Why Athletes Make Great Coaches: A Triathlete's Perspective on Taking the Leap

It has been a long time since I made the transition from Triathlete to full time coach. However, when I think of my pathway to this point and all it has given me, I often wonder why more triathletes don’t consider becoming coaches. After years of both racing and coaching, I've seen firsthand how athletes can make an incredible impact as coaches, while also becoming better at their own sport in the process. 

Think about it - as triathletes, we already juggle three sports, plus work, family, and everything else life throws at us. We're basically part-time project managers just handling our own training schedules. This makes us naturally good at helping others balance their training too. We've been through the early morning swims, the brick workouts that feel impossible, and those moments of doubt before a big race. This experience is invaluable when it comes to coaching others through the same challenges. 

Plus, we know from our own journey that what works for one person might not work for another. Maybe you're great at swimming but struggle on the bike, while your friend is the complete opposite. This understanding of individual differences is crucial in coaching. It helps us create training plans that work for each athlete, not just copy-and-paste programs. 

Here's something I've learned along my path: coaching isn't just about helping people get faster or stronger. One of the most rewarding parts is watching athletes break through their mental barriers. We all have these little voices in our heads telling us what we can't do - "I could never do a full Ironman" or "I'm too slow to qualify for Boston." 

As a coach, you get to help people push past these perceived limits. It's amazing to watch someone who was nervous about swimming in open water become confident enough to tackle their first triathlon because of your input and advice. Or seeing an athlete who thought they'd never be able to finish a half ironman cross the line with a smile on their face. These moments are about more than just hitting a goal – but rather about people we care about discovering what they're truly capable of. 

What a lot of people don't realize is that becoming a coach actually makes you a better athlete. When you have to explain training concepts to others, you start understanding them more deeply yourself. You learn why certain workouts are structured the way they are, how recovery actually works, and what makes a training plan effective. 

This coaching knowledge changes how you approach your own training. You start making smarter decisions about your workouts, recovery, and race preparation. Instead of just following a plan blindly, you understand the purpose behind each session. This understanding helps you break through plateaus and train more effectively. 

Do you remember when you first started triathlon? Chances are there were people who helped you along the way - maybe a coach, a more experienced athlete, or someone at your local tri club. Becoming a coach is your chance to pay that forward and help grow the sport we all love. 

You get to introduce new people to triathlon, guide them through their first races, and watch them fall in love with the sport just like you did (along with a healthy dose of suffering, ha-ha). Regardless of your reasoning, to be part of someone's journey from complete beginner to confident athlete is rewarding to say the least. 

Sure, seeing your athletes hit their time goals feels great. But the real reward? It's watching people grow beyond what they thought was possible. It's getting a message from an athlete after they finished their first race, or seeing someone who used to be scared of open water confidently line up at the swim start. 

These transformations go way beyond finish times and podium places. You're helping people build confidence that carries over into other parts of their lives. 

If you're thinking about coaching, here's how to get started: 

• Look into getting certified through your national governing body (like USAT) 
• USA Triathlon Entry Level Coaching Courses  
• Reach out to experienced coaches in your area for mentorship 
• USA Triathlon Coach-Find 
• Start helping out with local training groups or tri clubs 
• USA Triathlon Find a Club 
• Keep learning through coaching courses and workshops 
• Development Courses and Coaching Specializations 

You don't have to quit your day job to make an impact as a coach. Many successful coaches start by working with a few athletes, friends or family members while maintaining their own training and career. 

Coaching isn't just about creating training plans or standing poolside with a stopwatch. There are lots of ways to be involved. It's about helping others achieve things they never thought possible, while becoming better at your own sport in the process. 

Every coach started somewhere, and your experiences as an athlete, even the struggles and setbacks have given you valuable knowledge and experience that can help others. Whether you're a podium regular or a middle-of-the-pack athlete, we all have something to offer. 

The sport of triathlon is stronger when experienced athletes step up to become coaches. You might find that helping others achieve their goals becomes even more rewarding than hitting your own race targets. Plus, the knowledge you gain will allow you to become a better athlete too. 

If you've ever thought about coaching, take that first step. The triathlon community needs more coaches who understand the sport from an athlete's perspective. Who knows? You might just find your next big challenge - and help a bunch of people achieve their dreams in the process.