEST!
Yes MOM, I am a lucky guy !
Thanks for visiting my blog, which resulting in me finding yours- I love it! This was the perfect day to visit, as I am just looking into coaching certifications. Great post! I liked reading through what you took away from it.
Congrats on all of your racing- impressive! Keep working hard =)
I look forward to reading about how you integrate this new knowledge into your training. There’s bound to be adjustments along the way that can help us all.
I hope so! I will definitely be writing more about training and training tips as my season picks up. Just began training last week so stay tuned 🙂