METHODOLOGY
What is the MTN RDY Athlete experience Like?
The on boarding process begins with a 30 minute discovery call in which we will go over your goals, experience, training history, lifestyle, schedule, work/life balance etc to determine the best initial starting point with your training program. From there, I take a few days to analyze the information you have given me. I like to start at the end and work my way backwards - that is to say, I start with the goal and based on how much time we have, I create a “shell” of what training blocks might best work for you and in what order and duration they might best fit into the time window we have. By having a basic road map created, I can assure that we are on the most efficient and effective path, even as adjustments need to be made.
Once I have a shell plan laid out, I am able to determine what your best starting point should look like - even if you are starting from scratch with little to no experience! I use an online training platform called Training Peaks where your training will be loaded. It is a calendar format that will let you know on any given day of the week what your workout will look like as far as structure and effort.
As a general rule of thumb I measure weekly training load for road athletes by mileage and trail/ultra athletes by cumulative duration. I also generally prescribe effort by pace for road athletes and RPE (and on rare occasions heart rate) for trail/ultra athletes. These can vary by the individual.
Now it’s time to enjoy the training! As you complete your workouts, results can be uploaded into Training Peaks (either manually or auto-synced with most watches). You are able to communicate with me within the app, which is a part of the feedback loop. I analyze both the data and your personal feedback to determine what the next week’s training should look like, taking into consideration both the general shell plan I have created as well as your own personal progress.
I explain to my athletes that coaching is like having a map in hand with several routes available to get to a destination. There may not be one “right” route to take as each will get you there, but one might create less obstacles to overcome than others.
As an additional part of the feedback loop, you can take advantage of one phone call per month where we can go over anything - perhaps you have questions about gear, how to pace your upcoming race, how to fuel, how to problem solve etc. Providing this additional mentoring aspect is one of my favorite parts of my role as your coach! As an athlete myself, I have had years of experience in both successes and learning the hard way. Sometimes just hearing from someone who has been through a similar journey is reassuring.
By creating the shell plan and then filling in the specifics as the journey progresses and the feedback loop is utilized, we can ensure that training for your goals fits into your busy lifestyle in a way that enhances your human experience instead of being one more thing that you "have to do”.
I hope that sharing my passion for running through being your coach opens up a lifelong love of the sport.
Are you ready to discover your running potential? Join the MTN RDY team here.
