Training programs - are they really worth it?

[Enticement]

What is the use of a training program: do they really make a difference and how much am I prepared to pay for it - is it not a matter of "you get what you pay for ..."?

[Omar]

how much does yours cost?

[Mileage]

Training programs are useful to give structure to your preparation. However they need to be flexible to your life and the stresses that arise. If you are not meeting with your coach (or whoever writes the program) at least every second day, or at least picking up the phone for a decent chat you will more than likely not make the best possible gains on a program.

 

Training should be optimal, not maximal

[Enticement]

how much does yours cost?

 

The cost of our anticipatory response coaching for scholars is R200 per week, or R2,400 per 12-week cycle, paid in advance every 4 weeks (R800 per 4 weeks). Adults normally pay R300 per week but we currently run a winter special where everyone pays R2,400 per 12-week cycle. However, for those that only need training advice we offer an individualised training programme, based on personal goals, at R1,200 for the 12-week coaching cycle. That is R100 per week for 12 weeks, or R400 every 4-weeks.

Edited May 22, 2012 by Enticement

[Grondpad]

Honestly, I can’t really say

 

I have been with a coach for about 9 months now and I cannot say that the little progress I have made I would not have done on my own. At my annual yardstick ->I had a terrible Sabie this year (I drop nearly 100 places) and that was without any mechanicals. My Tri times have improved but not by much. Actually it might have even stayed the same. My running times have improved slightly but here I have to add that I am not a very fast runner so the improvement I made might not/might have been due to the program. I have to add that I stick to the program religiously and rarely mis a session

 

So I am sticking with the coach until the end of the year to see if it actually does bring down my times, but at this stage after 9months there is nothing to justify the money I pay every month.

[Enticement]

Honestly, I can’t really say

 

I have been with a coach for about 9 months now and I cannot say that the little progress I have made I would not have done on my own. At my annual yardstick ->I had a terrible Sabie this year (I drop nearly 100 places) and that was without any mechanicals. My Tri times have improved but not by much. Actually it might have even stayed the same. My running times have improved slightly but here I have to add that I am not a very fast runner so the improvement I made might not/might have been due to the program. I have to add that I stick to the program religiously and rarely mis a session

 

So I am sticking with the coach until the end of the year to see if it actually does bring down my times, but at this stage after 9months there is nothing to justify the money I pay every month.

 

Discuss it with him/her and set your target! Your coach is suppose to help you achieve your goals, but make sure they are properly defined! If he/she cannot, get a proper coach!

Edited May 22, 2012 by Enticement

[Akon]

The cost of our anticipatory response coaching for scholars is R200 per week, or R2,400 per 12-week cycle, paid in advance every 4 weeks (R800 per 4 weeks). Adults normally pay R300 per week but we currently run a winter special where everyone pays R2,400 per 12-week cycle. However, for those that only need training advice we offer an individualised training programme, based on personal goals, at R1,200 for the 12-week coaching cycle. That is R100 per week for 12 weeks, or R400 every 4-weeks.

 

Hey, I thought the topic is training programmes, not racketeering or extortionism

[Oltremo]

I believe that if you have a training goal, then a training plan or programme is essential. There are all those cliche's of goals without plans etc.

You don't need a coach but your plan does need to be based on sound training methodologies. It must have substance.

And finally you need to monitor your progression on the plan over time.

[Seeker911]

The biggest issue I had in the past was not sticking to the plan. So if the plan for today is to do an hours worth of running at 70% and to include at least 3 hills then make sure you include the hill work because its there for a reason. If it says run for an hour at 45% it means just that and again its there for a reason even if it is not immediately obvious to you. What I have found is that it is sometimes necessary to swop out running and cycling days. Careful how you go about this.

[LOOK695]

Discuss it with him/her and set your target! Your coach is suppose to help you achieve your goals, but make sure they are properly defined! If he/she cannot, get a proper coach!

What would reasonable improvement be and who are the well known/proper coaches

[Velouria]

Are they worth it? Yes - best money I ever spent on cycling.

 

Forget about fancy bike bits and supplements promising the world - if you want to ride better, get a training program.

['Dale]

Hey, I thought the topic is training programmes, not racketeering or extortionism

 

Yip!

['Dale]

What is the use of a training program: do they really make a difference and how much am I prepared to pay for it - is it not a matter of "you get what you pay for ..."?

 

Did the OP intend to ambush market here by starting this thread?

If so, uncool.

 

[Agteros]

training programs are good for most people, not because of the science behind it, but merely because it forces the individual to train regularly

[Cyclewizz]

Did the OP intend to ambush market here by starting this thread?

If so, uncool.

 

 

That was his/her exact intention.

 

About the 3rd thread started today with the same objective.

 

Sounds like somebody is desperate.

[Stretch]

i looked at using a programme for sani training - saw how much they cost and decided I could rather just get on my bike and do it myself - didnt follow any programme whatsoever except for the "time on the saddle" programme, and when push came to shove....there was no pushing or shoving or walking or cramping